Текст книги "Somewhere in Between"

Автор книги: Samatha Harris

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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

“So, this is the trivia group,” Wiley said to no one in particular.

Drew set down his beer. “Pretty much. We’re missing David’s wife, Millie. Unlike the rest of us slackers, she actually has a work ethic.”

We all nodded. There was no denying that one. Millie works herself like a dog. She’s going to go crazy on maternity leave.

“Everyone has their specialty,” Drew continued. “David handles sports and European history. I handle geography and music.”

“He thinks he does,” I interrupted.

“Smart ass over here handles literature and pop culture,” he said, hooking a thumb in my direction with a smirk. “Sean is here for the beer.”

Sean put a hand on his chest, pretending to be wounded. “I’m hurt. I have a plethora of useless knowledge in my pretty little head.”

I leaned across the table to Wiley. “Useless is the keyword.”

Sean looked at me, feigning shock. “I expect this crap from him,” he said, gesturing toward Drew, “but Alex, for shame. Besides, what I lack in actual knowledge, I make up for in enthusiasm.”

“Yeah, Mr. Enthusiasm here is why we always lose. He likes to yell out the wrong answer.” I took a long drink of my beer as Sean pouted in his seat.

“Since Millie isn’t here, think you can handle fashion and movies?” David said to Wiley.

She smiled. “I will give it my best shot.”

As the night went on, Wiley turned out to be a major asset to the team. She picked up the slack by answering questions from all of our categories, including one about what animal the Canary Islands were named after. We would have had that one if Sean hadn’t jumped up and yelled, “Canaries!” FYI, it was dogs. Who knew? Well, Wiley knew, but seriously, dogs?

Between questions, I noticed Wiley watching Drew and me. I could feel her eyes on me as he pinched the skin on my hip when I wasn’t looking and again when I laid my head on his shoulder while laughing at something Sean did. At one point Drew pushed a piece of hair away from my face and smiled. To me, this gesture felt natural, something he had done a hundred times, but when I glanced at Wiley, her eyebrows looked like they were trying to escape into her hairline. I took a long swig of my beer, feeling a little self-conscious.

At the end of the night, we humbly accepted our fourth place appetizer coupon, even though there were only four teams playing. We all said goodbye to Papa Jack and filed out of the bar. I said goodbye to David as he headed to his car. Sean wrapped me in a hug and dipped me back ballroom style, kissing my cheek. I laughed, my body tightening, afraid he was going to drop me. Drew shook his head and laughed as Sean gave Wiley a goodbye hug.

Sean and Drew started talking about work, and Wiley pulled me a little away from the guys and gave me a hug.

“I was wrong,” she whispered. I pulled back, completely confused. “You don’t want him.” She smiled. I started to tell her I told you so, but she held up a finger to stop me. “You don’t just want him. You’re in love with him.”

I just stared at her. What? How could she say that? Drew was my best friend. I was not in love with him. She was crazier than I thought. She smiled, having already made her point, and walked over to Drew. She gave him a quick hug and headed out toward her car.

My mouth was still agape when Drew slung an arm around my shoulder. “You ready?” he asked. I was too stunned to speak. I nodded my head and let him lead me home.

Chapter 7

 

 

Drew (Then)

“What are you doing this weekend?” I asked, dropping down on the bench next to Red.

She turned to look at me, a pen stuck between her teeth as she reviewed her notes. Midterms were in full swing and Red was stressing about her chemistry midterm. She never worried like this about her design classes, but chem was a killer.

She took the pen out of her mouth and sighed. “Drinking.”

“That bad, huh?” I chuckled.

“Why do I need to know this? I’m not pre-med.” The frustration was written all over her beautiful face.

I picked up her notebook and looked over her complicated notes, but it just looked like code to me. “Beats me. I barely made it through myself.”

I dropped her notes back into her lap and focused back on Red. She had her textbook open in her lap, her red hair hanging down like a curtain to shield her face as she read. I reached out, tucking the soft waves behind her ear, and froze when I realized what I had just done. The gesture was small, but intimate.

I waited for her to react, but she was so engrossed in her last minute study session that she didn’t seem to notice. I instantly relaxed, scolding myself for the involuntary slip up. If I kept doing shit like that, I would just end up chasing her away. She had gotten under my skin in a way no other girl had, and I wasn’t about to screw it up.

