“Taking my advice, Teej?” asks a man who looks familiar to me. I stumble as recognition dawns. That’s AntonfreakingBates. He’s got his arm tucked snuggly around the waist of a knockout brunette in a skin-tight, strapless black dress. I’m immediately jealous of her toned shoulders and the killer red lipstick she’s pulling off. Her mask is black with feathers at her temples, so I can’t make out much more of her face, but I’m sure it’s Anton’s girlfriend, Rose. The two of them made a public splash last year when she took a bullet for him. Now her eyes crinkle with a smile as she glances between TJ and me.
“What advice?” she asks, looking up at Anton.
“Nothing,” TJ interjects and then shakes his head at Anton. “And no.”
“You sure about that?”
TJ glances back at me, and the look he gives me is piercing, like he’s got X-ray vision, and he can see right through me. I wish I knew if he liked what he saw.
It doesn’t matter. Not really. I’m not trying to impress TJ. I’m just trying to get inspired to write a romance novel.
TJ’s eyes soften, and he winks at me again before returning Anton’s gaze. “Not that sort of thing, Bates.”
If I’m not mistaken, Anton’s shoulders drop a little, like he’s disappointed, but before I can be certain, he stands up straighter again. “Keep an open mind!” He turns his full attention to his date, pressing his nose to her forehead and dropping a delicate kiss on her brow. “Come on, Sammy Rose. Let’s dance.”
TJ leads me onward, but I look over my shoulder to where Anton pulls Rose to him at the edge of the dance floor. The song that’s currently playing is fast, with a techno beat, but he wraps his arms around her waist, draws her to his chest, and gazes down at her, like they’re the only two people in this crowded room. I wonder what sort of love song is playing in their heads. Or maybe it’s their hearts. Whatever it is, his and hers must sound the same. They are totally in sync, totally enraptured with each other.
That’s the type of connection I strive to write about in books.
I wobble on my heels and TJ tightens his grip on my hand. “You okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. I was watching your friend and his date. They’re cute.”
“They’re madly in love.” He makes an exasperated expression, and I chuckle softly as he tucks my hand into the crook of his elbow and leads me up the main staircase.
“Where are you taking me?”
TJ turns left, and we walk down the hallway that I passed upon my entrance. “I thought you said no questions?”
I roll my eyes. “Nopersonalquestions.”
“Oh, well, in that case, I suppose it’s safe to answer. I didn’t want to break any of your rules.”
“How noble of you.”
He laughs, and it’s a deep, throaty sound that sends a jolt of pleasure through my stomach. “I’ll be your noblest knight tonight, madam.”
“Eww. I’m not a madam.”
“Then what?” He has his head angled toward me. “What would you like me to call you?”
I look up at him and arch my brows. He doesn’t stop staring, a smile tickling the corners of his mouth like I’m amusing him. I find that hard to believe. I’m not a good time. That’s what my stepsisters are always around for. They’re the loud and outgoing ones. My stepmom, too. Those three can talk to anyone, charm anyone. They’re outrageous, but they’re also good-natured and funny. People like being around them. Meanwhile, I’m awkward, I never know what to say or how to start a conversation, and then I get in my head because I’m afraid everyone is bored when they’re talking to me.
But TJ is here now. He’s giving me his full attention. I can do this. I can be bold and have fun for one night, like I promised Cassie. It’s good to flex a new muscle every now and again, right?
“You can call me Cinderella,” I say before I lose my nerve. It sounds ridiculous the moment it’s out of my mouth, but TJ’s gaze hounds me, and he nods slowly.
“You look like Cinderella, not gonna lie. It was the first thought I had when I saw you.”
He noticed me?Embarrassment and pleasure war for the upper hand in my gut. His intense gaze makes my pulse points fizzle. “Was that before or after you nearly blinded your teammate?”
He smirks, shaking his head but keeping his attention trained on me. “Del’ll live. His scarred corneas are worth it if it means I caught your eye like you caught mine.”
I feel a blush spreading from my forehead down to the soles of my sore feet. “Don’t flatter yourself. You were up on stage, tripping over yourself … kinda tough to miss.”
“Still chalking it up as a win.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” I say airily and hide a smile when he snort-laughs. “Now,” I continue, “you were about to tell me where you’re taking me?”
