by Jodie Larson
“Fuck that. There’s water in alcohol. Otherwise it wouldn’t be liquid.”
His brows furrow, trying to decipher what I just said. Well, so am I, but it’s too late. I stumble away from him and head to the bar, waving down the cute bartender from earlier.
“Hey there.” He smiles, even takes it as far as giving me a wink. Charmer.
“I’d like a vodka please. Ketel One if you’ve got it.”
“No, she’d like a water,” Brecken says from behind me.
I lean forward and cup my hands over my mouth. “Put the vodka in the water.” My hair spills over my shoulders and I bat my eyelashes at him. He laughs and grabs a glass, filling my modified order.
Brecken slides onto the stool next to me. “You really shouldn’t have vodka.”
Placing my elbow on the counter for stability – twice – I tilt back and shrug. “I’m compromising. I added water to my vodka. This way I’m happy and you’re happy. We’re all just fucking happy.” I swing my arm out and end up hitting the guy next to me, who scowls before moving away.
The bartender places the drink in front of me, along with a taller glass of what I’m going to assume is regular water. I lift the glass and toast to Brecken, who picks up the fresh beer that’s placed in front of him.
“To the old days. May they never be tainted by the present.” He clinks my glass and takes a pull. Liquid leaks out of the corner of my mouth as I try to finish the whole drink in one gulp, the ice in the glass rattling as it slams against the counter.
Brecken pushes the regular water my way, which I eagerly take. Deep down I know I should ease up. Then I look over and see Myles and his tramp, grinding against one another. She slides up and down his body, dragging her whore-red nails over every inch, groping him for all to see. And he’s standing there, letting her. When our gazes connect, the friendly smile is replaced by something more sinister, more devilish than human. He’s doing this on purpose, getting back at me for what happened. Showing me that I can easily be replaced.
He wants to play that game? Fine. Let’s play.
I stand from the stool too quick and almost fall forward. Breck catches me, but I push away. “I’m going back out there.”
“I’ll come with you.” He starts to stand but I shove him back down.
“No, I’m going out there by myself.” I place a kiss on his cheek before replacing my lips with my palm. “I’ve got this, don’t worry.”
Straightening to my full height, I pull on the hem of my skirt then quickly rethink the action. If I want to get attention, I need this thing to be shorter, not longer. When I push my way through the throng of people, and away from Brecken’s sight, I hike up my dress a little more, pulling at my cleavage so it fills out the top. Within minutes, a guy wanders my way, all grabby and handsy, running them up and down my sides as we sway to the music.
It’s been too long since I’ve had any sort of attention, not including my recent and recurring run-ins with Myles. But those are all in the past. That was the end of timid Tatum. Now is the time for vindicated Tatum. And this version of me is going to get everything I want.
“You’re hot,” the guy yells in my ear.
Tell me about it, as a bead of sweat runs down my spine. This guy doesn’t seem to mind as he runs his hands up and down my back, pulling me closer to him, just in time for LL Cool J’s “Doin’ It” to come on. It’s not one I’m familiar with, but the seductive beat is addictive, pulsing through my skin, all the way down to my toes.
Now this is what I need. Grabby guy pulls me flush against his body, letting me feel every hard inch of him. And for a moment, I forget everything around me. Until I open my eyes and stare at the train wreck in front of me.
Andrea presses her body against Myles, grinding her ass against his dick like she was trying to scrub it right off. I can’t turn away as I watch her wrap her arms around his neck, arching her back so her breasts practically spill out of the bandeau top that was barely covering them in the first place.
Myles doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he runs his hands up her side, bending down to trail his lips along the curve of her shoulder.
“What’s your name, beautiful?” He’s pressing harder against me, including the growing bulge between his legs.
Shit, think of something quick. “Um, Brandi, with an I.” Yeah, that sounds good.
“Rob, kinda sounds like rod.” He presses his hips into me again and I can’t help pressing back. Every cell in my body ignites as we sway to the beat.
