Absolutely ridiculous.
He picked me up when he didn’t have to and I appreciated it. Appreciated even more the way he looked when I found him on my doorstep. Black long-sleeved Henley that somehow defined every muscle in his arms and chest and dark-rinse jeans that were slightly baggy yet molded to his strong thighs. His hair was freshly cut though left longish on top and he had about two days’ worth of scruff lining his cheeks. A total contradiction.
A very sexy contradiction.
His appreciative gaze as he drank me in set a flurry of newfound butterflies free in my stomach and blood rushed to my cheeks when he murmured, “You took my suggestion to heart, didn’t you, Katie?”
I’d never dressed sexy for anyone before and I was unsure if my outfit was sexy enough. I wore the tightest jeans I owned and a simple black tank top, though I threw on a hoodie before we left considering it was cold. I left my hair down so it fell in natural waves down my back and slipped silver hoop earrings on, jewelry my sister gave me two Christmases ago that I’d never worn.
I felt like a different person. A new me. A woman who dressed for a man and was able to chat with him for the entire ninety-minute ride with ease. Who laughed and joked and didn’t once ask why he hadn’t texted or called.
The night had started on such a positive note, I didn’t want to ruin it.
“What sort of music does the band play?” I ask as we head toward the entrance of the club. The parking lot is packed and I can already hear music coming from within, the throb of bass and drums, reverberation as someone sang into a mic. The night air is cool as it washes over my skin, making me shiver, and I regret leaving my hoodie in Ethan’s car.
But I knew I’d get hot wearing it inside, so I really had no choice.
“They have a nineties grunge sound. They borrow heavily from Soundgarden and STP.” At my blank look, Ethan continues. “Stone Temple Pilots. Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of them.”
I slowly shake my head. “I didn’t listen to much nineties grunge. Way before my time. Kurt Cobain died the year I was born.”
He laughs. “Before my time, too, but I discovered them when I was around fourteen, fifteen.” A shadow crosses his face, his lush mouth forming into a frown. “Dark music for a dark kid.”
“Were you a dark kid?” I step in closer to him, drawn in by his warmth. His body heat radiates, calling me like a siren, and I wish I were brave enough to wrap my arm around him and absorb some of that delicious heat.
“Yeah.” His mouth turns tight and he glances down at me, coming to a stop. “Cold?”
Another shiver passes through me at the exact time he asks. “Sort of,” I mumble.
He does exactly what I wished I could do. Without thought he slips an arm around my waist and pulls me into him, fitting me perfectly under his arm. “Luckily enough there’s no line at the door. Once we get inside, it’ll be like a sauna. You’ll be glad you wore the tank.”
Within minutes we’re in the club, Ethan taking hold of my hand as he leads me through the bar area in the front, pulling me close to murmur in my ear, asking if I want anything to drink. I don’t drink much alcohol and I want to keep my head clear tonight so I say no. He orders himself a beer, reassuring me he’ll only have one since he has to drive me home.
I say nothing. Just glance around the bar, taking in the variety of people surrounding us. Young and old, some dressed like us, others wearing such outrageous clothes I wonder if they’re in costume. One girl has a giant hoop hanging from beneath her nose. Two guys are standing in a corner, their hands as busy as their mouths. Another girl walks by, she looks around my age, and the dress she has on is so short I can guarantee I’ll see the back end of her underwear as she passes.
Nope. I actually see the bottom half of her butt cheeks. As in, she’s wearing no underwear. Swallowing hard, I shake my head.
I’ve never seen anything like it. I feel like a gawking little kid.
The opening band has finished their set and Ethan’s clients are already up onstage, tuning their instruments, the riffs on the guitar loud and screeching. I wince, my gaze clashing with that of a man who’s standing not even twenty feet away from us. My hand is still clasped in Ethan’s, I’m clearly with him for the evening, but the flirtatious wink and devilish smile the man sends me fills me with irrational fear.