“What are friends for?” he said sarcastically. He scooped her into his arms and carried her to a cab that had arrived at the curb. Settling her inside, he instructed the driver to wait until he got back, then went back into the bar.
“I’m taking Ellie back to the hotel,” he told Flex, who clutched the top of Ellie’s dress like a trophy. “You bring Gabby.”
Flex shook his head. “No way. I’ll take Ellie back.”
“Are we leaving?” Gabby asked, walking up beside Clay, martini in hand.
“Yes.” Clay set the glass aside, took her wrist and towed her out to the cab, Flex following in his wake. Settling Gabriella in front, both men climbed in back, one on each side of Ellie.
On the ride to the hotel, Clay snatched the top of the dress away from Flex and helped Ellie put it on. He buttoned up the front, trying not to notice the feel of her soft breasts beneath his fingers. Flex pushed disheveled strands of her hair back out of her face.
Once out of the cab, Ellie clung to Flex’s arm, Gabby clutched Clay’s, and they moved through the lobby, caught the elevator up to the fifth floor. Flex stopped at the door to his room, his arm around Ellie’s waist.
“Oh, no you don’t,” Clay said.
“Let her get lucky,” said Gabby. “I intend to.” She nibbled the side of Clay’s neck.
Ellie straightened. “I’m going with Flex.”
“You’re going to your room,” Clay said.
“It’s her decision.” Flex slipped the door key in the lock and turned the knob.
“Come on, darling, I’m horny,” Gabby said.
Ellie set her jaw. “I’m a grown woman. I can sleep with anyone I want.”
“Bravo,” said Gabby.
Clay gritted his teeth, grabbed Gabriella’s arm, and headed down the hall. Flex’s door closed softly behind them.
“Are you all right?” Flex asked once they got inside.
“No. I’m drunk, thanks to you. I made a complete ass out of myself, and Clay hates my guts.”
“You look a little better than you did at the nightclub.”
“All that dancing, the cool air, and the cab ride helped.” She slumped down on the bed, still dizzy, but a lot less drunk. “Why can’t I just be like other girls, Flex? I’ve wanted Clay since the first time I met him. Why can’t I just sleep with him and get it over with?”
Flex sat down beside her. “Sleeping with Clay wouldn’t solve your problem. I think you’re in love with him.”
“I can’t be!”
“You probably shouldn’t be. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, let alone someone I care about.”
Ellie’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m such a prude, such a stupid, idiotic prude.”
“You’re not a prude. You’re just particular, that’s all. I’m sure the men you’ve slept with have all meant something to you. They weren’t just one-night stands.”
Ellie sniffed. “What men?”
Flex’s red eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean,what men?” He grabbed her shoulders. “You’re not telling me you’ve never had a boyfriend?”
“Don’t be silly. I’m twenty-four years old. Of course, I’ve had boyfriends.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“I’ve just never went to bed with any of them.”