I glance over just in time to see Andrea seal her lips over Myles’. What the…is she for real? My stomach turns again as Myles grabs the back of her head and kisses her back, hard. Mouths moving, tongues battling, hands roaming. I can’t watch this anymore.
The crowd erupts in cheers as the screen changes, showing a video of Channing Tatum dressed in a welder’s outfit. Ginuwine’s “Pony” blares through the speakers, making every guy think he’s Magic Mike as they grab the nearest girl and put their moves to work. Everyone drops low, popping and locking while staying attached to each other.
Rob bends me over, touching my toes, which pulls my dress almost completely over my ass. A warm hand caresses the smooth flesh just below my panty line before coming down and smacking me. Hard.
I jump, surprised by the action, but too drunk to care. He does it again and a loud moan escapes my lips.
“You like that?” Rob asks before smacking me once more.
“So good.”
Suddenly, my back is cold, the warm body behind me gone in an instant. What I find chills me even more. Myles is staring at me, anger dancing like flames in his eyes. Why the hell is he angry? Better yet, why is he here?
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” His tone is harsh, yet gravelly. Sexy. Panty melting.
A lump forms in my throat, the words clogged from coming out. Through the fog and haze of my brain, some part of me finds comfort in this, in his anger and jealousy. There’s no other excuse for it. And rather than repel me like it should, I’m drawn to him, finding myself wrapped up in his arms faster than I can blink.
Myles’ warm breath beats against my cheek as he wraps his arms around my waist. Bodies twist around each other next to us, simulating sex without actually going through the act. The temperature in the club rises. I’m either turned on from the people next to us, or turned on from the man holding me so tight in his arms that I can barely breathe. But that’s what Myles does, sucks the air right out of my lungs then breathes it back into me in only a way that he can. As he undresses me with his eyes, every emotion I’ve been trying to block for the past few weeks comes blaring back in full force.
Maybe it’s the alcohol, maybe it’s his cologne, or maybe it’s his close proximity, but before I can stop myself, I latch onto his mouth, kissing him as if my life depended on it. And I think it does.
Years I have waited to feel this alive again. Even through all of the antics, all of the trials we keep putting each other through, there’s nothing more I want than these lips on mine. All day, every day.
His hands thread through my hair, anchoring me in place, owning my mouth like he’s done time and time before. Each heartbeat screams his name, sending it coursing through my blood, bringing warmth to every limb of my body.
The club disappears, leaving only us on the dance floor. When he pulls away, anger is replaced by desire. I’ve seen flickers of this briefly these past few weeks, but not like this. Not this intense. This is how he used to look at me, how he would speak without words and know exactly what needed to be said. Our special language.
Myles trails a finger down my cheek, igniting a path of fire along the way. The life-giving organ is my chest is losing its mind, beating so hard I swear it could be seen through the material of my dress.
How did we get to this moment? Through the fog of my brain, I can’t make heads or tails of it. I was jealous of him, he was jealous of me, both too proud to admit our true feelings…if that’s even
what his are. Maybe he’s just being a pig and marking his territory again. Or maybe, just maybe, he feels the same as me.
“Dance with me.” My request is barely a whisper, mainly because I’m afraid of my own voice. I’m weak and can’t trust anything from my body because I know I’ll cave. Whatever he asks of me, I’ll hand it over willingly and without thought. Too many nights I’ve dreamed of him wanting me again. Tonight, even if it’s just this once, I want to make it a reality.
Myles starts slow, taking hold of my hips, guiding them with his. With our bodies pressed together, barely any space separating them, we move. I reach up and wrap my arms around him, not to make sure he doesn’t run away, but to show him I want him. Our legs entwine, seating me right on his thigh. The dress rides up again, only this time Myles’ hand makes sure I don’t flash the rest of the crowd.
Suddenly, he moves away, leaving me cold and wanting. But not for long. Like every other guy in here, Myles puts his moves to work, reeling me in with his hip thrusts and sexy moves. He even opens a few buttons on his shirt, letting more of his sculpted chest peek through. I reach out and run my fingers over his warm, smooth skin.
