Текст книги "Levitate"
Автор книги: Kaylee Ryan
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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 18 страниц)
“I worry too, you know?”
“I know you do. I’ll tell you what I told him. I’m not opposed to dating. I just need to know that the guy is into me for the right reasons. I need to see that he is willing to put forth the effort to really be with me. I know that makes me sound like a spoiled brat, but… my past… he needs to be able to take me as I am.” I smile thinking about my conversation with Dad. It eased the pain. “I told Dad that any male in my future has big shoes to fill.”
Nicole throws her head back and laughs as well. “No shit. He spoils you rotten. What’s in the bag?”
“I tried to argue my way out of it, but you know how he is. He was having no part of it.” I toss the bags to her. Just as she reaches for them, the alert from her cell phone announces a new message. She reaches for her phone instead.
I watch as she reads it and a smile crosses her face. Interesting.
“All right, you’re holding out on me. Who is that?” I ask.
“It’s Brighton. He’s the one I met a few months ago at the bonfire. You remember the one you were supposed to go to, but decided last minute that you weren’t feeling it.” She scowls at me.
“I didn’t say I wasn’t feeling it. I wasn’t feeling well. If you remember correctly I had a stomach thing for over a week.” I remind her of my illness. “Brighton is the one who has met you for coffee a few times on campus?”
“Yes. He’s been texting me all day asking if we want to meet up at Studio 57 tonight. I told him we couldn’t make it. He’s been trying to get me to change my mind all day.”
I can see she really wants to go. I think about the day with my dad and what he said. I do tend to shy away and keep others at arm’s length. I know he’s right that Mom would want me to live life to the fullest. “So tell him you changed your mind.”
“Kens, we always spend tonight together,” she says softly. She’s afraid that mentioning it will set me off. I’m just as shocked as she is that it doesn’t.
“Who says we aren’t? I have this new outfit that needs to be broke in. Put the guy out of his misery and tell him we will meet him there.” With that, I head to my room to shower and get ready. I pass a picture of me and my parents sitting on my dresser. I miss her so much. I miss our family. Today was the first day since we lost her that I felt like Dad and I are back to being us. It’s nice. I kiss the frame and place it back on my dresser. Time to strap on a smile and be the wing woman my bestie needs. I think I need this night as much as she does.
THE DELIVERY TRUCK was late. By the time the truck arrived and I had everything signed in, the staff were starting to arrive to prep for the night. I was bombarded with questions, so I’m just now getting home at a little after six. I walk into the house and I can immediately see that Brighton is not in the best of moods.
“Hey, man, we still on for tonight?” I ask. I would love to grab a quick nap.
I wouldn’t really classify what comes out of his mouth as a reply. It’s more of a grumble with a little bit of a growl thrown in. I toss my keys, wallet, and phone on the table and head to the kitchen to grab a sandwich. I should have eaten at the bar, but I was in a hurry to get out of there. My staff is perfectly capable of handling things; however, they rely on me when I’m there. Me taking the night off is exactly what they need to learn how to step up and make decisions on their own. As long as they don’t burn the place down, everything else can be fixed.
I’m mid-bite of my turkey and Swiss when I hear Bright yell, “Hell yeah!” from the living room. I make my way to him to see what the fuss is about. I find him sitting in the same place grinning from ear to ear, staring at his phone. “What’s up, man?” From the sound of his yell, you would think he just hit the fucking lottery.
“She’s in. Apparently, her roommate changed plans so we could all meet up tonight.” He hops off the couch and passes me to head to his room. He slaps a hand on my shoulder wearing a smirk. “I’m hopping in the shower.” With that, he is gone and with a little more of a pep in his step. I do believe this Nicole has really gotten under his skin. This is going to be an interesting night.
I inhale my sandwich and grab a quick shower. The nap that I have been dreaming about all day will just have to wait. I throw on a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. It fits tight against my arms; the ladies seem to love it, so I don’t bother putting forth any more effort. I run some gel through my hair, throw on my boots, and call it good. Bright is walking out of his room at the same time as I do mine. His grin is still firmly in place.
He’s completely distracted by his phone, so I head toward my truck. No way do I want to ride with his ass while he’s distracted by technology or maybe it’s not technology that he is so enthralled with. It might be female and have a completely different appeal.
We arrive at Studio 57 and the crowd is impressive as always. As we walk through the crowd to find a table, I observe the ladies who take in our appearance. Bright and I are not hard to miss. We are both well over six-feet tall and can’t help but stand out in a crowd.
