The apartment was an open plan, but quirky loft, and currently filled with a flamboyant crowd of semi-formal dressed guests. Xavier’s taste in 80s music drifted across the high ceilings of the room. Loud enough to make it a party; quiet enough to still hear our conversation as we moved into the space.
Jen joined us. A flute of champagne in her hand as she mouthed hello in my direction and then eyed Aiden with a subtle raise of her eyebrows, recognizing him from the bar.
“Oooh, a blender,” Xavier smiled as I handed him the box with a bow on it. “I broke my last one so this is perfect.”
I laughed. “How did you break your last one?”
“Too many margaritas,” he said, adding the blender to the other gifts sitting on a nearby table. He then clapped his hands together as he looked between everyone. “So. Introductions?”
We were momentarily interrupted as two more people walked through the open front door. Seb and Dean.
“That elevator is fucking terrifying,” Seb said with a heavy sigh, closing the door behind them. He opted to dress in a burnt orange graphic T-shirt.
Dean was only half paying attention to their conversation. He had spotted me already as he rolled up the sleeves of his black button-up shirt. I was beginning to think he had a problem with doing up his top two buttons, not that I minded.
My pulse thrummed when they joined us. Now that we were with friends, I wasn’t entirely sure how I was meant to act around or with Dean. As if he sensed that, he casually brushed the back of his fingers to mine, and I felt the tension in my shoulders ease.
Kira smiled sympathetically at Seb. “I thought our elevator ride was scary too."
“See?” Seb gestured to her as he looked at Dean. “I’m not the only one.”
Dean only shook his head, a faint smile on his lips as he rubbed his temple.
Aiden pulled Kira into his side, his hand curving around her ribs as he smiled at Seb. Nothing about the expression looked sincere. “You’re one of the fighters, right?”
“Probably shouldn’t say that so loud, but yeah,” Seb smiled genuinely. “I’m Seb and this is—”
“Romeo,” Aiden nodded confidently. “I know who he is.”
Dean cleared his throat. “It’s Dean... Romeo is a nickname.”
The smug look on Aiden’s face wavered. “Oh, yeah obviously. I knew that. I just didn’t think you wanted these people to know your true identity.”
Dean deadpanned as he raised a brow. “I work with these people. They know my name.”
When Seb pressed his lips together and turned away, I looked down. I knew if we made eye contact, the contagious amusement in his eyes would get the better of me too.
“Speaking of these people,” Xavier interrupted. “Quick introductions, and then I’m taking you all on a tour of the place.”
Dean and I were at the back of the group as we meandered through the apartment. We walked so that our arms barely touched, and when they did, he acted like it was completely normal, feigning interest in what Xavier was saying, and simultaneously giving me heart palpitations.
I hadn’t listened to a word Xavier said either. I was too nervous to pay attention, even when I reminded myself there was no need to be. It’s not like anyone was forcing me to have sex with Dean then and there.
That would make for an interesting way to christen the apartment... Trying to rid that thought and Roxy's words from my head didn't work until the tour ended in the kitchen. Where Jen began asking if everyone wanted some red wine. She stepped into her bartending habits as we gathered around the large white stone bench in the center of the kitchen. Everyone but Dean accepted a drink. He explained he was Seb’s designated driver.
At least for me, the wine would ease my anxiety. But it wouldn’t make the problem go away.
My problem.
Kira’s voice interrupted my train of thought as she spoke softly to Aiden, standing adjacent to Dean and me.
“Maybe you should have some water instead,” she suggested gently.
Aiden muttered back, “I’ll drink what I want.”
When Dean braced his forearms on the counter beside me, his arm brushing against mine, my attention snapped to him before he caught me staring into space and eavesdropping. I was jumpy and anxious, but none of it was because of him.
I offered him a small smile. At the same time, Aiden began sharing his ideas with the group about starting a podcast. But, again, I tuned out.