I sat up straight and tried changing the subject to distract myself from the need to touch her again. “So, how was your date?” I forced a smile. The thought of her going out with that douche made me crazy, but we were friends and friends talked about that kind of stuff.

“My what?” Her eyebrows pulled down, confusion spreading across her face. She was so distracted, I didn’t think she heard me.

“Your date. Didn’t you go out with that guy from the party?”

“Peter? I had to cancel. This exam has made me a nervous wreck all week and I didn’t have time.” She dismissively waved her hand before focusing back on the book in her lap.

I bit my lip to keep my smile from spreading. I was ecstatic that she had blown him off, but I was keeping that shit to myself.

She looked at her watch and slammed her book shut. “Shit! I gotta go. I’m going to be late.”

I got to my feet and helped her gather her notes. She headed toward the science building and I ran to catch up to her. “Meet me at the Brew after, okay? We can celebrate the end of exams.”

She sighed. “Okay, but I may need something stronger than coffee.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I winked, watching as she headed into the building.

***

Red dropped into the armchair next to me, letting out a long breath. I closed my book and looked at her. She sunk down into the chair, dropped her head back, and looked up at the ceiling. Her eyes were a little wild.

“So, how did it go?” I asked.

“Thank God that’s over,” she said.

I handed her a coffee cup.

“Thanks.” She took a long sip, then choked, almost spraying liquid all over me. “Gah! What is this?” She coughed.

“Something stronger.” I grinned.

She laughed and took another sip. “Why did you want to know what I was doing this weekend?” She sank deeper into the chair, seeming slightly more relaxed.

“I wanted to see if you were up for a road trip.”

“A road trip? With you?” Her eyes widened.

“You can try to sound a little less horrified.” I chuckled. She started to say something, but I stopped her. “Sean is coming too.”

“Is that supposed to be better?” she asked. “Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“Home? Like, to see your family?”

“Yeah.” I took a sip of my coffee, the warm, sweet taste filling my mouth.

“Why do you want me to come?”

I blinked, a little surprised by her reaction. “I figured you could use a chance to blow off some steam, have some fun.”

“With your family?”

“Yes, with my family.” I narrowed my eyes at her. I knew she’d been feeling disconnected since her parents died. I figured spending time with my family would be just what the doctor ordered. Her reluctance to go surprised me.

She stared at me, searching my face for something. “Aren’t they going to think…?”

“Think what? We’re friends, Red. I bring Sean home with me and no one thinks we’re dating.”

“You guys do make a cute couple.” She giggled. Good. Giggling was good.

“Come on, it will be fun. They will all think you’re too good for me anyway.” I shot her a wink.

She smirked and considered it for a moment. “Okay. Yeah, I’m in!”

***

“I gotta take a piss,” Sean said from the back seat. We were only an hour into the three hour trip.

“Jesus dude, you have the bladder of a gnat,” I said, flipping on the blinker to take the next exit.

Red sat next to me in the front seat, her long legs curled under her as she read quietly, ignoring Sean’s whining.

“Look, man, we have two more hours. This is the last stop.”

I pulled off the highway and into the nearest gas station. It was a little run-down. No doubt the bathroom would be less than sanitary. I guess crabs would be his punishment for a small bladder.

Sean took off for the bathroom as soon as we parked. Red and I got out to stretch our legs. She leaned against the hood, watching Sean disappear into what was basically a glorified outhouse.

“What are they like?” she asked without looking at me.

“Who? My family?” I took a seat on the hood next to her.

“Yeah.” She looked down at her hands, nervously picking at the skin around her fingers.

“They’re great. You’ll love them.”

“I’m sure, but will they like me?” She finally looked at me, and I was a little shocked to see the genuine fear in her eyes. My stomach clenched. This trip was supposed to make her happy, to give her a chance to relax, but it seemed like it was just stressing her out more.

“Are you kidding? Of course they will. Is that what you have been worrying about?”

She shrugged her shoulders and looked away.

“Red, you’re worrying about this too much. If they’re cool with Sean,” I pointed a finger toward where he emerged from the bathroom, “then you’re good.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been surrounded by family, anyone’s family.” The sadness in her voice made my chest hurt.

Determined to get her to relax, I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and led her back to the passenger side of the car. “Trust me, Red, they’ll love you.” I didn’t doubt it for a second.

We pulled into my parent’s driveway a few hours and three more stops later. I felt like I was going to end up killing Sean on the way back. I was sure Red would help me bury the body in the woods somewhere.

