“It’s big and hot.” I word vomit under pressure. Chloe’s head turns like the exorcist, her eyes wide.
Clenching my eyes shut I cringe at what I just said. I don’t think there’s enough beer in this world to overcome my awkwardness around guys. I’m just not programmed with that sassy charm women have to persuade men. I have a repellant that has them running for the hills.
“I didn’t just say that.” My head falls forward, hair falling in my face.
He laughs hard. “You did.”
“Don’t mind her, she’s…”
“I’m nothing,” I snap, grabbing my beer for a distraction. It’s warm but I don’t care.
“Name is Chase.” He winks at me, and I look away nervously.
“I’m Chloe, this is Tate.” Chloe saves the day.
“Tate…” he whispers my name, as if he wants to taste it. “You look familiar.” Briefly I glance at his face. I frown, not recognizing him. His brown eyes squint as he focuses on my face.
“I’m not from around here…” I stir, not sure where he’s seen me.
He nods and looks away. “You want to dance, Tate?”
My face falls in panic. I’m a terrible dancer.
“Of course she does!” Chloe answers eagerly for me.
“No I’m—” Chase doesn’t give me a chance to answer before pulling me out of the booth and onto the dance floor.
The song ‘Addicted’ by Saving Abel plays as we enter a wave of couples dancing. My forehead sweats as I think about how I’m going to trip and face plant in front of everyone. The beat of the song runs through my veins and I begin to relax some. I tap my thigh with my fingers as I look around the dance floor.
Chase grips my hips hard, presses his groin into the back of me, and starts swaying. I blink slowly, a little surprised by the close proximity. But by the way his fingers are digging into my skin I can tell I’m not going anywhere.
My mouth dry, and heart beating wildly I sway with him. Trying to take Chloe’s advice and let go. Glancing across the bar Chloe has two thumbs up and a big cheesy grin on her face. I’m going to kill her.
Slowly my eyes drift to the left and I spot Camden and some curvy brunette strutting from the back room where all the commotion was coming from.
My chest seizes when his eyes catch mine. I look away, trying to keep up with Chase’s rhythm so I don’t lose my balance.
Biting my cheek I glance back up, curious if he’s watching me. I’m not going to lie, I kind of hope he is watching me. I want him to get jealous. But he’s not just watching me…he’s walking toward me. His jaw clenched, and eyes fierce as he marches forward.
I stop dancing, and swallow hard.
Camden grabs my hips, and presses his groin into my front with such force the wind is nearly knocked from me. His arm candy stands back with her arms crossed and watching awkwardly.
Chase grinds on my back side as Camden covers my front.
Holy shit.
I’m being sandwiched.
My heart sinks, and I panic internally. I try to sway my hips with theirs but I’m off beat.
I raise my hands to wrap around Camden’s neck, but think better of it and lower them at my side. Looking up Camden looks at me with angry blue eyes, before lowering his head next to mine.
“Trying to tease me won’t work,” he whispers into my ear. “You’ll just get hurt in the end, and I’ll be the asshole.”
I suck in a sharp angry breath, and press my hands against his chest and shove him back a step.
He looks down at me, his eyes pinning me where I stand. There’s so much hate and tension building between us you could touch it. I ball my hands, and stare back. The song fading into the background.
“Want to go get a drink?” Chase asks from behind me, completely oblivious to the stare down between Camden and I.
“That sounds great,” I reply, never taking my eyes off Camden.
Stepping past Camden, I stop and look up at him.
“Maybe you should reflect on how you’re treating me before bitching about being labeled the asshole.”
Back at the table, Chase sits next to me and I glare at a smiling Chloe.
Commotion catches my attention and I find Camden and the model-like woman standing at the end of our booth.
“Camden, this is Chloe and Tate,” Chase introduces.
“I know who they are,” Camden snaps as he sits down uninvited next to Chloe. His smiling bimbo sits on his lap and I grit my teeth wishing they’d leave. He’s purposely flaunting her in front of me and I’m not sure how much more I can take before I snap.
“The gym!” Chase slaps the table. I jump, not sure what he’s going on about. “You’re the girl who was at the gym today. I knew I saw you from somewhere.”
Giving a tight lipped smile, I nod.