Stay

by Wynne, Hilary

  Luke: how many?

  Alexa: 7

  Luke: whole posse huh?

  Alexa:

  Luke: I’ll give your name + 6

  Alexa: thanks. Owe you. See you soon.

  Luke: I’ll add it to my tab

  Alexa: you keeping tabs?

  Luke: nah. Lost count

  I’m about to write something about the tab I’m running for him when another text comes through.

  Luke: I’ll let him know you’re coming

  I thought we covered he’d let the bouncer know we’re coming.

  Alexa: yeah…7 of us.

  Luke: doubt Julian cares 7 of you’re coming

  I’m confused.

  Alexa: ??

  Luke: Julian asked me if you were coming. Said I didn’t know

  Alexa: ok

  Holy shit! He’s there and wants to know if I’m coming. My heart starts to beat faster, and I can’t keep from smiling. Lauren sees me texting and asks what’s up.

  “Just texting Luke to ask him to put our names on the VIP list.”

  “Text him and tell him I’ll be his VIP tonight.”

  Lauren is constantly trying to hook up with Luke. With her shoulder-length, dark brown hair, big hazel eyes, and killer curves, she’s totally Luke’s type, but I’ve asked him multiple times to stay away. She’s looking for something serious, and Luke isn’t that guy. The fact that I’m doing the same thing with Lauren that Luke is doing with Julian isn’t totally lost on me either. The difference is I’ve had front-row seats to Luke’s dating life for years now, and I’ve seen many nice girls come and go. If I’m being honest, it’s not just his reputation that makes me warn him off Lauren. I’m okay with him being with other girls but know if he was with a friend of mine it would bother me. I worry about losing a friend when things blow up like they always do. I nod at Lauren, but I don’t text Luke back with her message.

  I go into game mode in my head on the drive over. I think about how I should act and what I should say if I see Julian. I come up with all these different scenarios and am even creating dialogue in my head. I’ve become that crazy girl. I take a deep breath and remind myself all this planning is a big waste of time. The reality is things just happen when Julian and I are together, and I’ve already seen I have very little control over it.

  We pull up to Hotel Del Marco at about ten thirty, and Marissa valets. The other girls are waiting outside when we walk up. Shannon had texted Jenna to tell them to wait for us. It’s totally crowded again, and the line to get in is long. I’ve been spoiled the few times I’ve been here and glad to be able to skip the line this time as well. I walk up to Marty, the bouncer who is working the door. I introduced myself last time I was here, and he remembers me. He unhooks the rope barring the entrance and lets us through. As I’m walking in the door, I hear him on his walkie telling someone, “She’s here.” I wonder if Julian told him to look for me or if he’s talking to Luke.

  We pit stop at the ladies’ room before going to Stellar. The girls all want to dance, so I think we’ll be hanging there most of the night. I plan on heading up to Orion for my free drinks and recon mission to find Julian first though. Or not. We haven’t been there for more than five minutes when I see Julian across the bar. Because he is tall and so gorgeous, he’s easy to spot in a room, even a crowded one. He’s dressed in a lilac-purple, button-down shirt that fits his muscled torso beautifully. He has on gray slacks and charcoal Gucci loafers. With his body, it’s doubtful Julian looks bad in anything, but each time that I see him, I’m more in awe of how good looking he is. He is clean-shaven tonight, and I can’t decide which look I prefer. I’m trying not to stare at him and even turn my back so it isn’t obvious I’ve seen him.

  Jenna sees him headed our way and gives me a heads up. “Incoming, Lexie.”

  Nobody moves because they’re all dying to see how this is going to play out.

  My heart starts to race, and even if Jenna didn’t tell me he was coming, I would have felt his presence. Just like before, my body starts to react to the energy that emanates from him. I feel him behind me even before he touches me. Because my top is wide open in the back, there’s a lot of skin showing. Julian takes advantage of this and lightly touches my bare back with his fingertips. The feeling is electric, and heat spreads throughout my body.

