The lights were dancing more than they should and yet Aimie didn’t stop drinking. In fact, there were a lot of things she didn’t stop doing, like watching the doctor Tessa had brought along for some reason, or stop talking when she should.
“You know, Hils, I don’t get why he’s here.”
Aimie’s eyes were on the doctor who’d treated Jazz when he’d returned from his personal hell. The guy was currently pressed against the bar of the nightclub, trying to gain the barkeeper’s attention.
The brunette turned to her. “Because Tessa loves him and he’s her friend, not Jazz’s? She wanted him there since he’s such a big support. And lonely.”
Aimie squinted at her friend, surprised because she sounded so controlled. “Why aren’t you drunk?” And why were Aimie’s words so slurred?
Hilary lowered her eyes. She’d changed over the last months, had gotten rid of her attitude, and somehow it almost was like a different person.
“I promised Jazz I’d make sure Tessa would find her way back into her bed unharmed. Seems his fiancée has a habit to hurt herself while drunk,” Hilary explained and Aimie nodded.
She’d seen that once, when they’d been out for…she couldn’t remember whose birthday it was. In fact, she had a hard time remembering her own name that evening.
“I think I should go and help the poor boy,” Aimie decided, still seeing the doctor struggling to get new drinks. And she did need another drink because man, she was horny, and that was horrible. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been with a guy, and that evening she knew it was either drinking or going home with a stranger—and the second was no option whatsoever. It didn’t matter that she’d had many offers.
It wasn’t really a surprise, either, with the group of girls they’d brought.
“Move over, doc, I’m gonna get that,” she announced loudly, since she was smaller than he.
“Careful, Aimie, you’re getting awfully close to me here.” And she had, her back pressed against his side, his breath washing over her cheek.
She closed her eyes and licked her lips because normally she avoided that. Ryan made her think of things she had no business thinking of with a guy who lived half way across the world—and who she assumed to be in love with one of her best friends. Granted, he had never acted on it, but Tessa wasn’t up for grabs anyway.
Hadn’t been since the first time she’d seen Jazz.
Aimie sighed. She wanted a freaking love story instead of having to live through her friends vicariously.
“Barkeeper,” she called and the guy instantly looked up, coming over. She heard Ryan mutter something behind her and grinned to herself.
“Tequila gold, six, please.”
“Tessa’s not drinking,” Ryan pointed out. Aimie didn’t comment, because neither was Hilary, but that didn’t mean Aimie couldn’t down the rest of the shots.
“Aimie, ignoring me won’t help,” Ryan whispered and suddenly he was so much closer than ever before, his hands on her hips.
God, his hands had no reason to be there and yet Aimie felt herself leaning into him, into the touch, tilting her head back ever so slightly.
“I’m not ignoring you. I…” She didn’t know what she could say because man, this felt so good. The way he was rubbing the tip of his nose along her neck, his breath erratic as it brushed her skin.
“You?” he prompted, his lips on her neck, and she turned, her movements sloppy. He caught her as she stumbled against him, and she tilted her head back. God, how badly she wanted to be kissed right then, unable to decide if it was because he stood there or because she wanted it overall.
Bloody hell, she needed more alcohol to not climb him like a tree.
“There you are. I’m waiting, Aims,” Hilary announced, breaking the moment.
Aimie grabbed the glasses that had been placed next to her on the bar, leaving without caring who paid for the round. All she knew was she needed to get away.
Tessa and EmJay were back at their table and both stared at her with smug smiles.
“Shut up and drink,” Aimie ordered, placing the glasses on the table. She didn’t care about the cinnamon or the orange. All she cared about was the burning alcohol as it ran down her throat, numbing it while warming her from the inside.
When Hils took her side, she nudged her gently. “Thank you,” she whispered and Hilary kissed her cheek.
“That’s what we have friends for,” she assured her quietly, and Aimie wouldn’t lie, she had the best group of friends any girl could wish for.