“No,” I say, shrugging. “Just stopped by for a drink. You?”
He lets out a half-hearted laugh and shakes his head. There’s a hint of something beneath it I can’t quite put my finger on, but he just mutters a clipped, “No.”
I nod, taking another sip as I study him over the rim of my glass. “Do you have a name?”
“Lochlan,” he says as he offers his hand. “Most people call me Locke."
I take the offer. His grip is strong and controlled, and it sends a shock straight through me that I wasn’t expecting.
“I’m Arden."
He doesn’t let go right away. His thumb brushes once against the side of my hand before he releases me. That wasn’t accidental. Not subtle either.
“So, Arden, who ‘just stopped by for a drink’…” His mouth curves at one corner. “You usually pick rooftops for that?”
I mirror his smile, easy and unbothered. “I like the view."
“Right,” he says, eyes dropping to my glass, “and very dirty martinis.”
I shrug again. “Everyone has their vices.”
He studies me for a moment, really looking at me. Like he’s trying to figure me out.
Then he tilts his head toward the fire pit where his buddies are failing miserably at pretending not to watch. “Care to join us?”
The stone bench flanking the fire pit is surprisingly comfortable as I sink into the open space Locke directed me toward. The younger dark-haired man sits on the bench directly across the fire, arms folded, eyes fixed on me.
The blond one leans back, smile widening. “Well, well, who is this?”
I raise a brow, giving him a slow once-over that makes it clear I’m unimpressed. “Arden. You?”
His smile doesn’t falter. “Sebastian.”
“AndI’mAshley!” the Barbie slurs.
Yep, very drunk.
“I’ve gotta say, it’s rare that my friend here invites a woman to join us… or anyone, really. He’s not the social type,” Sebastian says as he jerks his head toward Locke, who is now sitting beside me.
“And don’t even get me started onthatone.” He gestures to the man on his other side dismissively.
“Don’t even start,” the mysterious man retorts.
“That’s my brother Nate.” Locke leans in close as he says it, his breath grazing my neck. “His bark is worse than his bite,” he adds, leaning in closer so only I can hear it.
Nate gives me one stiff nod, eyes narrowed like he doesn’t fully trust me, though I haven’t given him a reason not to. I meet his stare, hold it for a moment, then give him a quick wink before moving on. His jaw tightens.
I let my eyes roam the group, noting the subtle differences in posture and attention. Sebastian leans forward slightly, still amused. Ashley giggles at nothing in particular, leaning against Seb as if he’s the only thing holding her up. Locke inches closer to me, lighting a fresh cigar.
“Well,” I say, leaning in. “What are we getting up to tonight, boys?”
Hours pass in a haze of warmth and rounds of cocktails. The firelight flickers, casting soft shadows on the sharp features of the group. We talk, but not about anything that matters. Sebastian spends most of the time detailing his latest trip to Mexico on his father’s yacht.Why am I not surprised?He’s the first to leave, with Ashley’s arm drapedover his shoulder. I have a feeling that’s out of necessity more than flirtation.
Nate follows soon after, mumbling something about a phone call he needs to make. I catch him shooting me and Locke an uneasy glance before disappearing into the crowd. As if he were trying to telepathically urge his brother not to do anything stupid.
But then, it’s just Locke and me.
He’s kept his distance all night, which isrespectful, or maybe he’s uncomfortable? I’m not exactly used to either of those, so I decide to test the boundaries. I rest my hand near his on the bench as I turn my attention towards the glowing city skyline.
