She squeals again, practically vibrating with excitement. “What’s the plan?”
My gaze flicks back to him, and my stomach flutters when I find him still looking my way. I turn back to Ker. “He told me to be on my best behavior.”
The most devious smirk lifts her lips. “Are you going to?” Leave it to Kerrigan to immediately think of being a brat. “If you want his attention, I say do the opposite.”
I’m torn between behaving and doing whatever it takes to bring him back out of the shadows. He says I’m not ready for whatever comes next, but there’s only one way to truly find out.
Oh God. This will either be the best or worst thing I’ve ever done.
Grabbing Ker’s hand, I drag her away from the crowd and tables, feeling his eyes on me the entire time. I pull her toward one of the mobile bars set up in the corner. If I’m going to step out of my shell, I need some liquid courage.
We each order two shots—mine of vodka and hers of water. One of us has to stay on our A game tonight forthis event in case anyone needs anything. Downing them both, I welcome the warmth and confidence that follow.
“You got this.” Kerrigan grabs my shoulders and cheers me on with a gleam of pride in her eyes.
I nod sharply and force out a quick breath. When I stride forward, she slaps my ass as I head over to a standing table, where a few guys are hanging out—the same group that was flirting with me at the beginning of the night.
All four give me their full attention as I approach, turning to face me.
“Are you guys enjoying yourselves?”
For a split second, I wonder if this path is disastrous for many reasons. Maybe these guys won’t even talk back to me, and then my plan and my ego will be squashed.
Perhaps he will freak out and kill one of them, which wouldn’t be great either. I’d be an accomplice for baiting him, and then, boom, I’m in prison forever.
“You’re gorgeous.” The guy with dark brown eyes and a cocky smile, wearing a name tag that readsDerek, looks down at me. “If only the mask rule didn’t apply to you.”
My hand falls to Derek’s arm as I softly chuckle at his compliment. Something pulls my gaze, and I look past the guy, my eyes landing on the one man I really want. I suck in a sharp gasp.
Even with his expression hidden behind the mask, I can feel the intensity in his stare, locked on me from all the way across the room. A shiver shoots through me like a lightning strike. His body is rigid, pure stone as he watches me.
My heartbeat thumps even harder in my chest, and Iforce my attention back to the table of guys. It’s working, and I’m scared this was all a big mistake.
“You’re sweet.” I smile up at him.
A twinge of guilt tugs at my heart. I shouldn’t toy with these guys. They’re here for actual connections, and I know for a fact that it won’t be with me. I’m just leading him on which is both wrong and unprofessional.
I clear my throat, preparing my customer-service voice. “I’m one of the event organizers. I just wanted to check in and see how you guys were doing.” I retreat a step, pulling my hand from Derek’s arm. “Please let us know if we can do anything for you.”
They all share their thanks before I stroll away from the table and even farther away from my secret admirer, my pace quick, like a dog running with their tail tucked between their legs. That was such a bad idea.
My throat feels tight, and suddenly, my entire body does too. I can’t breathe. I can’t think. I’m overwhelmed and hot. I need to step away for a moment and gather myself. I’ve never felt more off-kilter than I do right now.
Ker’s by the double-door entrance, resting against the wall, eyebrows raised with concern as I approach. “Did they say something? You okay?”
“No, they didn’t. Yeah, I’m good. I need a second to catch my breath.” I flash her an assuring smile, a genuine one that will prevent her from following me out and double-checking.
Shaking my hands, I stride through the open doors, heading toward … I don’t even know. Somewhere that’s preferably a thousand degrees colder.
God, I’m so hot and bothered and wound up from asimple conversation with Mr. Heart Eyes. He’s got me stepping so far out of my comfort zone that I’m nervous I won’t ever be able to go back. He’s ruining me for everyone else, and I’m torn between continuing to trek into the unknown or stopping the whole dynamic before it gets too out of control.
A strong arm snakes around my waist as someone falls into step beside me, and I yelp. It takes me less than a second to knowexactlywho it is.
He clicks his tongue in disappointment. “You just couldn’t listen, could you?” His voice is boiling and shaking with anger. “Do you have any idea howhardit was to sit and watch that and not snap his arm in two for even knowing what your touch feels like? Don’t worry; he’ll be gone when you get back.”
“W-what?” I stutter.
“My friends are taking him for a little walk.”