“You like this?” Myles pulls me close again, keeping his moves going, but using me instead. Every thrust, every motion I can feel down to my bones.
I nod, the words knocked completely out of me. Even if I wanted to try, I couldn’t. There’s no way. Not when he’s this close, doing everything I’ve wished for and more.
When the song ends, I’m deflated. Now he’s going to go back to what’s-her-face and ignore me for the rest of the night. But then he surprises me by keeping me close as “Shoop” blasts through the speakers. This time, it’s the ladies turn to seek out their torture. And I plan to.
As much as I possibly can, I try to mimic the same moves he used on me, only I’m sure it’s coming out as more of a seizure than seductive. Maybe that vodka drink wasn’t such a great idea after all.
Myles just smiles, keeping his hands firmly on my hips. Mainly to keep me upright, but probably to guide me as well. I throw my arms above my head, turn around, and shimmy down his body, making sure to hit every inch before I drop to the floor. He shifts from foot to foot and I know why. The rock hard erection aimed at me can’t be comfortable.
“You enjoy being a cock tease?” I don’t give a fuck if everyone around us can hear his question.
“With you it’s not teasing.”
I turn around and stare at him, placing my hands on his shoulders and swinging my hips in circles. Myles grabs a handful of hair, stopping my movements. The intensity in his eyes holds me in place. My breaths become ragged, as if there wasn’t enough air to fully inflate them.
“Don’t make promises with your body you’re not willing to follow through with. I mean it, Tatum.”
“Oh, that’s rich coming from you.” I smirk. “You bring your tramp here, flaunting her in front of me, then as soon as I’m getting paid attention to by someone else, you swoop in and piss all over me. Again.” I poke him in the chest. “So who’s making promises they’re not following through on?”
The desire in his eyes mutes as irritation – or maybe humor – takes over. He laughs, not deeply or throatily, but mockingly, which makes the heat rise up my neck for a different reason.
“I’m not making any promises to you, sweetheart. I brought her here because I needed a warm body.”
“What is it with you? First you hate me, then you’re nice to me, then you go back to being an asshole, and the cycle starts all over again. I’m getting whiplash trying to figure you out.” I take a step back. “Do me a favor and stop chasing me. Or following me or giving a fuck about me.”
Before he has the chance to respond, I turn and walk away, stranding him on the dance floor. When I look back to see if he’s following me, I notice his date already swooped in and had taken my place.
Whatever.
I flag the bartender down and order another shot of Patron, which is now starting to taste pretty damn good, and a vodka soda. With both drinks in hand, I join the others at the table. Adrienne is still on Kade’s lap, while Pax is talking to the girl he met at the bar. Breck is silent, watching me as I sit next to him and slam the shot.
“You’re going to puke later, you know that?”
I flick my wrist to wave him off. “Whatever,” I say through hiccups. There’s nothing worse than getting a case of hiccups when trying to talk or be pissed off. It’s like slamming the door when you’re angry and realize you’re in the closet when you meant to be outside. Kinda hard to save face.
Myles joins us, that fucking smile plastered on his face. Both he and his date take a seat across from Brecken and me while flagging down the waitress for drinks. Brecken’s too nice of a guy to ignore the bimbo, but I have no issues being a bitch.
Right when she’s in the middle of a story, I decide to join the conversation.
“So, Andrea.”
“Ahhn-drea,” she corrects me.
“Yeah, anyway, so where did you two meet?” I order another shot of Patron when the waitress drops off the other drinks at the table. Leave it to Ahhn-drea to order a Sex on the Beach. Could she get any more obvious with that choice? Bitch, please.
“Well, I was at the concert last night and knew I had to find him. Imagine my surprise when I discovered we’re staying in the same hotel and saw him this morning during breakfast. That’s when he asked what I was doing later and boom, here I am.” I want to beat the smug smile off her face. Oh fucking good for you. Your groupie whore status has increased by tracking down your prey and latching on like the leech you are.
