So maybe my stomach wasn’t in that big of a knotted mess, because after Kristen insisted I borrow some clothes, since she realized I was still in a tank and yoga pants, she took me to this amazing Mexican place and I just polished off an unimaginable number of tacos. After I got over the initial panic that I left Chase in my room, partially naked, I came to the realization that he was a big boy and could take care of himself. Then I began stuffing my face.
Kristen kept the conversation off me and her suspicions, thankfully, and allowed me to stuff my face while she complained about the tour. I guess I never put too much thought into what goes into these signings, but the background work sounds absolutely horrible. Ticky-tacky requests, needy authors, no-shows, and all the safety guidelines needed for everyone involved. I would have never known that seven people passed out of dehydration at the last signing, four authors bailed last minute, and security had to break up three fights due to long line issues. And that was just on day one!
Feisty little gang of attendees.
We’re currently walking into Flame nightclub, a dance club on the east side of town. Kristen insisted since I was a day early and we didn’t have to be up till later tomorrow, it was time to drink. And drinking is what she plans to do.
“Two rounds of tequila and two vodka tonics,” she orders, swinging her back against the bar to admire the hoppin’ dance floor. “Man, I bet there’s a bunch of eligible ass out there.”
I spare her a look as she licks her lips. “Jesus, how long has it been?” I gape, feeling bad for my poor friend. Or for the victim she clasps her needy claws into later.
“Oh, don’t give me that wait it out for love crap. I love you, but I need ass now. I can’t care less what they say that leads me to getting some. Plus, I’ve been swamped with work. No time to date.”
“Who says you need to date to get laid?” Wow, do I sound like a walking hypocrite.
“Well, yeah, too busy for that too.”
Looking back at the dance floor, I feel her head turn, now giving me the look over.
“And what about you? You’re clearly getting it.”
I turn, and she’s looking at me in that curious, but aggressive ‘spill or else’ kinda way.
“Who, me? No. Sex? Like with who? Like what even is that?” Shut up, Katie.
“Then it’s a good thing you and I came out tonight. We can both get some no name tail.”
Yeah.
Right.
“Oh, yeah, what about that guy? He seems to know his way around the dance floor.” She points, and I take a good look at the dude who is recreating A night at the Roxbury when a large group enters the club. “He doesn’t look like he’s wearing a ring—”
“You’ve got to be kidding…” I trail off as I watch a few authors who I recognize, some readers, and the one and only.
“What are you… oh, yeah, this is a prime spot for events. Close to the hotel. Focus on the dance floor. I mean, look at him move. Do you think I should just go up to him?”
I really can’t focus on that train wreck on the dance floor when my traitorous eyes won’t stop staring at Chase. He’s changed since ditching him in my closet. Now dressed in a pair of dark fitted jeans, and a white henley shirt that looks as if it was made just for him, his hair perfectly in place, it doesn’t take long for him to feel my eyes on him and he turns, catching me gawking. As soon as I see that slow smile creep up his sexy as fuck face, I whip my head away. Then groan, because my current view is now the hot mess on the dance floor.
“Your drinks. That’ll be twenty-one even.”
Kristen insists on paying for this round, and we let her prospect do his thing while we tend to more important matters. Kristen lifts up her shot, and I follow suit.
“To you being super awesome and killing it at the signing.”
I roll my eyes, because I’m not sure I’m killing it. There are way bigger authors here than me, not to mention ones who have way better free shit on their tables.
“Don’t even give me your bullshit. Just say thank you, Kristen and take the shot with me.”
I smile, shoving down the bullshit I was totally going to reply with.
“Thank you, Kristen.” I beam my pearly whites at her, and we both throw back the shot. I place my empty glass on the bar, as I grab for my drink. Just as I place the straw into my mouth, I feel him. I don’t want to admit how creepy it is how my body reacts even when I can’t psychically see him, but I know he’s near me. I’m sucking in as much liquid as possible, when his deep voice washes over me, sending a blizzard of goose bumps over my skin.
“Hello, ladies. Fancy meeting you here.” Fancy my ass.
Kristen turns first, while I pretend he’s not there. Still sipping or chugging my drink, I wave down the bartender to come back. And to hurry.
“Oh, hey, Charlie. Hanging with some of the authors tonight, I see?”
At that I turn.
Still sucking on my straw like it’s my job, I stare at Chase, waiting for him to respond. Not that I should care. He can hang out with whoever he wants to. Even though I did see the pretty brunette two tables down walk in with him.
“Yeah, trying to get to know everyone. Plus, I didn’t want to stay holed up in the closet all night long.”
Kristen looks confused.
I choke on my drink.
“Okay then. Well, have fun. Just ignore Katie and me tonight. We’re planning on making horrible decisions. Whatever you do, no mention of this once we’re all back on the clock.” Kristen turns back to the bar and grabs for her drink while Chase’s eyebrows lift in curiosity.
