When, really, I’d thought she was hot the moment I’d swiped on her profile.
And when she’d pressed a kiss against my cheek.
And especially when she’d thrown herself into my arms and kissed me senseless.
And now – now she was being chatted up by some guy.
Of course, the downside of bringing your hot date – who you weren’t really dating – to a bar like this was … some other famous, model-like man would make their move.
Perfect. The plans I’d had for us this evening were going down the drain.
‘Margarita, and a gin and tonic,’ Rach said, her grin far too knowing. ‘On the house.’
Well, that was something. The price of drinks here normally made my eyes water.
Resisting the urge to rush back to Jessy’s side and flex my arms in front of her new admirer, I carefully wove my way through the crowd. My eyes zeroed in on Jessy, watching out for any signs of discomfort from her. But she looked like she was enjoying herself.
Great.
‘Hey,’ I said as I finally reached our booth. ‘Here’s your drink.’ I placed it on the table, before sliding in next to her and draping an arm around her shoulders. If I made sure to press the length of my side against hers, well no one could blame me.
Jessy grinned as she looked up at me, seemingly unconcerned by the presence of the stranger. ‘Thanks!’
‘Sorry, pal, I didn’t get one for you,’ I said, bolstered by the genuine happiness of having Jessy sitting here with me. I knew I was being a possessive arse, but I couldn’t help it. My hackles were up.
The guy only grinned. Up close, I could admit he was handsome, but I couldn’t really see Jessy going for the clean, preppy look. ‘No worries, I’ll get my own. Thanks, Jessy – you have a good night.’
His gaze flicked over me, and not in the aggressive, put-out manner that I’d expected. No, his expression had quite a different flavour.
‘Oh,’ I said quietly as he slipped out of our corner booth and over to another group, who welcomed him back with cheers.
Jessy’s giggle was something I didn’t just hear but felt, my hand gently caressing her shoulder like it had a mind of its own. ‘Yeah.’
‘I didn’t realize –’ I was an idiot.
Jessy picked up her drink and took out the freshly squeezed lemon before speaking. ‘He wanted to know the brand of my body glitter.’
Do not think about body glitter. Do not think about all the delicious places it could be –
‘Right,’ I said.Fuck. I was an idiot.
Jessy’s snort of laughter was somehow warming. ‘You OK there, champ?’
‘Not my finest moment,’ I said, trying to see the funny side of it.
I didn’t have to try very hard. Nestled up here with Jessy felt … good. The slow buzz of alcohol wasn’t the only thing making my body tingle. She hadn’t pulled away, hadn’t told me I was being inappropriate – she was happily sipping her drink, her shoulder nestled into my chest, her head leaning against my neck …
Celine had never allowed anything like this, not in public – even when we’d slept together, it had to be a secret. I’d thought it was because she hadn’t wanted the world to intrude on our love.
Big mistake.
‘God, I could do with some air.’
I blinked and glanced down – suddenly conscious that Jessy’s lips were far too close for comfort. Or not close enough. Memories of the kiss we’d shared flickered across my eyes.
A kiss I’d struggled to stop thinking of.
Jessy looked at me ruefully. ‘Do you mind if we head outside for a bit?’