While I appreciate the level of ladies who are undressing us with their eyes, Bright is busy scanning the crowd. He doesn’t seem to notice the come-hither eyes and fuck-me heels that are chomping at the bit to have a piece of him. No, he has singular taste tonight. That taste being a girl named Nicole. I’ve never met her, well, not sober anyway. Apparently, he introduced us at the bonfire; however, I was three sheets to the wind. I knew the next few months were going to be filled with twelve and fourteen hour days, seven days a week. I woke up in the bed of a red head that morning with no recollection of how I got there. I couldn’t even remember her name. I try not to make that a habit. I hook up, but I like to remember it. Hooking up with random girls while drunk is a risk I don’t like to take. You never know what they will try and to trick you into. You can’t trust women. My mother is a prime example. After, what she did to my dad, no how no way. I enjoy them, but I have no need for anything more than a roll in the sheets.
My buddy, on the other hand, I’m not so sure about. If you asked me before today, I would have told you we were the two amigos. Never going to settle down, never willing to fall into the trap of what a permanent woman in your life has to offer. However, watching him now as his frowned face surveys the crowd, I feel another of the mighty just might have fallen. My thoughts are justified as I study him and watch as his face lights up. I follow his gaze and see a blonde pixie coming our way. Her smile mirrors his and she only has eyes for Bright. I watch as she reaches us. She stands on her tiptoes as he leans down and places a kiss on the corner of her mouth. What the fuck? These two seem way too comfortable for just a few text messages and a coffee. I make a mental note to question him when we get home tonight.
I watch as she reaches back and places her arm around the girl who is standing behind her. She’s a fucking knock out. Brown hair that skims her shoulders and those eyes… blue—a sparkling blue unlike any I’ve ever seen before. I’m staring at her, because again she’s stunning. I feel a hand clamp down on my shoulder and I realize Bright is talking to me or maybe about me; hell, I have no idea. My brain just short circuited.
I pull my gaze from the friend to face Bright. He chuckles.
“As I was saying, Nicole, this is Maxton. Max, this is Nicole and her roommate, Kensington,” he introduces us, still smiling.
Kensington, fuck, even her name is hot. I extend my hand first toward Nicole; she accepts my handshake. This is not normally how I would say hello. Usually, I would just acknowledge them with a nod of my head, maybe hold my drink up in greeting. However, I know if I offer my hand to Nicole first and she accepts, then the lovely Miss Kensington will feel she needs to do so as well. This means I get to touch her. I need to establish that connection for what I have planned. I offer her my hand and she takes it politely in hers. When she goes to pull away, I tug her hand to my lips and place a soft kiss on her knuckles. I pull back just as fast, and act as if nothing happened. I watch as she fidgets from one foot to the next. Not the reaction I was hoping for, but we’ve got all night. I need to give Bright tomorrow night off. He just gave me an in with a beautiful woman who has my neglected dick standing at attention.
“Ladies, it’s nice to meet you,” I finally say.
They both smile in acknowledgement at my greeting.
“I called and reserved us a table,” Bright says as he places his hand on the small of Nicole’s back and leads our little party of four to the back of the club. I follow his lead and do the same with Kensington; however, my attempt is not as well received as Bright’s. I feel her entire body become rigid at my touch. This is not what I’m used to. I’ve never had a woman act this way toward me before. It doesn’t sit well with me.
We reach the table and Bright pulls a chair out; he motions in offering to Nicole. I follow his lead and do the same. I’m a little out of my element here. This girl has only been in my presence for ten minutes tops and has me off my game. I need to regroup. I’ve never really had to work for it. I’m sure once she warms up to me, it will be game on.
We all settle in and I offer to grab us some drinks. Bright asks for a beer, and I look toward Nicole. I can feel Kensington watching me, which is why I’m making her wait until the end. “Nicole?” I say her name in question. She just shrugs and says to bring her a beer as well. I then turn my gaze on Kensington. I take in her blue eyes and high cheek bones. This chick really is a stunner. I lean in close and whisper in her ear, “What about you, what do you want?” My voice is gruff as I place a gentle kiss just below her ear. I feel her stiffen. What the fuck? It’s been a while since I’ve been out. Have I lost my touch?
“I’m actually the DD, so just a bottle of water please,” she replies, not making eye contact. She’s looking at Nicole. I watch as Nicole mouths the words “Are you okay?” Kensington nods once. If I was not so enthralled with this chick, I would have missed it.
Without another word, I stand and make my way to the bar. I order three beers and a bottle of water. Two lovely ladies dressed in clothing that leaves nothing to the imagination saunter up on either side of me. I offer the blonde a wink and she moves in closer. She runs her nails up and down my forearm. “Hey handsome,” she coos. I want to roll my eyes at her antics. Instead, I wink at her and watch as her eyes light up. It’s easy to see that if I wanted her, I could have her. I glance over my shoulder at the table and see Bright and the girls deep in conversation. I’m not sure what this girl’s issue is, but it bugs the hell out of me. I wrack my brain trying to think of if I’ve met her before. Did I sleep with her and not remember? It wouldn’t be the first time. No matter how much I like to avoid that situation, it, indeed, has happened a time or two. Her eyes pop in my head and I know if that were the case, I would remember. You don’t forget eyes like that.