“Is that so, Ms. Swan?” he questions, throwing down the gauntlet. I don’t know what to say because he’s standing there, with his hands shoved in his jeans pockets, his eyes unblinking, waiting for a confirmation or denial. I’m busy choking on my own words, so I shrug my shoulders instead. Before I get the full visual of his frown, Kristen saves me. She nudges me, and I turn as another tequila shot is shoved in my hands.
And since I’m a total pussy, instead of using my words to explain to Chase that I wasn’t planning to find a random warm body to lie with, I fill my mouth with tequila in its place.
“Wow, well, then you two ladies enjoy. I’m going to get to know Amber a bit more. Or is it Kelly? These pen names. But I hear she writes”—he bends forward as we both lean into him—“erotica. Bet she has an imagination a man can appreciate.” He pulls away, winks at us, and walks straight into the damn dance floor.
My mouth falls to the floor, as we both gape at his tight ass sway as he disappears into the crowd.
“That Amber is one lucky bitch. I wouldn’t mind adding Charlie Bates to my bucket list.”
“Tell me about it…” Wait, what? I turn, smacking her in the arm.
“Hey!”
Mine.
Shit.
“I mean, ew! No way. You can do waaay better. He probably has some sort of disease. Model disease. Yeah, model disease. Stay clear.” Shut up. Right now.
That little weasel. He wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to test out Amber. Because he hasn’t left the goddamn dance floor! My jealousy spikes with every song that comes on and that smile he’s carrying doesn’t leave his stupid face. He looks like he’s enjoying her. And she can dance. Like really dance. The way her hips move back and forth, her hands all whipping her hair around, I mean, how does someone learn how to do that obnoxious dance? And why the ever-loving fuck is Chase enjoying it?
I thought he was just trying to get under my skin when he made that comment. I mean, so I didn’t confirm I wasn’t going to hook up with a random tonight, but he had to know I wouldn’t. But did he? I continue to stand at the bar, getting myself all worked up over his actions. He hasn’t even looked over my way once since he walked away. Doesn’t he even care what I’m thinking? What if I was at the bar sucking face with a dude? Would he even care?
It’s like he’s tempting me to do something about it. With every hip grab, he’s daring me to come and claim him. Which I will not do. Who does he think I am? A lying dog who will comply with his threats? Two can play at this game of who really wants who, bullshit.
I slam my drink on the bar, startling Kristen. “Let’s dance,” I state, starting toward the dance floor.
“Uh, I thought you don’t dance,” I hear her state the truth as she catches up to me.
I push my way through the crowd, finding a group of guys in the middle of the dance floor. Perfectly aligned next to Chase.
Fucker.
“You guys wanna dance?” I yell over the loud music, offering my sweetest smile. I’m a little drunk and have no game, so not sure what that smile really comes off as. Either way it works, because we get a few hell yeahs from the crowd, and Kristen is grabbed by the waist by a cute guy. Tall, dark hair. Just up her alley. The guy I addressed takes claim on me. He isn’t really my type, no blazing green eyes, perfect dirty-blond hair. He doesn’t look at me the way that makes my knees beg to buckle. But the second I get a quick glimpse of Chase in my side vision, I realize this guy will do just fine.
I grab his hand and pull him to me. Kristen is right when I say I don’t dance. Mainly because I don’t know how to, so this game of who can make who jealous more, quickly starts blowing up in my face, since I look like I’m having a seizure over trying to get hot and heavy on the dance floor. The guy grabs at my hips and “Whoa!” I squeal as he whips me around, throwing my butt into his groin.
“Don’t worry, I’ll do all the moves for us,” he yells into my ear and starts a slow, but inappropriate, as they call it, bumping and grinding into my ass. I’ve suddenly forgotten about Chase and our game, because I’m momentarily mortified at what’s happening. Homeboy is swaying me back and forth like a rag doll, sounds leaving his mouth, causing the tequila to churn in my stomach. I look over at Kristen for help, but she seems to be enjoying herself and the grinding. Shit. Before I allow this dude to get off on dry humping my ass, I pull away and excuse myself, claiming major bathroom break.
I finally get my turn, since chicks’ bathroom has only one stall, and shut the door, thankful for the privacy. I don’t get the opportunity to lock it, because it’s suddenly pushed open. When I turn to give hell to whoever doesn’t know how to wait their damn turn, I realize that person is Chase, as he pushes himself into the bathroom and shuts the door.
Then locks it.
“Seriously, what’s your deal with women’s bathrooms?” I snap, trying not to stare at his mouth, his tight shirt, his eyes. Those damn fucking eyes. He doesn’t answer me, but prowls in my direction until he has me backed up against the wall.