I got out of the car and glanced up at the old, two-story house I grew up in. The paint on the siding was faded and peeling in some places, but it looked cheerful, as usual, with its bright red shutters and Mom’s garden so full of life and color even at this time of year. Dad must have been keeping it up for her since it’s been hard for her lately.

I took a deep breath. Home.

I grabbed me and Red’s bags from the trunk and stepped up on the porch. I was about to reach for the doorknob when it turned and opened.

“Mom,” I said a wide smile spreading across my face.

She opened the screen door and stepped out, reaching for my face with a tired smile. She was thinner than the last time I saw her. Her fingers were cold against my face, but her eyes told me that Mom was still somewhere inside that tiny frame. The green scarf I got her for Christmas was wrapped artfully around her head.

Mom had been diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago. She had already been through two surgeries and five rounds of chemo. Her body was frail and slowly giving out, but her spirit never broke. She was a fighter and the strongest person that I’ve ever known.

I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing her against my chest, wishing I could keep her safe if I just held her close enough. I reluctantly let her go and turned to see Red standing on the steps behind me, eyes wide. I should’ve told her about Mom’s diagnosis, but I couldn’t figure out a way to say it.

Sean bounded past her. “Hey, Mom.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek as he headed into the house. Sean had been a part of the family for years now. That is how we Collins work. Once we claim you, you’re ours for life. I just wished I could get Red to understand that. I hoped inviting her home with me would help to convince her.

After Sean disappeared, Mom, Red, and I stood awkwardly on the porch. I cleared my throat, gesturing for Red to come closer. “Mom, this is Red.”

Red shook her head at the mention of my nickname for her, extending her hand to Mom. “Alex,” she said as mom took her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Collins.

“Oh please, that makes me sound old. Call me Emma.” Mom smiled. “Well, come on in and meet everyone.”

Mom waved her fragile arm toward the door. I picked up our bags and followed Mom into the house with Red following close behind.

As soon as I stepped inside, my childhood rushed back to me. I was lucky. We weren’t rich, but we had enough. My dad owned a bar not too far from home and Mom was a second grade teacher until the cancer progressed too far for her to keep working. Dad worked a lot, but he always made it home for dinner before heading back to the bar every night.

I headed into the kitchen, walking past family photos from over the years of David and me with missing teeth, grinning like idiots. There was one with Dad, David, and me after our little league team won the regional championship. Dad was wearing his world’s best coach hat the team pulled together and bought for him and David and I were in our uniforms holding baseball gloves the size of our heads.

I didn’t realize I had stopped walking until Red said, “You were so cute. What happened?” I smiled and nudged her with my elbow. She giggled and followed me to the back porch.

The backyard looked exactly the same. Mom’s vegetable garden lined the fence on the right side of the yard and our tire swing still hung from the only tree. David and I wanted so badly to build a tree house, but the old oak tree only had one limb strong enough to carry a weight. Dad said we would break our necks and hung the tire swing as a compromise.

There was a small deck just big enough for a patio set and the grill. For years Mom tried to convince Pop to move the grill off the deck because, with a good wind, we all ended up with a face full of smoke, but he said he was the head of this family and would be damned before he was banished from the deck.

Everyone was sitting around the patio table, talking, when Red and I approached them. “Well, look who finally showed up,” David said as he slipped his arm around his girlfriend, Millie. “You were supposed to be here an hour ago.”

I held my hands up. “Don’t blame me. Sean had to pee every five minutes.”

I dropped a hand on my dad’s shoulder. “Hey there, Pop.”

He placed his giant paw over my hand and gave me an affectionate pat. Jack Collins was not a cold man, but he was not much of a hugger.

“Who do we have here?” David asked, nodding toward Red.

Everyone turned their attention toward her and her cheeks began to turn pink. I’d never seen her blush before. It was cute. It seemed to bring her entire face to life.

“This is my girlfriend, Alex,” Sean said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

“In your dreams. I-I mean, I’m not,” she said as she fought against her natural instinct to be sarcastic.

I laughed. “Relax, Red. No one here believes anything Sean says.”

Mom came out of the house with a couple of beers. She handed them to Red and me before taking a seat on the arm of Pop’s chair. He wrapped an arm protectively around her waist, pulling her in tight against his side. Mom’s diagnosis was hard on all of us, but it was devastating to him. He hid it well, but we could see the toll her illness was taking on him.