  “Hola, bella,” Julian whispers in my ear. He is leaning over my shoulder, and as he pulls back, his lips graze my ear and then my cheek. My knees go weak. I melt inside when he calls me beautiful.

  I slowly turn around, and Julian is right there in front of me, totally up-close and personal. He pushes all of my buttons so hard that I prefer a chance to get used to his presence, but he has no concept of personal space between us. I take a step backward to give myself a little separation from him. Undeterred, he takes a step toward me. Whatever worries I had about him not being interested in seeing me again have disappeared. He once again moves like a lion stalking its prey. He’s smiling down at me with the same hungry look I saw in his eyes during our hallway tryst.

  “Hola, Julian. Que bueno verte otra vez.”

  I’m hoping I sound more relaxed than I feel. His smile broadens when I answer him in Spanish. The truth is I do speak Spanish pretty fluently. I’ve grown up in South Florida, and I took classes all through high school and college. I have a lot of Spanish-speaking customers, and I find myself using it almost daily.

  He switches to English. Maybe because he wants to make sure I comprehend what he’s about to say. “I was hoping you would show up tonight, Alexa. I was disappointed when I didn’t see you last week. You and I have some unfinished business to attend to.”

  I look over at my friends. They’re totally trying to pretend they aren’t paying attention to Julian and me, but I can tell they’re enjoying this little exchange.

  “I’m not sure what you’re referring to, Julian. I think our business came to a satisfactory end a few weeks ago.”

  I place an emphasis on the word came. It amazes me how we instantly fall into a playful and, yes, sexual banter. I’m comfortable with the physical aspect of our interactions. Now as long as things stay that way, I’ll be fine.

  The girls keep looking back and forth between Julian and me like they’re watching a tennis match, and I can tell they’re entertained.

  “If that was satisfactory to you, Alexa, then I’m afraid you have very low standards. Our business together hasn’t concluded at all, and the part that was conducted a few weeks ago didn’t end in a satisfactory manner for me at all. I intend to remedy that tonight.”

  His eyes are sparkling and totally challenging me to say something smart back. My whole body clenches at the implied actions behind Julian’s words. I can only hope that whatever “business” we conduct tonight ends up with both of us naked.

  Julian takes his eyes off of me for a minute and finally seems to notice my friends are all standing there and hanging on his every word. He addresses them before I have a chance to respond to his last comment.

  “Hello, ladies.”

  He flashes them his sexiest smile and I swear a couple of them swoon. Oh, he’s good at this. I wonder if his business cards say hotel owner and professional flirt on them. He sticks his hand out and introduces himself to my friends one by one. I watch to see if any of them have a physical reaction to Julian’s touch like I do, and I’m relieved when I see nothing that worries me. He tells them all he hopes they have a great time tonight and to let him know if he can do anything to make it happen. I’m not a fan of his choice of words because, friends or not, a few of these girls are drooling over Julian, and I’m sure they would love some personal attention. These girls are all used to getting hit on by good-looking guys, but Julian is kind of in a class by himself, and I can’t blame any of them for being mesmerized. Luckily it seems he only has eyes for me. He asks them to excuse us for a minute, tak
es my hand, and leads me off to the side so we no longer have an audience.

  “I was serious about having unfinished business, Alexa. I’m not happy with the way we ended things last time, and I’d like to do things a little differently tonight.”

  Okay. I’m game. Now I’m hanging on his every word.

  “I have some actual business I need to take care of, but I should be done in about an hour. I’ll come and find you. Do not leave.”

  “Yes, sir.” I’m totally playing with him and say it with a smile. His look is serious.

  “Alexa, you left me with no way of getting in touch with you last time, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since. That isn’t going to happen again.”

  I want to remind him he could have gotten my information from Luke. I also did tell him my full name, and I have a Facebook account. There were ways he could have gotten in touch with me, but he chose not to. I don’t point it out because it really doesn’t matter now. I have absolutely no intention of leaving here before I find out what Julian’s definition of “unfinished business” is.

  Julian leans into me and presses his lips against my cheek. His lips are hot on my skin, and when he pulls away, it’s all I can do to keep myself from pulling him to me for a real kiss. I’ve been dying to feel his lips and hands on my body for weeks now.

