Heat flooded my face. “Yeah.” Was I supposed to thank him, Captain Obvious? Or was he actually being a gentleman?
He helped me onto my feet, all efficiency as he let go and turned to the other bouncers. “We need some towels down here or else someone’s going to sprain their ankle.”
‘Someone’ being an idiot who couldn’t balance in heels. If this floor was dry, I could’ve strutted across it no problem. I huffed and pulled my shorts down, smoothing the layers. Catwalk practice hadn’t spared me from slipping in slush puddles. Or embarrassing myself in front of Zack.
I fussed with my stiff hair as he rearranged the entryway and eased me out of the way without meeting my gaze.
He only grabbed my arm because he didn’t want to get sued for injuries and negligence. We’d never see each other again unless Theo got a recurring gig or I wanted to say hi. Fat chance of that.
Zack paused and frowned at me, one of his big hands poised as if he was worried he’d have to catch me on my next step. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Thanks, Zack.” Ugh, why did I thank him again? I rubbed my arms to warm the goosebumps away.
The other bouncers glanced at each other and stifled laughter. Damn. Now they knew I knew him. And he didn’t know me. Yet there I was standing around waiting for him to acknowledge my existence or something.
Zack awkwardly tugged his ear. “We’re good.”
Why was I still there? I wasn’t some pining teen. Ignoring the flush of embarrassment, I pushed through the crowd, enveloped in the thick stench of BO, beer, and champagne. I needed a drink. Or twenty. A shot of tequila helped me stop shaking from the cold, nerves, and whatever else had me rattled this evening. Ghosts of high school’s past, maybe.
Time for a new year. Embrace the new me.
I took another shot of tequila. The liquid courage was a straight shot of vile, comforting heat, so I got a refill for later. This was Theo’s big night. We needed to celebrate. I protected the glass while I worked my way through the crowd to get to the far side of the club where my boyfriend was slinging beats. He was in his element, his neck chains glinting under shifting neon lights. They’d set up a long folding table for all his equipment, and underneath it, some brand new white and red Zeezy’s practically glowed from his feet.
When the hell had he gotten those? I thought he was waiting for me.
Somehow, most likely thanks to my low-cut sequin romper, Theo spotted me.
He pointed and pulled his microphone close. “Hey, there’s a hottie bringing me a drink. Looks like I got someone to kiss tonight. Cheers to some love in the new year.”
The crowd vaguely shouted their approval.
They might not have cared if the deejay drank on the job (or got laid), but he probably shouldn’t have announced it. I gave him the shot I wanted for myself and smiled tightly. “Hey, babe. Don’t go too crazy. You are working, and my DD.”
“I know, baby.” He kissed my cheek.
He didn’t ask me about my day, so I asked about his.
“It’s going great,” he said, gesturing to the table. “Got my setup and everything.”
“I see you got some new kicks too.” I raised my eyebrows and nudged his foot. “What’s going on there, Mr. Zeezy’s?”
“I got myself a treat to celebrate the gig. Had to start the new year right.” He raised his chin and arms. “I’m the king, baby.”
“Right, yeah.” And I was his queen. Something about wearing those luxury sneakers on a sticky bar floor didn’t sit right with me. But they did make him happy. He’d probably clean them regularly. Was I a crappy girlfriend for not getting them for him, though? I leaned into his side, seeking warmth. “They look good on you.”
“I’ve gotten so many compliments, babe. You wouldn’t believe.” He grinned.
“Oh, I think I would.” People obsessed over the weirdest things.
He tossed back the shot, then looked me up and down, caressing my bare arm with his fingertips. “You’re looking hot too, baby.”
“Thanks.”
He leaned down and kissed me hard. It was wet.
I rolled my lips together to tamper the aftertaste of tequila and glanced over my shoulder. “I was freezing outside. But thankfully, I was on the list, so I got in quick.”
“Oh yeah, yeah the list.” He wiped his mouth and looked away.
