Chapter 36
Eden
“I can’t believe you’re dressed like a cowgirl,” Cori says to Selene, who is in a short denim skirt, a black denim shirt tied around her waist with blue fringe, and a blue cowboy hat. She has blue cowboy boots to match. She even has a scarf tied around her neck.
“Just because you two are in boring black dresses doesn’t mean I need to be.” Selene grabs her compact and fluffs out her hair. “I’m in my Beyoncé era.” She points to herself in the mirror and sings, “You’re such a diva.”
“You look ridiculous,” Cori giggles.
I snicker, but I disagree.
“At least I don’t look like Morticia One and Morticia Two,” Selene replies while she points at both of us.
“I was just about to say I think you look fabulous, but I take that back.”
“You can’t take it back. I do look fabulous.”
Our driver stops in front of the club and opens the door for us. Rip insisted on sending someone to pick us up. It was the same guy who drove us home last month, and he smirked when he saw us.
I also thought it would take more convincing to get my friends to come back, but they agreed before I could even finish speaking. I think the idea of drinking and eating for free was appealing enough for them to forget about the trauma we endured last month.
“We are getting the VIP treatment,” Cori yells as we’re led to the side entrance. The same door we were escorted out of last time. “This boyfriend of yours is working out great for me and Selene.” She bumps her shoulder against mine.
“Hey!” I hear a familiar voice yell. “Eden Rose, you man-stealing whore.”
I turn in time to see Lexi running toward us, but our driver and two other security guards intercede.
One tells us to follow him, but I hear Lexi say, “Watch your back, bitch!”
We’re in a secluded table off to the side, for thirty minutes before I see Rip. When I notice everyone clearing a path, I know they are doing it to let him pass. Besides, he’s taller than everyone else, and I have the pleasure of watching him walk to us. Well, to me.
This big, scary man, who has all of Shadow Cove in a chokehold, is walking toward me. Our eyes lock when he gets closer, and he winks at me. He slides into our booth, pulls me close, and kisses my temple. I feel myself blush.
He looks at my friends but says nothing. He doesn’t so much as smile at them. Cori and Selene smile, but it’s not returned.
“Hi, Rip,” Cori says.
He nods, and that’s it.
“I guess we can forgive you for scaring the shit out of us last month,” Selene says with a giggle.
Rip remains stoic, ignoring my friend and turning back to me.
“Okay, then. Let’s go dance.” Selene slides out of the booth and pulls Cori with her to the dance floor.
Putting a finger underneath my chin, Rip plants a soft kiss on my lips.
“Do you dance?” I ask.
He winks but doesn’t answer.
“Will you dance? With me?”
I try to push him out of the booth. He grins, making him look boyish and playful. That’s a side of him that never comes out, so I push him again.
“Don’t sprain your wrist. I’ll get mad if you hurt yourself,” he warns.
“You’ll get mad at me for getting hurt?”
