Page 31 of Griffin

“So, how is a girl like you single?” Guy asks, going in for the kill.

I tilt my head and gaze into his eyes, noticing his pupils dilate.

“I didn’t say I was single, did I?” I tease, enjoying the banter.

“I doubt a nice girl like you would be sitting with a random man at a bar if you weren’t,” Guy counters, studying me.

“Touche.” I laugh. “I’m too busy for a relationship. What about you?”

The man beside me wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me closer.

“I’m not interested in relationships.”

A tingle spreads through my tummy at his words. His gaze falls to my lips before his tongue flickers against his own.

“Maybe you could show me around town?”

The flirtation is picking up; I can feel it in the air. Finally, I exhale, and he moves a tad closer, his cologne wrapping around me.

“There’s not much to see,” I say, aware I’m slurring.

He dips his head close to my ear, his breath fanning my skin.

“Your bedroom would be a good start.”

Not if you want to die by shotgun, sweetheart.

I turn my head to him, a seductive smile on my lips.

“I’d recommend your hotel room.”

Guy chuckles, leaning forward to brush his lips against mine.

An aching in my core commands me to reach around his neck and pull him in close, desperate to release my pent-up frustration.

“Let’s go then.”

I glance at Shelby to find her locking lips with his friend, and I shrug.

“Why not?”

11

GRIFFIN

“Ivy will be here, baby, she promised.”

Melody is anxious, her eyes darting around the parking lot, searching for Ivy’s car. Hell, even I’m anxious. Ivy went out last night, and if she doesn’t show up to Melody’s dance lesson, I’ll have to call Kevin.

She better be okay.

Just as I’m about to call Ivy, her car pulls in, and my shoulders relax.

Thank fuck.

I’d thought about her all night, desperate to know if she was alright. It’s a small town, but you never know. Murders and rapists can hide in small towns.

Get a grip, man.

---