by Petrova, Em
Ally fought to hide her smile. She stared at the crowd once more, like she wanted to object to the idea of joining them. Then she closed her eyes. Her body began swaying, but once a few guitar riffs filled the air, she shook her hips as hard as Cassie.
Finally. Shit’s about to get real…
Chapter Four
The steady beats pouring from the drums pulsated through Cassie’s body. She focused on the sound while swaying her shoulders and rolling her hips. The deep, taunting tone of the bass drove her to accentuate those movements. She wanted to get lost in the melody, wanted to take each note and hang on to it forever.
Music spoke to her. It moved her soul so deeply that nothing else could compare. She’d felt the same since childhood. It’s why landing the PA position with Tom was like winning the lottery. Having witnessed many albums come to life, she knew she was at the heart of the industry.
Licks and riffs from the lead guitar mixed with the bass and drums. The increased tempo provoked another round of sexy moves between her and Ally. She laughed to herself at the thought. Getting her friend onto the dance floor took a lot of effort on Cassie’s part, but her determination won out in the end.
They’d spent the last few minutes in the center of the crowd, back-to-back, rocking their hips and dropping low. She’d lost count of how many people were gawking in their direction. Some admired. Some envied. Some lusted. Yet the only pair she cared to see belonged to the one man she couldn’t find.
Mike.
The wall of bodies spread around the club made it difficult to see. There was no sign of him, just hungry eyes of other men waiting to see what she and Ally would do next.
This place could get rowdy crowds every now and then, and the current band had this place on fire. It never failed for some college chick turning twenty-one to get drunk and show her tits. If these guys thought she and Ally would do the same, they’d lost their minds.
Still, there was always the hope that someone new would come around.
While she and Mike weren’t exclusive, she hadn’t noticed anyone else interesting. Not yet. But the old adage about the night being young was true, and she’d only had one drink. Out of all the times she’d been to this club in the last year, she’d never seen it this crowded. The chance of finding someone new was pretty good.
Come to think of it, she hadn’t been with anyone but Mike since she and Aaron split. It was easier that way. Her work load wouldn’t allow for much social time, short of parties she attended with Tom. She refused to mix her career with her social life.
Guess she shouldn’t complain. Mike was an awesome lover. He knew how to make her body come to life, and even though she liked their casual relationship, part of her wanted something new, something different.
Once she pushed the thoughts aside, the warmth of Ally’s back faded from hers. She turned to check on her friend, worrying some jerk had pulled her away. A wave of relief fluttered her heart when she noticed there was only a foot of space separating them. Ally was caught up in the music. Her flawless moves proved that whatever caused her earlier hesitation had disappeared.
Good. She deserved to have some fun, especially after an awkward dinner with her mother. The details Ally gave her on their way to Midnight Blues increased Cassie’s suspicion that Paula was drinking again. God, she hoped she was wrong.
She had little time to give it thought when she spotted Mike at the edge of the dance floor. His eyes were locked on her as he stood there, arms crossed, a hint of a smile on his lips.
Damn, he was sexy, even in a plain white t-shirt and faded blue jeans. She knew what those clothes covered, knew every detail of his body, the way it looked like Bernini himself had sculpted it.
The more he raked over her body, the hotter it grew. If he kept staring at her that way, it would be a long night. She wanted him, wanted to feel his lips all over her. Images ran through her mind, and each left her breathless because she knew what would happen later. He’d start with her mouth and work his way down to her thighs. Then he’d plunge his tongue so deep inside her, she’d buck against his mouth until she came.
At least the first time.
As she fantasized about screwing him, it took her a moment to realize that he’d shifted his attention toward Ally, and then the stage. His smile faded, brows pinched, and if he narrowed his lids any further, they’d shut.
It wasn’t until he worked his way into the crowd that she slowed her movements. Mike had never danced with her or gave her the impression that he would. Sure, he’d stood at the edge of the dance floor and observed her many times, but he always went back to the bar.
He reached her in a matter of seconds and moved close enough that she had to step back. “Hey, handsome. Finally decide to join me?”
“You know I don’t dance, sugar.”
“Then why’d you come out here?”
Shifting his gaze to the stage again, he pressed his lips tighter. Something was on his mind, something so important he couldn’t wait until she was finished. Why else would he enter the one place she’d never seen him? Whatever it was, he needed to say it and be done. She hated the suspense.
He finally leaned forward near her ear, clearing his throat as he said, “I made you and your friend another drink.”
“Thanks,” she yelled, hoping he could hear her over the music. “We’ll get it when this song ends.”
His answer wasn’t what she expected, nor did she believe it was the truth. He wouldn’t walk into the throng of bodies just to tell her he made drinks. That’s what the waitresses were for. Add the fact that his body was rigid, and she was convinced he was lying.
Instead of acknowledging what she said, he remained in front of her, glaring. It grew awkward, and a wall of tension formed. She didn’t want to be rude by asking what his problem was, but she didn’t like the strange vibes he emitted.
“Is there something else on your mind?”
“I just wanted to remind you that you agreed to settle your tab later. If you’ve changed your mind, you can settle when you’re ready.”