“Are we done plaything this game?”
I have no idea what he’s talking about.
“Not sure what you mean.”
He brings up his warm hands and, placing them on my hips, he drags them down until he hits the bottom of my skirt. “You know exactly what game I’m talking about.”
Admit nothing.
“No idea what you’re talking about.” I close my eyes as his palms hit my bare legs, squeezing my thighs as he brings his hands back up my legs.
“The game where you pretend you’re here tonight to get lucky and make me jealous. The game where I pretend I want someone else until we both finally admit we only want each other.” His hands reach the lining of my panties, capturing the thin strap around his fingers, and begins tugging them down my legs.
“Chase, wha-what are you doing?” My voice is thick with need, and as soon as I get my shit together, I’m going to push him off me.
Which doesn’t look to be anytime soon.
Somehow, I willingly step out of my panties and watch with hooded lids as he sticks my thong into his pocket. He steps forward, leaving zero space between us.
“Will it help if I went first?” he says, his breath a warm delight against my cheeks.
I nod.
He leans in, his lips grazing mine. “Right now, I’m insane with jealousy at the way that fucker handled you. I wanted to break each finger that touched you.”
Okay. That was so hot.
He grazes his lips to the corner of my mouth, offering me just a tease. “I think it’s time I stake my claim.” One brush of his lips to mine. “You’re mine, Katie.” Another kiss, this one more pressure. “And no one else’s.”
Okay. He’s got me.
My hands are up and locking into his hair. His hands are around my hips, lifting me up. My legs wrap around his waist and our lips collide into one another.
Both sets of hands grabbing, pulling, ripping to get to one another. My skirt is up and over my hips, my hands frantically tearing at his pants.
“We shouldn’t be doing this here,” I pant, getting his zipper down and releasing his large erection. The feel of how hard and smooth he is in my palm overrides the wrongness of what we’re doing. Chase pushes his jeans down and grabs for his cock. He places it exactly where it’s begging to be, and without further thought pushes inside me.
“Oh God,” I moan, pulling at Chase’s hair as he frantically thrusts in and out of me. He’s not taking his time, nor is he being gentle. He’s not trying to woo me; he’s making a statement.
“Mine,” he grunts, taking my breath away with each brutal kiss he offers me. I can’t control the swirling wave of possession also building in my chest. The electric current in my core. I press my fingernails deeper into his skin, bringing him closer to me.
A firework of sensations blasts to every one of my nerve endings and my orgasm detonates through me. Chase is right behind me, pushing one last time, before I feel his hot release inside me.
Panting, I say, “I can’t believe we just had sex in a public bathroom.”
Chase is trying to catch his breath, splaying wet kisses down my neck.
“It was a must do,” he replies, quickly kissing my lips and allowing my legs to drop. He pulls out, and I wobble, trying to get my bearings. I feel the wetness sliding down my thigh and groan.
“Oh my God, we really did just have sex in a public bathroom. With a line outside!” While I’m completely mortified, Chase doesn’t seem affected. He laughs and grabs for the paper towel dispenser, ripping off a few sheets and helping me clean up. “And why are you just laughing?”
Of course, banging on the door cuts his answer short. His non-answer, that is. I jump into action, pushing his hands away and cleaning myself up. I look in the mirror and “fuck.” I look like I just got fucked in a public bathroom. Chase laughs again, and I’m fighting to keep from punching him clear out.
“You know we could have waited till we got home to do this. Acting like horny teenagers isn’t normally my thing,” I say, pulling my skirt down and fixing my hair.
Chase looks perfect as always, not a hair out of place. He washes his hands and turns to me, an approving smile on his face. “It was apparent I made a point. Which, by the way, you just orgasmed. I did also. Now when you go out there and if that douche from A Night at the Roxbury tries to come near you, he will smell me all over you.”
My mouth falls open just as his smile grows wider. “You… You…”
The banging on the door startles me again, and it’s when Kristen’s voice seeps through the door that I go into complete panic mode. “Jesus! It’s like she has a radar anytime I’m around you!”
“Katie, are you in there? Everything okay?”
Shit!
“Better let your friend know everything’s okay,” he says, ducking as I lift my hand to smack him.
“Katie?”
I push Chase into the stall and slam the door. “Don’t come out.” And I do one last hopeless adjustment of my outfit and hair, then open the door.
“Hey, what… are you okay?”
“Yeah, fine. Those tacos, though… Man. You do not want to go in there,” I stress and pull her shoulder to lead her away from the bathroom.
“But I swear I heard… Were you moaning in there?”
God, yes.
“No! I was watching a video while pooping. Things kids post nowadays.” I don’t make eye contact. It’s just not necessary. I drag her back to the bar and insist the next round be on me.
And the round after that.
And after that.