  “Hasta luego, Alexa.”

  As Julian turns and walks away, I feel an uneasiness creep up inside my chest. I’m already missing him. This man I do not even know has already found his way into my heart. I turn to walk back to my friends and push those thoughts from my mind. Within seconds, a flood of questions and comments come barreling my way.

  “OMG—he is unbelievably hot!”

  “What did he say to you?”

  “Are you sure you two didn’t sleep together already? That man was looking at you like he’s seen you naked.”

  “Or like he wants to.”

  “Does he have any friends? Or a twin?”

  I assure them Julian has not seen me naked but that if he wants to I’m fine with it, on the condition I get to see him naked too. We all laugh, and I’m sure a few of them run with that idea and try to picture Julian naked. I change the subject because I really don’t want to share more of the conversation I just had with Julian. It feels too personal.

  We all head up to Orion to see what’s happening upstairs. It’s a beautiful April night, and it feels nice outside. The place is crowded as usual, and we have a hard time getting close to the bar. After about twenty minutes, I’m finally able to get Luke’s attention. He comes down to where we’re standing and takes the credit card I’m handing him to open a tab for us. I know he won’t charge me for all the drinks, but I’m not comfortable asking for free drinks when there are so many of us. He gives me a kiss on the cheek.

  “You look hot tonight, Hooka.” He’s in a good mood.

  “Thank you. I try.” I feel good, and the compliment just reinforces the feeling.

  He gets right to the point. “Did you see Julian?”

  “Yes, I ran into him on the way in.”

  “I’m sure it was no accident.” Now happy Luke is gone, and annoyed Luke is front and center.

  “Why ask if you don’t want to hear the answer, Luke?”

  I keep my tone playful, but Luke knows me well enough to know I’m taking issue with his crappy attitude about Julian.

  “I just don’t like the way he looks at you. Like you’re something he wants to own. When I told him you were coming tonight, he just got this creepy look on his face, and it bugged me.”

  I almost laugh at loud. I can’t imagine Julian ever looking creepy, and what Luke saw was probably Julian’s “good, now we can pick up where we left off” face. I still haven’t told Luke what happened the last time I was here. I usually tell him everything, but because I know he doesn’t approve of anything happening between Julian and me, I just keep my mouth shut and change the subject.

  “I guess things with Krista are going well? I haven’t seen or heard from you all week.”

  I’m not possessive with Luke at all because I know he’ll always be there for me if I need him. He has shown that many times.

  “Yeah, things are cool. She’s a good girl.”

  I can already hear the indifference in his voice. Typical. He’ll be moving on soon if he hasn’t already.

  “Is Lauren with you?” Well, I guess that answers that question.

  Although I’ve asked him nicely to stay away from her, he’s always asking about her.

  “Yes, Luke, but you’re not going there, remember?”

  “No, I don’t remember, Lexie. Remind me why I’m not allowed to show interest in one of your coworkers? You’re showing interest in my boss.”

  I really am not in the mood to get into this conversation with Luke. He’s trying to pick a fight with me, and it’s so unlike him. I give him a big fake smile, take my drink, and turn to leave. Marissa, Shannon, Jenna, and Lauren are ordering drinks, and I motion to them where I’m headed. As I walk off, I hear Luke start to flirt with Lauren. I know he’s doing it loudly and on purpose to piss me off. Whatever. Let them work it out. I walk over to the back of the bar where Pete Vaughn is playing. I’ve seen him play a few times around South Florida, and he’s always so good. I was excited to hear he’d be playing tonight. He writes his own music and plays a lot of acoustic stuff. I’d be happy to sit and listen to him all night, but my friends would probably rather go to Stellar and dance. I glance around and notice most of the people up here tonight are couples. I wonder where Julian is and wish he were sitting here by me, next to the fire, listening to music. My daydream is interrupted when my friends sit down next to me. They tell me Lauren is still at the bar flirting with Luke and the others have gone back to Stellar. Jenna asks me how I feel about Luke and Lauren.

