“You know, I’m finding it incredibly difficult to read you right now. I don’t know what you want,” I tell him.
“What Iwantis for you to get out of my face and leave me alone. Go and be with your buddies and don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself and I certainly don’t need a babysitter.”
Without another word, he turns on his feet and walks away from me. I open my mouth to say something but change my mind. Although, I have to admit, seeing Dylan Lewis all worked up and angry like this is kinda hot. And it makes him sexy-as-hell. When he’s out of my vision, I turn and start heading toward the bar. When I arrive, Monica already has a drink waiting for me. I’ve set up a tab for the night, and judging by the way the evening has already started, I know it’s going to be a long one with lots of alcohol involved. I grab the first shot off the counter and down it in one gulp, then I order another from the guy behind the bar. He slides another shot across the counter, and I down that one just as quickly as the first.
“Hey, you better slow down. We have a long night ahead of us,” Monica warns.
“Don’t remind me. And what’s with this crap music?”
Ignoring her warning, I grab another shot from the bartender, then I slowly make my way toward the DJ. I instruct him to play a different song and change the mood of the evening. He acknowledges me with a nod, and then I walk away, headingback to the bar where Monica and the boys are in a roar of laughter about something. This time I order a gin and tonic from the bartender, and when he slides it in front of me, Jerry, one of my coworkers, gives me a questioning look.
“That’s your … fourth drink, and you haven’t even been here five minutes yet.”
“But who’s counting, right? And have we forgotten that this is a party? So let’s all stop being the alcohol police and have a great time,” I yell above the music, taking a sip of my drink.
With my drink in hand, I move away from the bar, deciding that I probably should slow down on the liquor. I look around the venue, trying to find Dylan, but there are so many people around and the lights are dimmed, making it almost impossible for me to see anything. I move my way through the crowd as best I can and when I finally make it to the other side of the venue, I take a seat on one of the leather chairs and enjoy the rest of my drink. And just as I’m taking another sip of my gin and tonic, a deep baritone addresses me.
After spending the last two-and-a-half hours mingling and pretending like I give a shit about everyone, I’m in serious need of another drink. I lost count after my third round of bourbon, or was it my fourth? I don’t know. But one thing’s for sure, with the amount of alcohol I’ve consumed, I’m definitely having a merry old time at this party.
“Hello, Liam.”
Fuck. No, please just leave me alone.
“Great party.”
Damian Matthews, the head of IT, takes a seat beside me on one of the vacant chairs. Even at work, I do my absolute best to ignore the guy because he’s a total sleazeball. He’s been hitting on me for years, even though I’ve told him countless times that I’m not interested and that he needs to leave me the fuck alone. Taking the opportunity, I get to my feet and attempt to leave, when he stands directly in front of me, blocking my exit.
“Where are you going so fast?”
“Well, this is a party, and a work function. I need to mingle with the other guests,” I reply, flatly.
“But you haven’t even said hello to me.”
“Hi,” I say, half-heartedly, and attempt another getaway but he blocks me again.
“Can I help you with something, Damian?”
“I suppose you could start by buying me a drink.”
“Drinks are free,” I tell him.
“Oh. Well, perhaps a dance then?”
“I’m not really in the mood for dancing right now. Maybe later.”
I try to make another run for it, but despite all my efforts, he has me cornered again.
“Why do I get the feeling that you’re trying to avoid me?”
“Is that what I’m doing?” I reply, sarcastically. “Like I said, this is a party and I have to entertain my guests.”
“Why are you always ignoring me at work? The only time you ever talk to me is if I call your desk phone or send an email.”
“The workplace isn’t a place for socializing. We’re there to do a job, not sit around all day and chitchat. Now if you don’t mind, Damian, I really do have to get back to my guests.”
He continues to block my escape, and I’m starting to get really tired of this guy, very quickly.
“I’ve worked hard all year and you don’t even acknowledge my work, yet I always see emails about employees being praised for their work. I’ve worked for your company for three years, Liam, and not once have you appreciated anything I’ve done for you.”