Jesus I’m bitter when I’m drunk.
Myles slings his arm around her shoulders, never once taking his eyes off me. Asshole.
Turning to Breck, I try to smile sweetly, but my face doesn’t fully want to cooperate. “Canju order me another shhhhot? I’m thirsty.” He looks at me funny as I blink several times. “Wha?”
“Was that English?”
With a grunt, I stand and stumble, knocking my stool over in the process. “Nevvvrmnd. I got it.”
Pushing my way through the crowd, I find the bar again, but instead of flagging down the bartender, I lean against the wood. Music, lights, noise…it’s too much. My head throbs and pounds with the bass beat while whatever contents in my stomach are surfing typhoon waves. I’d kill for a bed right about now.
“You’re drunk,” Myles says next to me.
I swing my unfocused gaze to him. “You’re observant. Figure that one out yourself?” Fucking hiccups.
“Pretty sure it’s the slurred speech that’s giving you away.”
Straightening myself up, I poke him in the chest. “Not slurring, just speaking in cursive.”
He cracks a smile, which I match as we both laugh. Well, he laughs, I laugh while hiccupping.
“Hey,” Myles calls out to the bartender. “Can I get a glass of water?”
“And a shot of Patron,” I add.
Myles shakes his head. “You’ve had enough.”
I take the shot and down it. “I’ll letju know when I’ve had enough.”
Just to appease him, and the bartender who’s staring at me, I gulp the water down as fast as I can. Big mistake. Someone needs to make the merry-go-round stop before I fall off this horse. Wait, am I riding a horse?
“Tay?” Myles puts his hands on my shoulders. “That’s it. I’m taking you out of here.”
“No,” I say while nodding my head.
“So you want to stay here?”
I shake my head. “Yes.”
“Difficult woman.” Myles picks me up, cradling me to his body and carries me toward the door.
“Put me down. I have to get my stuff. And I sureasshit don’t need you taking me home.”
I struggle in his hold, ultimately gaining my freedom. Fixing my skirt, I march over to the table and run into it, creating a new ache in my stomach.
“I’m going,” I announce, though no on
e is looking at me.
Brecken frowns. “Let me take you back.”
Myles grabs my purse and narrows his eyes to Brecken. “I’ve got her.”
“What about your date?” Andrea is still sitting in the same spot, but quiet. Her eyes dart between the two of us, which doesn’t help the typhoon in my stomach.
“Sorry, but I have to take her back. I’m sure you can find someone else here.”
Red creeps up Andrea’s neck. “You’re ditching me? What happened to later?”
He shrugs. “I never promised you later. I asked if you wanted to come here. You assumed we were doing something else after that. And you know what assuming gets you.”
Andrea stands, stomps her foot, and promptly disappears into the crowd. Probably going to find her next prey. Poor sap.
Adrienne looks over at me. “Tay, you look pale. Are you going to make it?”
The room moves around me. “Yeah.”
Myles takes me by the hand. “Come on, let’s go.”
I snatch my hand from his and place it on my hip. “Don’t touch me.” He tilts his head to the side and frowns, but I brush past him and head out the door. Footsteps sound behind me, but I ignore them.
“Wait up.” Myles finally catches up and stays by my side, his hands tucked neatly into his pockets.
“I’m a big girl, I can walk two blocks by myself.” I trip and stumble forward. Where’d that crack come from?
Myles reaches out and stops me from falling flat on my face. When he pulls me up, for a brief moment, I lose myself and whatever sanity I’ve managed to hold onto. Every star in the sky pales in comparison to the light shining from his eyes. Maybe I’m drunker than I thought because the way he’s looking at me, it’s like we’ve been thrust back in time. Back to when we were two reckless kids falling in love with no cares in the world.
“I’ve got you,” he says quietly, brushing the hair from my face.
God, the way he caresses my skin – with determination and confidence yet with a gentle touch, even with the calluses on his fingers– it’s as if he’s never stopped loving me.
“Yeah, you do. Always.”