“Yes,” she said, ice blue eyes gleaming. “We’re going to ply him with alcohol and party that stuffy Britishness right out of him.”
Darren draped his arms around our shoulders and squeezed. “Ladies, ladies. Enough about him. You have me. I’m better looking anyway.”
Stephanie laughed and attempted to ruffle his immobile spiky blond hair. Some of her co-workers showed up, along with my friends from the station. Tyler and Wesley looked sharp for once in their lives.
“You guys clean up nice,” I teased. “If I didn’t know any better I’d think you two were regulars here.”
“This is my scene, Lia,” Wesley grinned. “Good threads, lots of drinks and hot girls. I’m in my element. If you’ll excuse me, I see my first love of the evening.”
Tyler and I nearly doubled over from laughing. Wesley was a good kid but he was no Lothario. Cute in his own right with an impish grin and mischievous cobalt eyes, he carried himself with a forced impression that he owned the world. The girl he sidled up to knew it as well. She humored him and let him buy her a drink but that was as far as it went.
Stephanie positively glowed as the center of attention. Her co-workers showered her with cards, gifts and drinks. Before long we all gathered on the dance floor as the DJ continued to spin great song after great song. Feeling relaxed and stress free thanks to being in the company of my friends, I let go and danced like there was no tomorrow.
As nice as this club was, the dance floor was a little cramped. One couldn’t help but become entwined with the ebb and flow of gyrating bodies. I must have bumped into and brushed against a dozen people before finding a somewhat safe space to dance. I lost myself in the mesmerizing bass, closing my eyes and swaying my hips to the beat. After the week I’d had, this was what I needed.
I was so caught up in the music I barely noticed when a pair of hands grasped my hips from behind. I spun around and grabbed them, ready to give the guy a piece of my mind. A weird sense of deja vu crept through my body as I locked onto the wide emerald eyes staring at me. Casually elegant in his fitted black button down shirt -with the top button undone- and black dress pants, Alastair owned the room. At least he did for me. Especially with that look in his eye.
Still holding onto my hips, he pulled me closer as a new song started to play. I’d only ever slowed danced with him so this had the potential to be mind-blowing. Oh, and he did not disappoint. Thank goodness the lights were so dim. The way he moved his body with mine - grinding his hips and grabbing my backside - almost felt like we were having sex in the middle of the club with our clothes on. Neither one of us had a predilection for public fornication but wow, this could easily sway my position on it.
I think he whispered something in my ear. I felt his breath but didn’t hear anything. All I could hear was Britney Spears purring about giving her more and the never-ending pulse of the music. I gave his bottom a squeeze and surveyed the dance floor. Bathed in blues, greens and reds from the lights everyone else had the same glossy, trance-like expression as they danced with a potential one-night stand or significant other. Alastair and I were just another two random bodies mixed in with the sea of movement.
“I’m thirsty, love. Let’s go get a drink,” he spoke clearly into my ear, jolting me out of the seductive cocoon I’d been enjoying. I followed him to the bar and waited while he ordered the drinks. Freed from the unrelenting grip of the dance floor, I was finally able to see where Stephanie and everyone else had disappeared to. They were all laughing and drinking in the VIP section.
“Here you go,” he said, handing me a glass of water. The cool liquid felt amazing sliding down my throat. The temperature must be near ninety in here. Sweat beaded on my forehead, threatening to run down the sides of my face.
Alastair grinned in his crazy-sexy way, driving me nuts. “One more round on the dance floor?”
Nodding, I grabbed his hand and pulled him back into the churning tide of people. Feeling his hands on me and his body pressed into mine negated all the tension from last night. That was another lifetime as far as I was concerned. All I cared about now was falling into a deep, messy oblivion with each sway of my hips.
Fisting his hand in my hair, he held me tightly and lowered his mouth to my ear. “You realize if we keep this up I’m going to have to find a secluded corner and have my way with you.” The velvet tenor of his voice slid through my bloodstream, igniting everything in its path.