What the hell?
“Okay…” She drew out the word, allowing herself enough time to decipher his weird behavior. He knew she was well aware of their arrangement. He’d buy her drinks if she came back to his place. They’d stuck to the agreement since they began screwing on a regular basis. Why did he feel the sudden need to remind her?
“That’s always been our agreement, Mike.” She yelled louder, wishing he would get to the point. It was hot, people were bumping into them, and he was killing the groove. “Why don’t you tell me what this is really about?”
He shrugged. “Like I said, it’s just a reminder. I’m guessing you’ll be hooking up with the band tonight, so—”
“What in the hell are you talking about? Who said I was hooking up with the band?”
“No one.” His voice went softer. If his mouth weren’t so close, she wouldn’t have heard him. “When you’ve been a bartender for a while, you learn to read people. My instincts are keen, but I didn’t need them tonight. Your friend gave it away. That’s one hell of a show she’s giving the guitarist.”
Unsure if she’d heard him correctly, Cassie spun around in time to catch the last of Ally’s sultry dance. But just as quickly as she discovered her friend’s daring moves, they ceased. Ally’s profile revealed parted lips, and she was ogling the stage.
Cassie looked in the same direction, taking in the multicolored lighting, amps, and the band. The singer was facing his bass guitarist. Neither of the two held Ally’s attention, but the lead guitarist did. The way he was smiling said she held his as well.
So her friend was flirting with a musician. Big deal. Ally was single. It didn’t give Mike the right to judge her or insinuate that Cassie was bailing on their evening. She turned to tell him as much…and then something clicked. She did a double take of the stage, where the guitarist stood.
It can’t be…
The prickly sensation of realization
spread over her body. It wasn’t just some random guitarist flirting with Ally. It was one they both knew well. Too well.
Jonah McCabe.
Did Ally realize it was—
As soon as the question formed in her thoughts, a blur of sandy hair and blue jeans rushed past. She shifted her eyes in the same direction, somewhat surprised to see Ally pushing her way through the packed floor. When she broke free, she hurried toward the rest rooms.
Was this really happening?
Concerned with Ally’s reaction to seeing Jonah, she wanted to follow her friend but glared toward Mike once more. She was tempted to explain what they’d witnessed. Then maybe he’d feel every bit the ass he’d made of himself.
If she wanted to give in to that temptation, she’d have to go to the bar because he was headed in that direction.
Asshole.
She’d never thought of him in that manner, but he’d never shown his jealous side until a moment ago. It was a side she didn’t fancy to see again. She’d tell him as much once she checked on Ally. Seeing Jonah had to mess with her friend’s mind, especially after Cassie swore he didn’t live in the area. She hoped Ally wouldn’t assume she’d lied.
Working her way through the crowd, she peeked at the stage. Jonah didn’t notice her. He was too busy staring in the direction she was heading, the same direction where Ally had disappeared from his sight.
***
The ladies’ room door closed behind Cassie, blocking out the new song the band was playing. She scanned the stalls on the back wall once she noticed the vanity vacant. All doors were ajar, except the one on the furthest end, and the open-toed heels underneath resembled Ally’s. Still, she needed to make sure.
Taking cautious steps, she moved closer to the stall “Ally? You in here?”
“Yeah.”
Relieved to know it was her friend on the other side, she grabbed the handle and shook the door. “Hey. Are you okay?”
A grunt echoed as Ally replied, “Having the time of my life.”
The shaky sound of her voice contradicted her words. Poor thing. As if running into the man that broke her heart wasn’t bad enough, according to Mike, she’d given Jonah ‘one hell of a show’.
Shit…
There was no way to defuse the situation. Not without bringing up the very thing that sent Ally rushing from the dance floor into the ladies’ room. No matter how much she wanted to keep her best friend in good spirits, she knew Ally would shed some tears before the night was over.
“I saw what happened. Actually, Mike noticed something was going on first. By the time I tuned in, you’d stopped dancing.”
She pulled on the door again, jiggling it until the sound of the lock sliding open filled the air. The door swung wider and a set of eyes pierced her. So far, they contained no tears, but it brought Cassie little relief. No show of emotions meant one thing. Ally was in shock.
It would be much better to deal with tears. Heartache she could comfort; denial…not so much. The sooner her friend released the emotions she kept at bay, the quicker she would move past what happened.
“Ally, I’m so sorry. I had no idea Jonah would be here. I didn’t know he was still around these parts. I heard he’d left for L.A.”
Her friend waved off the apology and moved toward the vanity. A quick glance at her reflection had her avoiding the mirror. “It’s okay, Cass. I know you wouldn’t do this to me on purpose. I’m sorry I’m ruining our night.”
“You’re not ruining my night. I’ve had a blast, but if it has to end, then so be it. There will be plenty more.”
Ally nodded and twisted the sink handles. She cupped her hands under the running water, splashing it on her cheeks. It was this very reason that Cassie swore off love. She hated seeing her friend so upset.
Joining her near the sink, she patted Ally’s back as they both gazed in the mirror. It would be best to get her home, away from the possible situation that could develop if she and Jonah came face-to-face.
