And Addie’s reads:
The Lunar Elixir
Gin, elderflower liqueur, blackberries, lemon juice, and edible glitter
“And you said they threw this together at the last minute?”
“Yeah.” My eyes are like a little kid’s in a candy shop, wide open and in awe. “This place doesn’t feel like we’re in the middle of New York.”
“No. It most definitely doesn’t.” Addie rubs my arms. “You okay?”
“Nervous. But I’m okay. Let’s stand over there.” I nod toward the dark corner near the end of the fully stocked bar. “Something tells me I might need another drink sooner rather than later.”
“Fine. One more drink, but I’m forcing you to mingle tonight. I know big parties aren’t your thing, but you can feel safe behind your mask.”
I give her a noncommittal nod, and we walk over to order a stiffer drink.
My eyes are like lasers, trying to figure out who’s who when they catch a group of four gorgeous men in the far corner, commanding the eyes of every onlooker around.
They stand tall with confidence, all well over six feet tall, radiating a strong, formidable presence.
Even behind their masks, you can tell by their perfectly tailored suits, styled hair, and strong demeanor that others are impressed by them, and they are well aware of their worth.
Sebastian Morales stands the tallest in the center, dark hair matching his mood, unbothered by the onlookers, arms crossed, intently listening to whatever Harrison is saying.
And then there’s Nate.
To me, the most handsome of them all.
His arm is draped over Leo, wearing a midnight-blue velvet blazer that almost matches my dress perfectly, with black satin lapels, a crisp black dress shirt, and no tie.
His mask is left for interpretation: plain, black satin.
His hair grew over the last few weeks just the way I love it, where it’s long enough to swoop and wave along his hairline.
“Look at them,” I mumble loud enough for Addie to hear.
She follows my line of sight and smirks. “If I didn’t know them, I’d be intimidated, but my god, they’re sexy.” She fans herself, then orders us martinis, while I don’t take my eyes off the one and only guy who still makes me feel alive after all these years.
As if he can feel the same pull that I do, Nate turns, glancing around until he finds what he’s looking for.
Me.
He drops his arm from Leo, locking eyes with mine, neither of us moving an inch, and if we were closer, I’d bet his breath would be as fast and labored as mine.
You can feel the electric current from here. It’s a force field, and I can’t hold back any longer.
My heart pounds against my chest; my stomach swirls with excitement.
“Addie?” I choke out her name. My eyes are glued on Nate’s while interrupting her conversation with a mysterious man dressed in all black. “I’ll be back.”
She looks across the dance floor and nods in acknowledgment. “Go, girl, get your man.”
Nate makes the first step toward me, moving like the night sky, quiet but commanding; however, I’m the one who quickens the pace.
We meet in the middle, so our faces are just an inch apart. Without thinking, I don’t know what comes over me, I’m acting purely on instinct and lust when I throw my arms around him.
Nate doesn’t hesitate to pull him into me, locking his arms tightly around my waist.
