A half-laugh escapes me. “Why is everyone so afraid of Luke? He’s really just a big softy under all that bravado.”
Jett snorts. “Really? ’Cause all I see is a mean-looking surfer dude who vibes more like a circling shark.”
A very unladylike snort bursts from me, followed by a giggle. “Naw, he’s all right once you figure him out. I’ve had four years at this, you’ve only had two months. Trust me, you’ll get there.”
“Thanks, Effa,” he beams, then wraps his arm around me again and leans in to kiss my forehead. I smile, slipping my arm around his waist to return the hug.
It’s great that we get along so well, but my head’s not in the game. My thoughts are with someone else, wondering,where is he, and how the hell I’m going to find him.
A sudden shiver runs down my spine, and my breath hitches. I glance up at Jett, who’s now busy making eyes at the bar staff, trying to order us drinks. But something pulls at me. I spin around, and there he is.
Mercs.
His eyes lock on mine, freezing me to the spot. A gasp slips from my lips as time stands still for just a few heartbeats. Then, just as quickly, he looks away.
Swallowing hard, I follow his gaze to what he saw.
Me, in Jett’s arms.
Shit.
I pull free from Jett’s grip, ducking out from beneath his arm.
“Effa?” he calls after me, confused.
But I don’t stop. I don’t have time to explain. That can come later. Right now, there’s someone I need to talk to, someone who actually matters.
I rush toward Mercs, my heart pounding, as he stands with Tank and Jay.
Tank spots me first. “Hey, Effa. Jay and I were just leaving,” he blurts, not-so-subtly dragging a bewildered Jay along with him.
Mercs turns to face me, and my stomach flips.Damn, he’s hot.He’s standing there with his arms crossed, all broody and intense, and it completely stalls me for a second. I almost forgot why I came over.
He exhales slowly. “Effa, I’m sorry about what I said the other morning. I don’t want to forget what happened. I don’t think you do either, do you?”
I shake my head. “I really don’t.”
His hand reaches out, fingers brushing my arm. The second he touches me, sparks shoot through my skin. A bolt of heat licks across my chest, stealing my breath. It’s been missing all day—that buzz, that fire—but with just a touch, he lights me up again.
My eyes close, and I gasp softly, soaking in the feeling.
“Effa,” he murmurs, voice low and rough. “Please. Let’s talk.”
Chapter Ten
EFFA
Mercs’ dark blue eyes brim with hope when I open mine. He reaches for my hand and leads me toward the VIP balcony doors.
We step outside, closing the doors behind us. The heavy rock bass still rumbles, though slightly muted. A fresh breeze kisses my flushed skin, and we walk in silence to the edge of the balcony. The air between us is warm, tinged with awkwardness.
I risk a glance at him.
He’s watching me.
“Honestly, if I could take back what I said the other morning, I would,” he says, facing me. “You’re important, Effa. I want to see where this could lead, but job security means everything to me.”
“You’re forgetting we choseyou, Mercs. Your job is secure. We need you more than anyone. Us being friends, whatever this is, won’t threaten your position here. I know you and Luke had words, but he’s more worried about losing you than anything else. So am I. Let me handle Luke. Maybe for once we focus on what we want, not what everyone else expects.”
