Page 36 of Only With You

I giggle. “Please don’t ever use that on any girl.”

“But you’re not just any girl,” he says.

River is attractive, with ginger wild waves and soft, bright green eyes. Freckles are sprinkled across the bridge of his nose and cheeks. He’s probably an inch or two taller than me, has a nice build, and a ten out of ten personality.

So something must be really wrong with me because he’s everything I could ask for in a guy, yet I’m not feeling it.

I don’t know him, that’s why.It’s what I tell myself.

We spend the next few minutes talking about random things. River’s gotten a little bolder and inches closer to me. His hand rests on the back of my stool. His fingers caress my shoulder.

I don’t mind it. I lean in, appreciating how soft his fingers feel. Even though it feels good, I wish they were rougher. I alsowish all of the alcohol I’ve consumed tonight would be enough to numb my thoughts and how I feel. Instead, I feel everything.

The liquid runs through my veins, heating my body, making my cheeks ache from how hard I’m laughing and smiling. The intoxication is euphoric. My head feels light, and at times, everything spins, but not in a way that is going to make me sick. I feel distant but so close, like everything around me is at my grasp, but not really.

“So, are you here by yourself or with friends?”

“With friends. They’re in the VIP section.”

He looks up in that direction while I take a sip of my drink.

“You’re friends with the guys on the basketball team?” he asks amazed.

I blink a few times because I think my vision is fucked up, but when it semi-clears, I see how his eyes sparkle. So I wasn’t seeing things. Oh, God, not him too.

“No, not them, the girls who are with them.”

“That’s still pretty cool. Wow.” His face burns a bright scarlet. “Sorry, I’m just a big fan of the basketball team and…”

Before I can get a word in, he rambles on about the team. I think he mentions something about having class with TJ and Jagger, and meeting the coach. I’m not entirely sure because I zone out through most of it.

Resting my elbow on the bar top, I lay my chin on my palm, absentmindedly nodding.

“—Landon.”

My chin almost slips as I hear his name.

“What?”

“Landon’s the only one I haven’t talked to on the team. He’s just so…” He takes a pull of his beer, musing over what he wants to say. A meek smile touches his lips. “Intimidating.”

I snort and sway in my seat, almost spilling my drink on me. “Please don’t let his grim personality make you believehe’s intimidating. He’s everything but that.” I grimace. “You’re seriously not missing out. He’s kind of an asshole. If I were you, I wouldn’t go anywhere near him. It would be a disservice if I didn’t warn you about him.”

His brows shoot up, eyes wide, staring above my head in incredulity or maybe in fear?

“Hey.” I squeeze his arm to get his attention back on me, but he takes a step back. “What’s wrong?”

“A disservice, huh?” My back stiffens at the familiar British accent.

I don’t dare turn around, because I want to believe I imagined him. Only that’s wishful thinking because he is, in fact, behind me.

“Holy shit, Landon! Hey, it’s so good to meet you. I’m a big fan,” River says, his tone calm and composed, but I can tell he’s trying to tame his excitement down. A buzzing energy radiates off him, and I’m pretty certain I just saw him wipe his palms on his jeans. “My name’s?—”

“Thanks for keeping her company, but I’ll take it from here,” he cuts him off, standing in front of River and me.

I sputter out a laugh. There’s no way I heard that correctly.

“We’re leaving,” he flatly says.

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