  “I’ve tried to keep them away from each other, but they won’t listen. Luke will end up loving and leaving her, and she’s going to be all mad and hurt. It’s what always happens. But this time I’ll be in the middle, and there will be all kinds of drama. But whatever. They’re grownups.”

  “Yeah, he’s never going to find a girl who compares to you, Lex.”

  Marissa is looking straight ahead when she says this.

  “Seriously, Mari? You guys keep going on and on about how he wants me. I’ve been right here for almost seven years now. I think he would have said something by now.”

  “Whatever. You just don’t see what the rest of us do. It’s weird. He looks at you like he’s in love with you. I’m just saying.”

  I’m not having this conversation with them. It’s wearing me out lately. We’re just friends. I change the subject by talking about Marissa’s finance, Kevin, and Jenna’s new guy, Bryan, and pretty soon Luke isn’t a topic of conversation anymore. We sit and listen to a whole set. I’m totally enjoying the music, but I’m distracted and hoping Julian will come find me soon. To be honest, it’s really why I’ve wanted to stay in one place. I want to be easy to find. It’s been an hour and a half since I saw him, and with each passing minute, I’m less convinced we will be hooking up again tonight. The girls are ready to go back to Stellar, so we start to head downstairs. I notice Lauren still sitting at the bar and walk over to tell her where we’re going. I tell the others I’ll meet them in a minute.

  “Are you going to be pissed if I stay here?”

  I look over and see Luke looking at me with a challenge in his eyes. He was annoyed before, but now he looks mad. What the hell is wrong with him? I look back at Lauren.

  “No, Lauren. I’m not pissed. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Luke is one of my best friends, but he’s a total player, and if you’re okay with that, then go for it. But if not, it’s not a good plan.”

  I’ve already told her a version of this same thing several times, and I can see in her eyes she doesn’t r
eally care what I think about it. She thinks it will be different for her. I look up at Luke, and he’s still staring at me with a totally shitty look on his face. I walk over to where he’s standing behind the bar and ask the two guys sitting there if I can squeeze in for a minute. They look at me, smile, and make room for me. I motion for Luke to come over. He walks up to the bar with his fake, “I think you suck” smile on his face. I never get that smile, and I’m kind of taken aback.

  “What’s up, Alexa? Come to give me a lecture on who I can and can’t flirt with?” His voice is low and comes out like a hiss.

  “Can you come and talk to me for a minute?”

  I ask in a way that lets him know I need to talk to him. I was just going to say something about Lauren, but now I’m wondering what’s really going on with him. He’s mad at me, and I honestly don’t know why. He tells Jordan, the other bartender, he’ll be right back and walks toward the end of the bar. We walk a few feet to a little corner that’s semiprivate.

  “Why are you pissed at me? Don’t say you aren’t because it’s very obvious, and you’re acting like a total asshole. What happened in the last hour, because you were fine when I got here?”

  “I’m not mad, Alexa, I’m just disappointed.”

  His tone could not be more condescending, and I know he’s mad because he rarely calls me Alexa. It’s usually Lex, Lexie, or Hooka.

  “Disappointed? What did I do to disappoint you, Luke? Flirt with Julian?”

  “Flirt? Ha! Is that what they’re calling it these days? And don’t even say it’s not true, Alexa, because I can read you like a book.”

  “I can’t deny anything, Luke, because I have no clue what the hell you’re talking about.” I’m trying to stay calm, but he’s starting to raise his voice, and I’m getting madder as the words come out.

  “I’m referring to your little public bump and grind session, Alexa. And to answer your question, I’m disappointed because one, you did it, two, you didn’t tell me yourself, and three, I just had the pleasure of hearing the gossip from a coworker. Supposedly I’m your best friend, and I looked totally stupid for being the only one who didn’t know you and Julian hooked up two weeks ago. But, oh snap, guess what. I’m not the only one who looks stupid. Right after I heard the story, I had the pleasure of watching Julian walk right by here with a gorgeous woman all up on him. I’m assuming it was his next conquest and they were on their way down the hall.”