While she wasn’t sure if he’d actually approach Ally, the way he watched her walk away said the probability was good. That conversation had a fifty-fifty shot at going well or being a complete disaster.
“Listen,” she began as she squeezed her friend’s shoulder. “Take a few minutes to compose yourself. I’ll go pay for our drinks and call a cab. Neither of us should drive. Mike’s Manhattans are extra potent. Meet me at the bar in five minutes and we’ll get out of here.”
“Sounds good,” Ally replied. She turned off the faucet before turning back to Cassie. “But at least let me pay for the drinks.”
Yeah right.
“No way,” Cassie answered, shaking her head vigorously. “It’s my treat. Welcome home, Ally.”
A few drinks and an escape route was hardly the welcome home present she wanted to give her friend. At least she’d be able to give Ally her birthday present tomorrow, but it wouldn’t make her feel better tonight.
Hell, it may not help tomorrow.
As Ally swiped the edge of the vanity, she let out a sigh. “I shouldn’t be this upset.”
“Yeah, you should. I know what Jonah meant to you, Ally. You should have told him the truth before you left.”
“I tried. He didn’t want to hear it. Not when he had plans to leave.”
For fuck’s sake, did she really still believe that shit?
She clutched Ally’s shoulder again and shook her gently. “He wouldn’t have left had he known how—”
“Don’t go there, Cassie.” Ally yelled the words. She freed herself from Cassie’s grip and stared inside the mirror again.
They’d never yelled at each other in all the years they’d known one another. No way was she going to allow Ally to get away with it this time. “Oh, I’m going there, and then back again.” She tapped her friend’s shoulder until they exchanged glances. “If he had known, you wouldn’t be hiding out in the women’s bathroom right now. You and Jonah would be happily married, raising a family, and enjoying life.”
“Whatever, Cass. Jonah would have grown restless with me. Music meant that much to him. His brother would have called with promises of fame and fortune. He would have left.”
While she didn’t doubt that Ally was right about Theo tempting Jonah, hearing Ally’s reasoning proved that she didn’t know him as well as she thought. Guess it took someone on the outside to see the bigger picture.
“You didn’t see the way he looked at you over the years.”
She wanted to continue, but Ally huffed and eased away from the counter. “Your theory is flawed. If he cared about me in the least, he wouldn’t have avoided my kiss.”
Dear God. She wished she’d captured all the times Ally and Jonah spent together on film. Then she could play the video and prove to her friend that the way she assumed Jonah felt wasn’t accurate.
Before she could say much more, the ladies’ room door reopened. She didn’t bother to see who entered, nor had Ally, but the sound of giggling was more than enough to annoy her.
Once she heard stall doors closing and locks sliding into place, she met Ally’s eyes. There was no reason to discuss this topic now that their privacy had vanished. She wouldn’t waste another second debating the past with someone who was blind to it. Besides, Ally was stressed. She couldn’t think rationally until she had time to process what had happened.
Forcing a smile onto her lips, she gave Ally a curt nod and stepped back. “We can argue the point another time. I’m going to pay for our drinks and get our cab. See you in a few.”
With that, she turned and walked out the door, refusing to give her friend a chance to object. If they were going to leave before Jonah had a chance to find Ally, then she had to pay for the drinks that Mike said he’d made. There wouldn’t be time to settle the tab later. After the shock and awe of the evening, Ally could use a friend.
Strangely enough, Cassie could too. Her friend wasn’t the only person thrown off guard tonight. Now she had to face the man who pissed her off,
and she had to do it without making a scene.
This should be fun.
The more she thought about speaking to Mike, the harder she gritted her teeth. Damn Irish ancestry. It gave her one hell of a temper. She kept it in control most of the time, but this had been a day from hell. Mike’s behavior was her breaking point.
Music blared through the building, but each guitar chord served as a reminder to who was creating them. Poor Jonah. She’d loved to know what went through his mind when he saw Ally. Judging by the smile he’d worn, it had to be good. Then Ally turned away and disappointment covered his face.
As she came to a stop at the end of the hall, she swept the thoughts aside. Though part of her wanted to stay and talk to Jonah, Ally came first. Her friend was ready to go home.
It was time to deal with Mike.
If his instincts were as keen as he said, then he’d choose his words wisely when they spoke. If not, he’d be getting more than an ass chewing for his behavior. He’d get to see a side of Cassie few people saw.
He’d see the side that made the devil shake in his boots.
Chapter Five
The gritty sound of the guitar remained in Cassie’s thoughts as she moved toward the bar. Uncertainty beat in her heart, uncertainty over how many songs the band would perform before they were finished. She couldn’t count on them playing another one when the current song ended. Even with a long set, they’d need a break at some point.
That thought kept her focused on her task, but it didn’t erase her other concerns. She hated conflict, did her best to avoid it until it came down to defending herself. The last person she expected to judge her was Mike, but if he wanted to dish her more attitude, she’d sling it right back.
Each step brought her closer to her impending conversation. She worked her way between the other patrons standing around with drinks in their hands. No stools sat vacant, which explained the hasty movements of the two men behind the bar top.