We stopped dancing. As tempting an idea as it was, I wasn’t about to sneak off into a bathroom stall and bang him. Who am I kidding? I’d do it right here.
“I know that look, kitten,” he grinned. “Come. Let’s go back to your friends and cool down a little.”
Disappointed, I followed him back to the VIP section. We found a spot on the couch and sat down. Stephanie and Darren noticed we’d arrived and joined us.
“Glad you could make it, mate,” Alastair smiled and shook Darren’s hand. “Were the girls surprised?”
“Yes. Couldn’t have been more perfect.”
“Brilliant.”
“You seem pretty satisfied with yourself,” I teased, nudging Alastair. “Is it because you kept this from me so I wouldn’t ‘spill the beans’?”
“I’m more surprised Darren didn’t slip up and tell you,” he said, tilting my chin up. “He can’t keep a secret to save his bloody life.”
“Just like the English to rag on the Scot.” Darren feigned a hurt look.
Stephanie giggled and reached across him to tap my arm. “I think we have a bromance forming with these two.”
“He wishes,” Darren snorted. “Can’t say I blame him though. I am a catch.”
“Jesus,” Stephanie muttered. “You’re a nut. Come on. Let’s go dance.” She stood up and grabbed Darren’s hands, yanking him off the couch. “Feel free to join us,” she called over her shoulder.
I settled into the luxurious leather cushions and snuggled into Alastair’s side. He draped an arm across my shoulders and kissed my forehead.
“You threw some pretty decent shapes out there,” I said.
Laughing, he squeezed my shoulder. “Think so? Reckon I looked more like a brick on marionette strings.”
“If that’s how a brick dances, you’re doing just fine.”
“You’re just saying that because you want to score with me later.”
I looked at him, lifting an eyebrow. “If I wanted to score with you I would have said you’re a well-dressed brick who smells amazing and has hot dance moves.”
His already sultry gaze darkened even more as he grasped my waist and squeezed. I jumped, stifling a squeal. Sliding his hand under the hem of my dress, he leaned in close.
“You look so sexy in this dress. I can’t wait to see what you have on underneath.”
And just like that, I became a useless pile of perfume, sparkles and lace. His fingers crept up my inner thigh, giving me a rush. Snared by his very presence, I had to keep reminding myself that we were in public, surrounded by people I knew.
“I think we should fly to New York straight away and not wait until morning.” His lips tickled my ear as he spoke in a low, seductive tone. “I want to start this weekend with you immediately.”
“Okay,” I breathed.
“If I had my way,” he murmured, brushing his lips to mine, “I’d take you back to Glasgow with me now.”
“We’ll see about that, chief.”
Giving my thigh a squeeze, he kissed me. “I hated not waking up next to you this morning. I don’t want that to happen again.”
I stopped myself from launching into a thousand questions about what happened last night, where he went and why. He seemed to sense my thoughts and ran his knuckles down my cheek.
“Soon, love. You’ll get your answers soon.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I rejoined Stephanie and Darren on the dance floor after I couldn’t take anymore of their pleading. Alastair chose to stay in the VIP section and watch from the couch. I laughed t
o myself when Tyler and Wesley cornered him for what would no doubt become an interrogation, rather than conversation. And he thinks I’m curious.
"Oh my gosh, Lia. You look a-maz-ing.”
I turned toward the perky voice and came face to face with my co-worker, Katie Vitale.
“I hope you don’t mind that we’re so late,” she smiled, flipping her strawberry-blonde hair over her shoulder. “We figured these things don’t get really exciting until later anyway.”
The morning show reporter was joined by Vanessa Jaxson, who usually worked the evening shows. They were both dressed to the nines and scanning the room. I cringed internally. Everyone in the newsroom knew about this party but I’d hoped only the people I was actually friends with would show up. I had a sneaking suspicion these two weren’t here to see Stephanie or me.
“Is your boyfriend here?” Katie asked.
Bingo.