The bartender passes me our drinks. I give him some cash with a hefty tip and turn to leave. Blondie stops me with her hand on my arm. “Got one of those for me?” she asks. Surely her voice isn’t naturally that low. She’s trying way too hard and my already surly mood from Kensington’s brush off isn’t earning her any extra points.
“No can do, these are already spoken for.” I hate being a dick, but sometimes it’s just the way things need to be.
I make it back to the table and pass out the drinks. Both girls are laughing at something Brighton has said and that irks me even more. I take my seat next to Kensington and she acts as if I’m not even there. The DJ says he’s going to slow things down, which prompts Bright to hold out his hand to Nicole. She doesn’t hesitate. She places her hand in his and allows him to pull her to her feet. She glances over her shoulder at us and Kensington offers her a small wave.
I stand up and offer my hand as well. Seems it’s working for Bright. My usual game doesn’t seem to affect this chick. She stares at my waiting hand, but makes no move to accept. “Dance with me?” I ask.
She studies me for what seems like hours then says, “No, thank you. I’ve had a long day. I think I’ll just sit this one out.”
I give her a nod that I understand and turn and walk away. I don’t need this shit. I don’t know what crawled up this girl’s ass, but I’m so fucking over it. I have not had a night out in months and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let this girl ruin it.
I find myself back at the bar ordering me another beer. I killed mine on the way here. The blonde and her friend are still there, still on the prowl. At this point, I don’t care. She’s offering what I need.
Release.
Maybe that’s why I’m letting this Kensington chick mess with my head. It’s been way too long since I’ve been buried deep. I catch the bartender’s attention and motion to the girls. He nods in understanding. They both move in close and thank me. “Trust me, ladies, the pleasure is all mine.” I can tell they know the score. I only need one of them. I’m not greedy. The blonde doesn’t seem to be holding a grudge from my brush off earlier. After the bartender serves their drinks, she picks it up and downs it. I follow suit and slam back the beer I just ordered. She grabs my arm and pulls to me to the dance floor.
I don’t think about how rude it was of me to leave her sitting there by herself. I don’t think about how pissed Bright is going to be that I left her there. All I think about is the warm willing female grinding against me, giving me a preview of what’s to come. The release I have been yearning for is right in front of me and that’s all I want.
MY EYES FOLLOW him as he walks away from the table. He is definitely not someone who will take me as I am. I can’t believe he’s pissed off that I didn’t want to dance. Sure I wasn’t exactly Miss Hospitality, but his cocksure attitude rubbed me the wrong way. I could tell from the moment he saw me what was running through his mind. I don’t have the time or the energy to be another notch on his bedpost. Maybe it’s just that I’m not in the best of moods today, but he’s arrogant! The blonde at the bar slides up next to him, pressing against his arm. Maxton says something to her; she smiles and licks her lips. He stands and I can’t pull my eyes away as he leads her out to the dance floor. She grinds up against him as his hands roam her body. I watch in fascination as they move to the beat. Strangers… touching, grinding, and groping as if they have been intimate for years.
I watch as his big hands glide across her back. Yes, I noticed the size of his hands. How could I not? He’s a big guy. Well over six feet tall, broad strong shoulders and chocolate brown eyes. Just because I think he’s an arrogant ass munch doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view.
I want to look away, I do, but my eyes are glued to them. Their bodies move in sync, like they’ve moved together a thousand times before. My eyes follow the muscles in his arms as her pulls her tight against his chest. The way his jeans hang, just right on his hips as they grind and roll into hers. For an instant, I envy her. I’m jealous that his hard muscular body is not grinding up on me. When Maxton turns and catches me staring, he smirks, leans down, and kisses her neck. GAH! Cocky bastard.
My envy turns to pity. I feel bad for her that she has so little self-worth that she feels like she has to offer herself on a silver platter to guys like him. Then again, who am I to judge? To each their own.
Still, the way he smirked at me, like he could read my mind, pisses me off. I hate guys who think they’re God’s gift to women. What happened to romance, to conversation, getting to know someone? Old fashioned? Maybe. However, with my past, I need that. I’m not looking for love, but I’m not opposed to it either. I just need to be able to fully trust, and that’s hard for me.
Suddenly, I feel warm breath on my ear. “Dance with me,” a deep voice rumbles. I turn my head to catch a glimpse, and the guys… not bad. He’s about six foot, dirty blond hair, and by the way his shirt is pulled tight against his arms, I can tell he’s built, although a little too preppy for my taste. I start to say no, and then I remember the look on Maxton’s face when he caught me watching. No way am I going to let him think I’m pining away for his affections. This is what I came for. To break out of the sorrow that this day holds. To continue living one day at a time. Besides, I love dancing.
