Page 53 of Night Shift

Marissa, noticing my discomfort as well, joined Bethany. They quickly closed ranks around me, their voices a steady stream of chatter designed to distract. “Come on, Sam, let’s check in,” Marissa said, stepping up beside me and guiding me forward.

Bethany leaned in. “Ignore them. Tonight is about having fun, remember?”

Despite their efforts, my gaze inadvertently met Atticus’s as we passed by. The glance we exchanged was charged. In his eyes was a mix of emotions I couldn’t quite decipher. It was heated, intense, and for a brief moment, the world around us seemed to blur into the background.

Biting hard on my lip to break away from his spell, I hastened my steps and focused on moving through the door as it revolved, not wanting to get run over. I was determined not to let the momentary connection with him disrupt the evening.

Bethany and Marissa chatted animatedly, pulling me along with them, their words a comforting buzz that helped me regain my balance.

When we entered the lobby, Conan bounded up to us with his signature grin on his face. “Samantha!” he exclaimed, enveloping me in a gentle, playful hug. “You look absolutely stunning!”

Despite everything, I couldn’t help but compare his appearance to that of his older brother. Conan’s choice of attire for the evening was a stylish suit that complemented his build perfectly. Unlike his brother, who had a meticulously polished look, he’d opted for a more relaxed vibe, skipping the tie and leaving the top button of his shirt undone. This small act of defiance against formality lent him an air of approachability that was all Conan.

His normally unruly auburn hair, which often seemed to have a life of its own, was tied up into a knot. This choice tamed his wild locks while accentuating the sharp angles of his jawline and cheekbones, framing his face in a ruggedly handsome way. It was a look that suited him exceptionally well, walking the line between carefree and deliberate.

But what truly set him apart this evening were his eyes. Conan’s emerald green eyes always had a hint of mischief lurking within them, but tonight, they seemed to sparkle with an extra dose of it. Perhaps it was the festive atmosphere of the gala or just his natural exuberance shining through, but his gaze held a promise of laughter and lighthearted fun.

In truth, Conan was always the embodiment of relaxed confidence. He didn’t need the trappings of traditional formality to make an impression; his charm and warmth did that effortlessly. He was indeed the antithesis of Atticus, not just in appearance but in demeanor as well. While Atticus carried an aura of untouchable perfection, Conan exuded a warmth that drew people in, making him attractive in his own unique way. His more casual look perfectly captured the essence of who he was—someone who valued comfort and connection over conformity and prestige.

His compliment, simple and sincere, grounded me, reminding me that tonight was not about Atticus or Vanessa but about enjoying the company of friends. Shaking my head to clear my musings, I leaned into him and whispered, “Thank you.” Then I slipped my hand into his, and he gave me a playful wink before pulling me forward through the lobby.

Soon after, Bethany’s date, Brad, approached us with a friendly wave. “Hey, everyone. Wow, you all look fantastic,” he said, his gaze sweeping over our group. Bethany beamed up at him as she introduced everyone.

Marissa, who had chosen to come solo following her recent breakup, shrugged off any suggestion of needing a date. “Who needs a date when you’ve got killer company like this?” she quipped with her usual bravado, her smile bright but carrying a hint of her recent heartbreak.

Together, we made our way through the hotel lobby, the noise and warmth enveloping us like a welcome embrace. Conan stayed close to me. His casual ease made me feel more comfortable in my own skin, and as we moved further into the heart of the hotel, the earlier encounter with Atticus and Vanessa began to fade into the background of my mind.

When we neared the grand ballroom, my heart raced in anticipation of the night ahead. The heavy double doors swung open to reveal a breathtaking scene that left us all speechless.

“Wow,” Marissa finally murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. “I didn’t expect it to be this beautiful.”

Before we could step inside, a familiar face appeared. It was Kristen, Marissa’s former girlfriend, clutching a bouquet of roses that spoke louder than words. She nervously bit her lip before making her move, planting a sweet kiss on Marissa’s cheek.

“Hey,” Kristen said softly, her voice full of vulnerability. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Marissa’s face flushed with excitement, her body language betraying her happiness at seeing Kristen. A smile took over her face, and she nodded, unable to contain her joy. “Of course,” she replied quietly. Then she turned to us and managed to ask, in a voice full of disbelief, “Give us a sec?”

Kristen’s arm found its way around Marissa’s waist, pulling her close. “We’ll be right back,” she promised, locking her gaze on Marissa with an intensity that left no room for doubt. As Kristen led her away, Marissa inhaled the scent of the roses and leaned into Kristen’s embrace.

“Think we’ll see those two again tonight?” Conan joked, a mischievous grin on his face. “Or will they just find a room and have makeup sex all night?”

Bethany laughed, shaking her head. “Knowing Marissa, it’s anyone’s guess. But hey, love—or lust—conquers all, right?”

Brad chimed in, “Well, I guess the gala just got a bit more interesting.”

All of us laughed, our spirits lifted by the unexpected reunion.

We stepped into the ballroom, awestruck by the exquisite decorations. The transformation of the space into a holiday wonderland was nothing short of breathtaking. Silver tablecloths shimmered under the soft glow of overhead lights, and each table had been adorned with large flower arrangements that added bursts of color to the elegant decor. A bar spanned one wall, offering an array of tempting concoctions. Tables laden with delectable hors d’oeuvres lined another wall, their enticing aromas wafting through the air.

“Wow, they really went all out,” Bethany said, her eyes wide as she scanned the room.

Conan nodded in agreement. “This is incredible. Feels like we’ve stepped into a movie scene.”

Brad, ever the observer, pointed toward the wall to our left. “Check out the bar setup. Looks like they’re fully stocked.” His comment drew everyone’s eyes to the extensive array of bottles and glasses that promised a night of festivity.

“I hope everyone’s hungry,” I said, noting the variety of bite-sized delicacies.

The live band, positioned at the far end of the ballroom, filled the air with music that was both lively and sophisticated, setting the perfect backdrop for an evening of celebration. The dance floor, large and inviting, already pulsed with the movements of enthusiastic partygoers swaying to the rhythm.

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