“Yeah. He’s up there talking to Wes and Tyler.”
They both looked up and dragged their eager eyes all over his well-dressed figure. “Oh great. We’re just going to introduce ourselves real quick. Thanks, Lia.” They sashayed away in a cloud of perfume and hairspray.
“What did the Wonder Twins want?” Stephanie asked.
“To check out the main attraction,” I said, motioning toward Alastair.
“Oh my God,” she snorted. “They’re unbelievable.”
“They’re fit,” Darren observed. “Are they single? Dating? Dating each other?”
I rolled my eyes and laughed. “They’re both single. Go get ‘em, cowboy.”
“I do have the better accent, you know. They’ll be putty in my hands.”
“Darren, when’s the last time you had an actual girlfriend?” Stephanie folded her arms.
He paused and thought for a second, then shrugged. “I don’t know. Last year maybe? Why?”
“Just curious.”
Darren smiled broadly and wrapped her in a bear hug. “Are you sweet on me, Stephanie?” She scrunched up her face and tried to wrestle out of his grip. “Ah, come on, lass. Give us a kiss.”
Stephanie’s protests were almost as loud as the music. She laughed so hard I thought she might pass out from lack of breathing. It dawned on me that she’d be leaving for Glasgow in less than a week. A wave of sadness washed through me.
“And you,” Darren exclaimed, pulling me in for a hug, “need to get your pretty little self to Scotland immediately. This one over here won’t make it long without you. I have room at my place. The door is always open for you.”
“Thanks.” I smiled.
“She’ll be over before we know it,” Stephanie grinned. “I have a feeling you-know-who wants you in Glasgow just as much as we do.”
Laughing, I turned toward the VIP section. Alastair was flanked by Vanessa and Katie, while engaging in an animated discussion with Wesley. He caught me looking and lifted an eyebrow. I just waved and blew a kiss in his direction.
“He always attracts a crowd no matter where he goes,” Darren mused. “Sort of feel bad for the guy. He has loosened up a bit since you two started dating though.”
“Really?” I asked.
“A little. Don’t get me wrong, he’d still rather put in his allotted time for public appearances and then bugger off somewhere private. But he’s a little less frosty these days. I suspect you’ve had a lot to do with that.”
I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I tried. Seeing Alastair reveal more of his true self was something I wanted for him so much. I watched him interact with my co-workers. His natural charm and charisma commanded attention. Make no mistake, he was still as guarded as ever but his easy manner of speaking with people he barely knew masked it perfectly. I meandered back to the VIP section and stood off to the side, continuing to watch him.
He embraced their general curiosities. Katie and Vanessa fired off question after question. Alastair smoothly deflected a few of the more probing ones but managed to satisfy their hunger for information. When they’d finally exhausted every avenue to pry, inquire and interrogate, the foursome scurried off to the bar. Tyler gave me a thumbs up as they brushed past.
Alastair sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“Did they wear you out, chief?”
“Not at all,” he grinned, hooking his arms around my waist.
“You do realize I’ll probably never have another peaceful day at work. Ten bucks says you charmed the pants right off them.”
“The novelty will wear off soon. I’m not that interesting. Besides,” he leaned his forehead to mine, “the only pants I plan to charm off anyone are yours.”
“Cheesy,” I smirked.
“You love it.”
“Maybe.” I pulled him in for a kiss. A bright light flashed, ruining the moment. I opened my eyes just in time to see some random girl lower her smartphone and stare at the photo she’d presumably just taken of us.
“Hey,” I shouted, bolting towards her.
“Let her go, love,” Alastair said, holding my arm. “It’s not worth it.”
I watched her disappear into the sea of dancing people.
“It’s not fair to you,” I grumbled. “You shouldn’t have to put up with it here.”
His lips curved. “I’ve been dealing with it all my life. It happens everywhere I go. I block it out most of the time.”
“Yeah but still—”
“Enough,” he interrupted with a laugh. “Would you like to dance some more with your friends or are you ready to leave for New York?”
