I must be losing my mind, because there’s no way I can feel all that after only half a conversation with the guy.
“We need to get you laid, G. It’s been far too long.”
Misty’s words echo around in my mind and I think that maybe, as I stare at the stranger in front of me, I should listen to her for once.
Maybe I should take something for myself.
Maybe… maybe my world wouldn’t end just because I did something that would be frowned upon by my parents.
I glance up to the balcony only to find it empty and I let out a sigh of relief when I realize Cole and his friends must have left already, so I won’t have them intercepting us.
“Want to go somewhere a little quieter?” I ask the stranger, holding my breath as I wait for his answer.
TWO
ANONYMOUS
Abort.
A-fucking-bort.
This was not the plan.
This wasabsolutelynot in the plans for tonight.
I planned to find a way to ditch the guys and hang around her in case she decided to go along with what her friend said, and I was going to step in if things went too far, pull the brothers best friend card like I’ve done so many times and stop it from happening.
What I didn’t plan to do was keep my identity a secret. I didn’t plan to actually engage in conversation with her or for it to go this far.
Then what was the need for the voice modulator?my inner voice whispers and I inwardly groan.
This was not the plan, I swear.
But how can I say no when she’s staring at me, looking so goddamn beautiful with her long, brown hair cascading down her shoulders. She looks stunning tonight, wearing a short black dress, a belt around her waist making the material cinch to her curves and leaving nothing to the imagination. Her mask isdiscarded on the bar top, and vulnerability swirls in those pretty green eyes of hers as she waits for my reply.
“Are you sure? I thought you wanted to be alone?” I say, cursing myself for not immediately agreeing but also knowing Gracie down to her very core, and this is so fucking unlike her.
She shrugs, as though she’s trying to act like my wavering didn’t sting. “I wanted to do something different for a change, but you can always say no.”
No, I can’t say no.
I can’t deny her anything.
And if that means doing the thing that will probably lose me my life at the hands of my best friend, then so be it.
“I’d love to,” I say, the modulator obscuring my voice and I’m now thankful that I decided to use it, because Gracie would have known it was me from the moment I opened my mouth without it. I’m also grateful I had this mask stashed in my jacket pocket and wore a different one here, just in case anyone spots us, and it gets back to her brother.
The only reason I brought it was because I didn’t know which of the two I wanted to use, and I ended up picking up both just before I left the house with the guys. I put on the plain black half face mask when entering the club, so if Cole or anyone else saw me now, they’d have no idea who I was since my black pants and hoodie are basically what all the guys here are wearing tonight.
I may not have planned for this, but I can’t help but be grateful that itdidhappen.
And I’m also grateful to be seeing this side of Gracie. I know she hasn’t been drinking, and I’m not sure what’s brought this sudden wild side on, but it makes me hopeful that something aboutmemade her want to let go. Of course, she doesn’t actually know it’s me behind the mask, and she’d no doubtfreak the fuck outif she knew who I really was, but I’m being given a gift right now and like hell am I going to ruin it by revealing myself to her.
Besides, we’re being anonymous, so she never has to find out who I am. It’ll no doubt take my obsession with her to a whole other level, but I’m sure I can handle it.
I’ve been in love with this girl for years and managed to keep it hidden, so I already know my acting skills are up to task.
This is probably the only chance I’ll ever get to have her and I’m going to take advantage of it while I can.
