“Where’s that boss of yours?” he asks. “I want to thank him.”
“You’re not drinking, are you?” I ask, pointing to the glass in his hand.
“Nope. It’s soda. I’m driving someone pretty special. I’d never risk her life.”
“Hmph.”
“Did you eat? The food is amazing.”
“No, but if you want to leave now, I’m fine with skipping it,” I reply. My eyes roam in search of the buffet I saw in his pic earlier. Free food that’s not frozen from my microwave sounds incredible, but not if he wants to go. That sounds better.
“I need a few more minutes. Come on, let’s get you some dinner.”
Finn hands me a glass of champagne off a tray as we pass and I drink it a little faster than I should. All these people make me incredibly nervous. The buffet is next to a large dance floor and I’m surprised when I see Gloria from accounting busting a move. I didn’t know she liked to dance. It makes me wonder what else I don’t know about her. Rotating my head, I notice several people from accounting and they all seem to be enjoying themselves. Hmm, I thought they were quiet introverts like me. They sure don’t seem that way tonight.
Finn gets me a plate and proceeds to point out all the stuff he ate and how good it was.
A leggy redhead taps him on the shoulder. “You promised me…” she sings, grabbing ahold of his hand and pulling him forward. My eyes squint into tiny slits as I study her.
“Will you excuse me?” Finn asks. “I promised Carly a dance.”
I shrug and motion to the dance floor, watching her lead him willingly and still holding his hand. They’re playing some techno dance song that I’ve never heard. Sitting at the nearest empty table I can find, a waiter passes by and I grab another glass of champagne. I sip it as I observe Finn whispering in Carly’s ear. She laughs and touches his arm before they start to move to the music.
My mouth goes slack and I rub the back of my neck as I watch them. Finn is an incredible dancer. He moves like a professional and somehow Carly manages to keep up with him. They’re both equally attractive and talented. I can’t dance to save my life. The floor clears around them and people are clapping and cheering them on.
Fanning myself with my hand then my napkin, I wonder why I feel so warm. Is it hot in here today or what? I chug what’s left of my drink as I stare at Finn. I can’t look away. He just started working here, yet he knows more people than I do.
He’s doing some pretty amazing things with his body out there and the girls can’t get enough of him. They say people fuck the way they dance. If this is true, Finn is fantastic in bed. My thighs tighten as the thought enters my mind. I take another drink from my glass. I haven’t even touched my food.
The bitch has her hands all over him, like she’s claiming him. What a skank. I take two bites of some pasta and moan softly at how it melts in my mouth. Food is life. I glance down at my plate and move a few things around with my fork, attempting to focus on the food rather than Finn.
Is this jealousy I’m feeling? No… Why would I be jealous? We’re not even friends. I don’t even like him.
He’s obviously in his element. You can tell the attention doesn’t bother him at all. Even though I don’t want to look, I can’t help but stare again. They move perfectly together. She’s not just pretty; she’s beautiful, and they look like they’re a couple. I hate myself for watching them like a voyeur so I chug what’s left of my drink.
Abandoning my plate, I make my way to the bar and take a glass of wine sitting alone on a serving platter. I don’t know who it belongs to, and I don’t care. After a few more minutes and another song, I feel oddly at ease with my surroundings. Not wanting to see Finn and his girl toy, I refuse to turn around again.
The next song ends and soon after, he approaches me from behind.
“Did you finish eating already? Are you ready to go?” he questions.
Clearing my throat and clenching my teeth I ask, “How was your dance?” It comes out in a snarky growl, just as I intended.
His head twists slightly as he regards me and licks his lips. “It was okay. How’s your drink?” he asks, pointing toward it.
“It looked more than okay to me,” I say, taking another large gulp. “How come you’re not still out there with her? It’s a slow song. You could be all up in her business.”
He huffs out a small laugh, straightening his tie. “I don’t want to be all up in her anything.”
“Why not? You’re always all up in mine? Always telling me what to do and asking me questions and shit. It’s so dumb,” I add sarcastically, not making eye contact.
He leans his back on the bar to face me. I can feel him studying me and I roll my eyes. “Stop staring at me.”
“I can’t help myself. I don’t usually get to look at you while I’m driving and I’m taking advantage of the moment.”
Facing him, I feel the liquid courage building within me. “Then get your fill. Take a good look.” Turning slowly, I make sure he can see me from all angles. His eyes darken. The way he’s staring creates goose bumps up and down my arms. He notices me shiver and uses the back of his fingers to stroke my skin.
“Are you cold? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a sweater.”
