Page 32 of Jump Start

I dropped the smile from my face and mouthed to Meredith that I would be back and took the phone call in my cubicle.

“Yeah, of course! I love Chris. That would be so much fun. Where is it? What’s the dress code?” I started firing questions at him and he took a moment to respond.

“It’s at the Sanctuary Rooftop Bar and I guess it’s cocktail. Any more questions?” his voice took a flirtier tone, which made me smile.

“I guess you want to stay at my apartment since you live in the middle of nowhere?”

“Well, I’m not getting an Uber, that’s for sure. Yes please, if possible,” he answered with a chuckle.

“I think that can be arranged. Looking forward to it. Text me more details, I’ve got to go finish lunch.”

I was excited to be getting dressed up and going to my first party involving the Echidna crew. We had seen each other hot, sweaty, amongst crowds of people, in the midst of drivers’ temper tantrums, but we had never simply celebrated and had some fun.

I was going to spend way too much on a dress that I would more than likely not wear again, but whatever. It was a treat to myself.

I also couldn’t wait to see Thomas dressed up. That would be a sight to see.

Fifteen

Harper

“Is this a suit sort of thing?” Thomas asked as he appeared in the doorway of my bathroom, in only his boxers and a tie. I ran my eyes over his tall, muscular body, the light freckles on his chest and that V running down his hips.

“I don’t know? You tell me,” I replied as I continued to brush my teeth.

“Well, I don’t think so?” he answered my question with another.

“Okay, well wear something casual then. This is a good look, though.” I waved my hand over his current state. “You look like a stripper.”

He slowly started to pull the side of his boxers down and winked at me, sending a surge of blood straight to my face.

“No! We have to get ready. We can’t be late to another event because you decide you want to have sex at the last minute.” I tried deflecting his seduction tactic.

“We’re never late, we are merely precisely on time,” he replied walking closer to me, continuing to pull his boxers off.

“What are you, Gandalf?" I replied, dodging his attempt to get closer to me. “Thomas! Get ready for fucks sake,” I giggled.

“Fine. You are safe this time. Can’t say the same for when we get home though,” he replied as he rummaged through hisclothes.

“I look forward to it,” I murmured as he bent over his overnight bag, trying to find a shirt.

Was there anything better than a race car driver’s body?

***

“You look amazing. I am definitely punching,” Thomas said as he pulled me closer to him in the elevator. I had opted for a thigh-length burgundy dress that was off the shoulder. I wore a pair of sparkly strappy heels, had my hair and makeup done, and I was feeling good. Thomas kissed me on the cheek as I hopped into the back of the car, and I took the opportunity to ogle him as he walked around the car to join me. Thomas looked handsome in his outfit, with his leather boots, black chinos, and a dark green linen shirt. His hair was freshly cut, and he had a gleam in his eye, the one that indicated I would be getting lucky tonight.

“Apparently, the party started earlier, and Chris is already half pissed,” Thomas commented as he lowered the window to let some air in. I nodded. Sounded about right. It was a big birthday, after all. I grabbed Thomas’s hand and leant my head against his shoulder.

“I’m looking forward to having some fun tonight,” I murmured, closing my eyes and taking in a breath of the cologne on his neck—a mixture of cranberry, sage, and woodsy scents. Lowering his head to mine, he agreed with a low noise in his throat.

I considered how much had changed in the past few months. Things went from us barely even being friends, to growing closer and then eventually, relying on each other for support and comfort. I was feeling lucky, but also scared of losing this. It felt fleeting, like so many external factors could potentially break us apart. We just had to remain strong.

We arrived in the city outside the rooftop bar. I had heard of Sanctuary before, it was a popular hang-out spot for many of the after-work drink crowds on a Friday night. As we stepped out of the car, Thomas held my arm, and we wandered inside. The décor was so dreamy, with deep green walls, plants, and dark timber floors. There was a sign at the bottom of a large staircase reading ‘Chris’s 50th’, with an arrow pointing upwards.

“Alright, Allenwright, this is us,” Thomas informed me, as he took the first step and pulled me along with him.

The closer we got to the top of the stairs the louder the music got. I smiled imagining everyone from Echidna getting drunk and dancing the night away. I couldn’t wait to join them. Reaching the rooftop, I was rendered speechless by how beautiful the venue was, from the canopy of large trees and plants that covered the space, to the abundance of fairy lights and hanging ornaments. I could just make out the sparkling stars of the clear night sky above.

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