I took a sip of my beer and started the introductions. “The big guy there is my Pop. We call him Papa Jack.” Pop nodded at Red with a smile, which she returned. “This is my brother, David, and his girlfriend, Millie.” They both smiled and waved at her. “He is older and maybe a tad wiser, but I am definitely better looking.” I winked and Red giggled, waving back at Millie and David.

We sat down, easily joining in on the conversation. After a while, Red started to loosen up and really enjoy herself. It felt right to have her here. She was easily fitting into my family’s rhythm, which was both amazing and terrifying at the same time.

We ordered pizza, ate, and laughed ‘til long after the sun went down. Papa Jack got up and lit the citronella torches surrounding the deck to keep the bugs at bay. When he was back in his seat, David got to his feet, hitting his fraternity ring on the side of his beer bottle to get everyone’s attention.

“I have an announcement to make.” He paused, waiting for all of us to get quiet. “Millie and I are getting married.” He looked happily down at Millie, who beamed back at him.

We all jumped and cheered. “It’s about time,” I said, looking at mom, who had tears in her eyes as she stood to embrace them both.

Papa Jack shook David’s hand. A smile spread wide across his face. “You don’t deserve her.”

“I know, Pop,” David said, kissing Millie’s hair.

We all took turns congratulating them, and soon Mom and Millie were heading into the house to look at Mom and Papa Jack’s wedding pictures. Papa Jack took the empty pizza boxes inside. Sean and David followed behind with plates, while Red and I gathered the empty beer bottles.

“Why does Jack think David doesn’t deserve Millie?” Red asked me, her hands full of empty bottles.

I laughed. She furrowed her brow at my reaction, looking even more confused. I grabbed another bottle and tossed it into the recycling bin just off the deck before turning to face her. “He doesn’t actually think that.”

“Then why say it?”

I looked out into the yard and did my best to explain. “When we were kids, Mom always told us that when we fall in love, we should never stop trying to be the man that she deserved. Papa Jack just likes to remind us to be that man.”

When I looked back at Red, she had tears in her eyes. The look on her face made me desperate to pull her close, but I resisted.

“I hope I can find someone to love me like that,” she said, her voice low and hoarse as she fought back the tears. I gave her a sad smile, hoping someday I could be that man.

Chapter 8

 

 

Alex (Now)

Friday afternoon, I walked into the office with an arm load of wallpaper samples and coffee. I wasn’t two steps into my office when I almost collided with Wiley.

“You’re avoiding me,” she said. She folded her arms across her chest, letting me know I was in trouble.

“No, I’m not. Madeline has me slammed with errands for tonight.” I breezed past her to drop the samples on my desk.

“This is about what I said at the bar.” She leaned a hand on my desk.

“What? Of course not.” I was getting good at playing dumb. Too bad Wiley was getting better at figuring that out.

She straightened up and let out a frustrated sigh. “Look, I get that you want to be in denial.”

I started to protest. It wasn’t denial. It was avoidance. There is a difference. She held up a hand, her fingers splashed with a deep purple paint. “I will drop it, but let me just say one more thing.” She took a deep breath. “It’s obvious you have feelings for him that extend beyond friendship.” I opened my mouth again, but she lifted her chin, warning me that she wasn’t finished. “But it’s just as obvious that he feels the same way about you.” With that, she turned on her heel and walked away.

What was with that woman dropping bombs like that on me, then walking away? I love Wiley. Really, I do. We’re night and day different, but no matter what, she has my back. God bless her for that, but this was nuts! She only met Drew once. Only saw us together once. Talk about a snap judgment. Yeah, of course she’s heard all about our shenanigans over the years, but that isn’t much to go on.

I dropped in my chair as Gwen stomped down the hallway toward me, bringing me out of my thoughts and back to reality. Her stomping was like a warning sign. It always made me think of the theme music for the wicked witch of the west. Ooh, I should make that her ringtone. Previously, I had the shower music from Psycho. Nah. Drew always said go with your gut.

Gwen stomped to her desk and grabbed her bag. “I’m off to get my hair done. Madeline said you can go.” She headed for the door, but stopped short, turning back to face me. She looked me over, her face twisting into a scowl. “You’ll need the extra time to get ready for tonight.”

It took everything I had not to lunge at her and rip her trashy extensions from her head. She sauntered away. I could hear her stomping all the way out the front door. God, I hate that bitch!

