Page 25 of Crushes and Confections

“I’m still not sure, Janice has me down as a maybe still,” Lindsay said with a sigh. “The last thing I want is a pity bid.”

“Girl, you’re gorgeous. You’d definitely get more than a few bids,” I protested. Autumn and I both instinctively glanced at the triplets but didn’t point our suspicions out. The trio of brothers that owned Holiday Brews, and looked at our friend like she hung the moon, definitely wanted more. But pushing a pack together never worked. Even if we all thought it was obvious how into each other they were.

“We’ll see,” was all she said before ordering us to enjoy the next round. At this point I was really feeling the buzz and all I could think about was the men who’d overtaken every fantasy and daydream.

Girl’s night was amazing, but what I really wanted was for Riley to step up and take me. Hell, I could even imagine the two alphas joining in. My thighs pressed together in an attempt to relieve the ache but I was ripped from my thoughts as the song changed and Lindsay dragged us out to the dance floor.

It was busy tonight as it was most pre-festival nights. The floor was filled with dancing bodies and we had to fight our way in, huddling together and ignoring the dancers around us as we laughed and swayed along to the song. Usually I’d be joking about my awful dance moves but tonight I didn’t care.

Just as my thoughts drifted back to Riley a hand wrapped around my hips. For a moment I smiled, imagining it was him then reality caught up and I spun around, nearly knocking Lindsay and Autumn over when I jumped away from the stranger. It was hard to find someone you didn’t know in this small of a town, but tourist season was truly never ending.

“You want to dance with me, darlin?” he asked in a husky voice as his eyes traveled down my body. My stomach churned in protest but Autumn was shoving me behind her and getting in his face, her finger poking his chest.

“That’s not how you treat a lady. We don’t take kindly to demanding alphas here in Holiday Hollow! And she’s spoken for, buddy,” she thundered. The alpha put his hands up in protest but smartly backed away. I wouldn’t tell Autumn it was the other alphas in tow standing behind her, including the triplets, backing her up that scared them off.

“Thanks,” I yelled over the music and gave her a quick hug. She waved it off with a smile and grabbed my hand, urging me to dance again.

Every time I closed my eyes I couldn’t help but picture my men here with me instead. Vance dancing behind me, body pressed to mine as he told me how sexy he thought I was. Adrien’s intense stare as he watched us together, loving every second before demanding we go home. Riley right there with me, hands trailing over my sides and down to my hips.

“I need some air!” I called out before practically shoving my way through the crowd and grabbing my phone out of my purse.

“Another water,” Adam demanded as soon as I reached the table, putting the full glass in front of me. I also noticed he dropped off a basket of fries.

The girls didn’t let me get far and joined me at the table, but I was already texting as I absently chewed on a salty fry.

Claire: The bar is packed tonight

Riley: That bad? Are you having fun at least?

Claire: Maybe

Riley: You’re drunk, aren’t you?

Claire: Maybeeee

Vance: How are you getting home?

Oh shit… this was a group chat? I didn’t even remember adding them all but my mind was buzzing with alcohol and thoughts of them.

Was it hot in here?

Riley: Don’t worry, she won’t be driving

Claire: It’s a quick walk and Autumn’s pack is getting us home

Adrien: Good. Drink water.

Claire: I do what I want

I giggled at my words to the alpha, knowing it would have him narrowing his eyes if he were here. I wondered if he would be the type to take me over his knee and…

“Oh she’s got it bad,” Autumn teased as she popped a fry in her mouth and gave me a knowing look.

“Stop,” I groaned. “I’m just saying hi.”

“Drunk texting,” Lindsay corrected me. “Now tell them something to drive them crazy. You can regret it tomorrow.”

Claire: I am drinking water like the good omega I am. I had to cool off after dancing and turning down alphas

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