Blake pats my hand. “Calm down, Savannah. I need to make sure these men can take care of you. If they can’t handle my teasing, I doubt they can handle much else.”
“Keep going. This is fun,” Rory encourages as he leans back, placing his arms along the top of the seat.
Blake grills the three of them, and they take her questions in stride, giving the perfect answers.
When the first few notes of “Yeah!” by Usher play, Blake and I jump to our feet. Blake throws her hands in the air and proclaims, “Time to dance, bitches!”
Together we rush to the dance floor, not caring if the guys follow. We scream the lyrics at the top of our lungs and move with the beat. We’re barely into the first chorus when I’m swarmed by three sexy men—mysexy men. Leaning back into Hunter’s chest, my hips sway, and I place one hand on Rory’s chest and my other on Luke’s. Dancing in the middle of the three of them, one song transitions to another and another. Sometimes Rory and Luke break off and dance just the two of them, their passion spurring on my own.
In the corner of my eye, I spot Blake frozen and staring down at her phone. I break away from Hunter and grab Blake by her shoulders. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
Blake stands there with her mouth open.
“Babe, you’re white as a ghost.” I guide her off the dance floor, hearing some shouts of protest behind me. I know they want me to stick by their sides, but between six capable men, I’m sure one of them will catch up.
“Talk to me,” I urge her.
Blake looks up at me with sad eyes. “I have to go home.”
Blinking, I ask, “Back to Evergreen Falls?”
Blake nods. If it’s possible, more blood drains from her face.
I shake my head. “No. There has to be a different solution.”
Hunter interrupts, “Don’t run off like that again.”
“Shh. Not now,” I snap then turn back to Blake.
“There isn’t. I have to go. He—” Blake stops herself and jostles her head, “I need to do something.”
I rub her upper arm, offering comfort. “Are you sure about this?”
Blake’s eyes turn softer than I’ve ever seen them. “Yes.”
“Then go.” I grip her hand.
Blake’s lips curve in a sad smile, then her face changes. “Dammit. My studio.”
“Aren’t you coming back?” My head angles to the side.
“I’m not sure.” Blake shrugs.
I squeeze her hand. “I’ll take care of it. I’ll pack it up and ship everything to Evergreen Falls.”
“Thank you.” Blake sighs, dropping her shoulders in relief.
“Of course.” I circle her in my arms and say into her ear, “Stay safe. Love you.”
“Love you too,” she says back. With one last squeeze, she pulls away, heading out of Onyx.
I’ve known Blake long enough to know she runs on caffeine and instinct. Sometimes it feels impulsive, but she’s always sure of her choices.
Hunter pulls me into his side. “Does this mean we can go home now?”
“Don’t be such a party pooper,” I respond, playfully slapping his chest.
We join Rory and Luke at the bar, where we’re supplied with free drinks. Apparently, when your boyfriend is the owner, youget free stuff. Over the next hour, Rory, Luke, and Hunter take turns chasing me back and forth between the dance floor and the bar. I’m not sure how many shots I throw back, but then I’m all over the place.