I grabbed my bag, keys, and my phone and flipped the office line to voicemail. I just hit the street when my phone made that familiar ping, ping noise.

Drew: Got a car to pick us up. Meet at our place at 7.

 

I typed back a quick okay and hurried home. I was determined to look so hot tonight the silicone stuffed hag’s head would explode.

I spent the next two hours curling, brushing, primping, and painting every inch of my body. I broke out the heavy duty Spanx that held down the bad and pushed up all the good.

I slipped into my nude four inch stilettos with the little crystals covering the heel. I double checked my face to make sure my makeup was perfect. I went with soft golds on my eyes with a thick cat eye liner and finished it off with ruby red lips.

When everything seemed to be in place, I slipped into my dress. It felt incredible. This dress was amazing. The cream colored silk made my skin glow, and the lace felt so delicate against my shoulders. When I looked into the mirror, I saw a different woman looking back at me.

I clasped an antique pearl and gold bracelet around my wrist and placed a small matching comb in my hair above my right ear. The set belonged to my grandmother. My mother had given it to me when I graduated from high school. I felt close to her every time I wore it.

I had my ears double pierced, so I paired small diamond studs that were a Christmas gift from Drew with a pair of pearl and gold chandelier earrings. After one last check in the mirror, I grabbed my crystal clutch and stuffed in my keys, ID, and phone. Then I headed out to meet Drew.

It was starting to cool off a bit as I walked toward our place at the center of the square. I thought about going back up to my apartment to get a wrap. Just as I started to turn back, I saw Drew heading toward me and I stopped in my tracks. I’ve seen Drew in a tux before, but this was different. My breath hitched as I took him in. He looked incredible in a classic black tuxedo. The slim cut jacket hugged his broad shoulders and highlighted his narrow waist. He was gorgeous, and I was completely mesmerized.

I blinked, trying to clear my head. This wasn’t right. I wasn’t supposed to react to Drew that way. I mentally slapped myself, chanting get it together in my head as he approached. He stopped just in front of me and our eyes met. I couldn’t look away. I had no idea how much time passed, but it had to have been a while.

He cleared his throat. “You look unbelievable, Red.”

“So do you,” I said, stumbling on my words, desperately trying not to sound as breathless and shaky as I felt.

He stepped closer and offered me his arm. “Shall we?”

My cheeks heated as a shy smile stretched across my face. I took his arm and let him lead me toward the waiting car. As I slid into the plush leather seat, Drew shut my door behind me, walking around to get in the other side. I took the moment to take a deep breath.

You’re being ridiculous Alex. You have been waiting for this night for years. Don’t ruin it by letting your sex-starved hormones take over. This is Drew, granted the hottest version, but still the crazy asshole who spent most of his senior year with a purple mohawk! You do not have feelings for him! Your body is just reacting to an attractive man! It’s not a big deal.

I forced a smile as Drew slid in next to me, praying my pep talk would work and I could just enjoy the rest of the night.

***

We pulled up outside the Museum of Art & Culture. The Museum was housed in an old stone building in the heart of downtown. The building itself was so big it took up almost a full city block. Out front, a red carpet spanned the entire width of the large stone steps that led up to the open doors. Colorful banners emblazoned with the words ‘Rags & Riches Gala’ draped each side of the entrance, lit from below, giving the entrance a grand, unearthly feel.

Drew opened the car door and held out his hand to help me get out of the car. I slipped my hand into his, ignoring the way my body instantly warmed from the touch. As we ascended the stairs, Drew kept a hold on my hand, guiding me through the crowd.

When we finally made it through the front doors, the room opened up to a cavernous space elegantly lit and decorated in rich jewel tones. Each table was set with a kaleidoscope of color, from the table cloths and lighting to the silk fabric draped across the ceiling. It was completely breathtaking.

Votive candles in crystal holders flickered over every available surface. The room sparkled as the soft light bounced off the gold plates and flatware, artfully arranged at each table. Crystal goblets edged with gold leaf tossed fractured patterns of the delicate light across the tables. I had never seen such a beautiful room in my life.

Drew and I were approached by an usher dressed in a deep red waist coat. We gave him our names and he nodded before leading us to our table, which was set with a dark gold table cloth. I couldn’t remember the name of the jewel the color represented—citrus something or other—but it was gorgeous. The center piece, set on a tall, narrow gold pillar, was amazing. Cream roses, sunflowers, and stalks of wheat burst from the center of the table. Wheat seemed like an odd choice for a floral arrangement, but it worked.