“Lead the way,” I reply with a wink.
Mr. Preppy grabs my hand and leads me out to the dance floor. I get a whiff of his cologne as he pulls me against his chest. He smells good. Leaning down, he whispers in my ear. “By the way, I’m Lance,” he says in his deep voice.
Not giving him the chance to stand to his full height, I turn my head and reply, “Kensington. Nice to meet you, Lance.”
A broad smile crosses his face just as the first beats of Ginuwine’s “Pony” begins to play. His hands are on my hips as we begin to move. It only takes a few beats for us to find our rhythm. Finding the give and take of our hips. He thrusts forward; I thrust back. Lance has got some moves and I’m enjoying them. I turn, placing my back to his front, as he snakes his arms around my waist. I raise my arms in the air and wave my hands from side to side. Lance thrusts forward. Taking the hint, I grind back against him as we fall right back into rhythm in this new position.
Lost in the moment, Lance places his head in the crook of my neck. I can feel his hot breath against my already heated skin. I lean my head back against his chest, allowing him better access. I don’t know why I do it, but I open my eyes. Standing in front of me is Maxton and the girl from the bar. Her back is facing me, which means I have a direct line of site to Maxton. Our eyes lock, neither one of us willing to look away. The image of his smirk comes to my mind and I want him to know he doesn’t affect me. I want him to know what his cocky ass is missing out on. I bring my arms down behind my head and wrap them around Lance’s neck. I exaggerate the sway of my hips as I rock against him. My eyes never leave Maxton. His jaw clenches and it takes everything I have to not let the smile break across my face. Take that!
Childish behavior, yes I know. I also know that guys like him deserve a taste of their own medicine. The beat changes as My Darkest Days’ “Porn Star Dancing” blares from the speakers. Lance places his hands on my hips and spins me to face him. He pulls my body tight against his and we again find our rhythm. I don’t know if Maxton is still behind me; I don’t know if he’s watching. I do know I want to continue to give him a show. I twist my hips and bend my knees as I lower myself to the floor. My hands are resting on Lance’s hips. I hope it looks like I’m using him as my stripper pole. As I work myself back up, Lance moves in as close as he can and we sway our hips to the beat. I straddle one of his legs and just let go. I clear my head of worry and sadness. I just feel the beat of the music and enjoy holding onto the muscular arms of my dance partner.
The song ends and a slow one begins. I gently pull away from Lance and look toward the bar. I’ve managed to work up a sweat. “Let me buy you a drink,” he says over the music.
It’s so loud I nod my agreement. Lance places his hand on the small of my back and leads me to the bar. I perch myself on a stool while Lance stands behind me. He’s close; I can feel the heat radiating from him. “What can I get you?” he asks.
“Just water. Thanks.”
Holding up two fingers, he says, “Waters,” once he has the bartender’s attention.
After guzzling half of my bottle of water, I survey the crowd. I’ve lost track of Nicole and Brighton. I finally spot them heading back to our table. “Hey, I need to go check in with my friend; would you like to join me?” I ask Lance. I’m having a good time with him. He’s gorgeous and has killer moves. From what I can tell, he’s a nice guy. He has yet to make a rude comment or hit on me. He’s exactly what I needed tonight.
“Lead the way, Kens,” he says, already adopting my nickname. He’s so laid back it’s refreshing.
After making our way through the crowd, I take my seat. Lance takes one of the two empties beside me. Brighton looks up and a bright smile crosses his face. “Lance, how the hell are ya?” He holds his fist out across the table. Lance meets him in the middle and they “bump.”
“Good, man. Just working, same old same old. I haven’t seen you out much lately,” he tells Brighton.
Brighton looks at Nicole and winks, almost as if Lance is confirming what he’s been telling her for months. That he’s been busy. “Yeah, Max has been renovating the bar, hiring new staff, things like that. We’ve been knee-deep in it for the past few months. Everything is finally back up and running, so I convinced him to take a night off from it all.”
“Max is here? I haven’t seen him,” Lance comments just as Max plops down in the vacant seat between Lance and Brighton.
“Hey, man, I was just asking about you. It’s been a while,” Lance addresses Maxton. He offers up his fist, Max half-heartedly returns the gesture.
I avoid making eye contact with either of them. Instead, I turn to Nicole. She immediately starts talking about me and Lance on the dance floor.
“You two were hot!” she says. Her shoulder bumps against mine as she winks.
Before I can even answer, Maxton raises his voice. “I need another beer.” Loudly, he scoots his chair back from the table.
Good riddance, asshole!