“Can we bring them on the plane with us and have a dance party at thirty thousand feet?”
“Not this time,” he smirked, lacing his fingers through mine. “Come on. Let’s dance a little more.”
* * *
I hugged Stephanie for the longest time on the sidewalk after we left the club. I’d see her again this week before she flew to Glasgow but I still felt so, so sad that this was our last weekend together. Darren made me swear up and down that I’d fly out for her birthday. Obviously I would, without a doubt.
“Have fun in New York,” she whispered, squeezing me. “If you get engaged call me immediately.”
My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as I looked her incredulously.
“Don’t give me that look. It’s coming, whether you’re ready for it or not.”
Still speechless, I glanced from her to where Darren and Alastair were chatting. Neither one of us is ready for marriage.
“This right here,” she continued, touching the amber ring on my finger, “is the opening act. I watched you two all night. He is so in love with you it’s almost unreal. He tries to hide it, just like you do. Y’all are the same person. Just get married already.” She smiled.
I couldn’t convince her otherwise. Stephanie was the biggest romantic I knew and when she made a proclamation like that, nobody could sway her. Too bad she never applied that outlook to her own love life. Since I’d known her she’d had exactly one boyfriend. As amazing and fabulous as my best friend was, she had a habit of sabotaging her relationships with unrealistic expectations.
“How about we relax with all that?” I said, folding my arms.
“Still so jaded,” she sighed.
“I’m not jaded. I prefer to say ‘cautiously optimistic.’”
“Whatever you want to call it, it’s happening.”
“What’s happening?” Alastair asked, draping an arm over my shoulder.
I felt my cheeks heat up as a ridiculous blush commandeered my body. Stephanie giggled.
“Your amazing weekend getaway in New York,” she answered. “Now get out of here. If my calculations are right, Darren is starving and probably wants something unhealthy and greasy.”
“You’re a gem,” Darren said. “Those food trucks look mighty tempting.” He turned to me. “Have fun this weekend, Lia. I’ll see you in Glasgow soon, yeah?”
“I hope so.”
Stephanie linked her arm with his and the two strolled of
f to find some food. Alastair gave my hand a tiny squeeze.
“Ready, love?”
“As I’ll ever be,” I grinned up at him.
The ride to the airport was quick thanks to the late hour. Since we were leaving ahead of schedule I didn’t have any of my belongings with me.
“Uh, I don’t have my suitcase or anything, Holden.”
“It’s already on the plane.”
“What?”
“I may have stopped by your flat before coming to the party and gathered your things.”
Shaking my head, I climbed out of the car and walked toward the waiting aircraft.
“Is this new?” I asked, turning toward him.
“No.”
“It’s different though, right? I mean, it’s bigger.”
Alastair shrugged nonchalantly. “I have more than one plane, you know.”
I stopped short and stared at him. “Like a fleet?”
“You could say that. Are you going to stare at it all night?”
I sized him up with my best you’re-a-show-off look and boarded the plane. Comfort and class hit me right away when I walked on. The flight attendant smiled pleasantly and motioned for me to sit wherever I pleased. He was as well-dressed and elegant as the rest of my surroundings. Draped in warm neutral tones of cream, beige and gray, the interior boasted large leather seats, a section with a couch and two doors that led to what I assumed were a bedroom and a bathroom.
Alastair chatted briefly with the pilot before joining me.
“Buckle up, kitten. We’re taking off now.”
I settled onto one of the leather seats and fastened my seatbelt. Staring out the window, I watched the ground move faster and faster as we taxied down the runway. Once we were airborne Alastair nudged me with his elbow.
“You’re pretty.”
I laughed. “Working on some new opening lines?”
He rested his chin on his hand and grinned. “Just admiring the view.”
“What do you want?”
“That’s an easy question.”
“Is it?”
His intense, heated stare was unavoidable. “Yes, love. I want you. I always want you.”
Unravel Me Page 14