Drew pulled out my chair and I took a seat, setting my clutch on the table next to me. There were a few people already seated, one of which was Drew’s boss, Gabe, and his wife. I met them the year before at the Christmas party his company threw. We chatted with them for a bit before Drew focused his attention on me.

“Bar?”

“Yes, please.”

I smiled, grabbed my clutch, and pushed back my chair. Drew and I excused ourselves, nodding politely to Gabe and his wife. Drew took my hand and placed it in the crook of his elbow as he guided me through the crowded ballroom. The room was overwhelming and people were everywhere. Some I recognized, some I didn’t.

When we reached the bar, Drew ordered me a glass of champagne and I turned to scan the crowd. I saw Madeline working her way toward us, her long, plum colored gown flaring out behind her. She threw her arms open, a smile spreading wide across her lips. Was she drunk?

I smiled back at her as she finally reached me, grasping both my arms tightly before pulling me into an awkward hug. My boss is a very proper and elegant woman. She’s always strictly business, so I was completely floored when she embraced me.

“Alexandra, you look stunning,” she gushed, leaning in to kiss my cheeks.

“Uh,” I stammered, completely caught off guard. “As do you, Ms. Grant.”

“Please, we are not in the office. Call me Madeline.” She waved a hand, dismissing the formality. Her eyes widened as Drew stepped beside me and handed me my glass. Madeline glanced between us, pursing her lips and nodding her approval.

“Madeline, this is Andrew Collins,” I said.

“Drew,” he clarified, shaking her extended hand.

“Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Drew,” Madeline said, her eyes roaming over him from top to bottom like he was a life-size chocolate sculpture. Yep, she was drunk.

I took a sip of champagne to hide my giggle, eyeing the actual life-size chocolate sculpture that stood across the room. I would have to get a closer look at that later on. Damn, I should have brought a bigger purse.

“Alexandra has told me so much about you.” Madeline placed a hand to her chest, toying with the insane diamond pendant nestled there. I was impressed she wasn’t hunched over from the sheer size of the thing. Madeline was hammered and flirting with Drew. It was quite the show.

Drew retreated closer to my side, placing his hand on the small of my back. “Well, I’m sure only half of it is true.”

An awkward smile spread across his face. His eyes shifted to mine, begging me to save him from my inebriated boss. I bit my lip to suppress a giggle.

Madeline giggled. “Oh nonsense.” She placed a hand on his arm. Totally sauced.

“Can I get you a drink, Madeline?” Drew asked, clearly looking for an escape.

“Champagne, please,” she said with a brilliant smile. As he turned back to the bar to get her drink, she leaned in to me. “He is delicious, darling. Well done. Best to hide him from Gwen.” She winked. Drunk Madeline was my new favorite person! I immediately started devising a plan to start slipping Kahlua into her morning coffee.

I heard the telltale stomp before I saw her. The sound stopped just behind me and a chill ran up my spine.

“Alex,” Gwen said. I could hear the irritation in her voice, and I could feel her cold glare on the back of my neck.

I took a deep breath, slowly turning to face her. I was met with an eyeful of exposed breast. Holy shit! There was more boob out of her dress than there was in it. I swear it looked like the fabric was doing everything it could not to just rip open. I couldn’t look at her face if I wanted to. My eyes were locked on her boobs. She might as well have come topless.

Gwen shifted, pushing her breasts even further up, causing me to take an involuntary step back. For a moment I thought they were going to attack. She must have noticed Drew and aimed her torpedoes in his direction.

Gwen flipped her extensions over her shoulder as Drew approached. With a smile, he handed Madeline her glass and turned to address our new arrival. Poor bastard never had a chance. All he saw were breasts. It was a direct hit, with no chance of survival. I couldn’t blame him. Hell, I couldn’t look her in the face either.

To his credit, he eventually snapped back to himself and looked up at her face. “Hi, I’m Drew,” he stammered, extending his hand to Gwen. She took it and stepped closer, almost pressing herself against him. She practically shoved me out of the way, pretending not to notice that I was standing right fucking there!

Gwen’s eyes ran up and down Drew like a predator inspecting her prey. “A pleasure, I’m sure,” she said in her best breathy Marilyn Monroe voice. Oh come on, was she for real?

Without breaking eye contact or even releasing Drew’s hand, she said, “Nice dress, Alex.”