The second Sienna spots me, her eyes narrow. We may have only known each other a few years, but she knows me better than anyone, and she’s more than aware that I’ve been doing something I probably shouldn’t have.
“Where have you been?” she asks, suspicion dripping from every word.
“Um…” I shoot a look back over my shoulder just in time to see Everett strutting through the crowd on the dance floor with a smug-as-fuck expression. I swear, the people around him part like the Red Sea. Now, I know I rated his skills, and maybe even silently called him a legend, but that’s a bit much, even for him.
“Rett Donnelly sure looks pleased with himself,” Sienna points out. “I wonder why.”
Her beady eyes find mine once more, and I groan.
“Rachel, Savvy, and Lessy have left. Sav got a little sick.”
“Is she okay?” I ask in a rush.
“One shot too many,” Sienna says, rolling her eyes. “Kids,” she teases. “Anyway, I didn’t want to leave without you, and I wasn’t sure if you’d made plans or…”
“No plans,” I confirm.
“But—” Her eyes search behind me, no doubt looking for a certain LA Vipers player.
“No buts. We’ve had our moment, and now we’re done.”
Sienna’s brows shoot up. I’m not sure if she’s impressed or shocked. Maybe a little of both.
Back in the day, I had my fair share of one-night stands. But we didn’t know each other back then. The version of me that Sienna knows is much more career-focused. Sure, I’ve been on a few dates, thanks to some questionable online dating experiences, but my love life has pretty much been put on hold in the last few years. Those couple of battery-operated devices hiding in my nightstand sum up the situation perfectly.
“Wow, okay then. I know he has a reputation for not staying the night, but not even leaving the club with you? That’s…yeah.”
“It’s perfect, is what it is. I’m walking away happy, and he’s free to do whatever he wants.”
I force the words to come out strong and confident, but I’d be lying if I said the thought of him finding another woman and hooking up with her tonight as if I meant nothing stings a little. I might not want promises of forever, or even tomorrow, but a little thought after the event would be nice.
“You’re sure?” Sienna asks.
“Absolutely. Now,” I say, hooking my arm through hers, “What food are we getting on the way back to your place?”
“Hmmm. Fries and ice cream,” she finally says as we get to the stairs.
“If the birthday queen wants fries and ice cream, then fries and ice cream she will get,” I confirm.
As I descend the first step, the need to turn around and search for him, to see him one last time before I put him and our night behind us, burns through me.
I know it’s stupid, but I want to know if he’s noticed that I’m leaving. Hell, for all I know, he’s already got his claws into someone else.
The fear of that being true and seeing just how easily he’s able to cast me aside is what ensures I keep my gaze locked on where I’m going.
“Oh my god,” I gasp as we step out onto the street. It’s still warm and humid, but the air is calm and quiet, exactly what I need.
“I cannot wait to hear every second of it,” Sienna says before checking her cell for the rideshare she called.
“Do you really need all the details?” I ask as a car comes to a stop beside us.
“This is us,” she confirms before pulling the back door open. “And yes, I need every single hot and filthy detail. Hi, good evening,” she says, pretending that the driver didn’t just hear every word.
“I need coffee,”I groan when I finally wake up the next morning.
“No,” Sienna complains. “Go back to sleep.”
A smile twitches at my lips, and I open my eyes just in time to see her tug the sheets over her head.
