Page 36 of When Sparks Fly

Around one, Pete and Leah make their way over to us. Pete is supporting Leah who is more than a little inebriated. My jaw clenches and I set my current glass on the table. Nick and Sutton also zero in on the movement.

“I offered to take her home, but she wouldn’t let me.” Pete’s muttering an explanation to me and I’m curious if he thinks Sutton and Nick might kick his ass. Leah is too drunk to be safe. Guilt washes over me. We’ve never split up before. I should have kept a better eye on her.

“She’s really drunk.” My voice doesn’t carry much weight. I cup Leah’s face in a hand. “Do you want to stay with me tonight?”

“No, I’m fffine.” She sways on her feet as Pete removes her arm from around his shoulders. She pats Pete’s cut, just above his Member patch. He presses his lips together in defeat and turns to make his way back to what’s left of the MC at this hour.

I slide my arm around Leah’s waist and turn to Sutton. “We need to go.”

“Agreed.” His jaw is tight and his serious gaze flits between Leah and me.

“We’ll help.” Nick scoops Leah up with one arm under her legs and one behind her back.

“Wha—" I’m equal parts stunned and grateful. It’s not like I could’ve gotten her easily out to my Jeep. Her protest is mumbled at best and her eyes fight a losing battle to stay open.

Outside, I take in a huge breath. The air inside had become thick and stifling, and I relish the cool wind filling my lungs. A crisp chill has replaced the rain.

“That’s my Jeep.” I point to the second row and use the key fob to unlock it.

Nick expertly navigates the thinning cars. Somehow, he manages to open the back door, without dropping Leah, before setting her gingerly in the backseat. His wide frame disappears inside as Sutton and I approach, and I hear the distinct click of the buckle before the door shuts solidly.

“Thank you.” Once again, I’m met with the inadequacies of my words.

Nick gives me a two-finger salute. “Hope we get to see more of you two.” His voice is genuine and he touches me on the shoulder as he walks back to the bar.

Over his shoulder, Sutton says, “I’ll meet you back inside,” as I lean in to start the car.

“Thanks,” I say, standing again.

“No thanks needed.” He steps forward, closing the gap between us. “When do I get to see you again?”

Knowing he’s interested in seeing me again boosts my confidence. The practical side speaks first. “You know I’m not sticking around. I’m only here now because Leah begged me to go out with her this weekend. And we have brunch tomorrow.”

“So you’ll be here tomorrow.” He smirks.

“I’m getting the impression you have selective hearing.” I wet my lips and his eyes narrow on my mouth.

An all-consuming tension builds as he drags his eyes back up to mine. “Not at all. I prefer to have a solution-based mindset.”

“Mm-hm. And what seems to be the problem?” The door is cold against my back as I lean into it, crossing my arms over my chest. Both actions are an attempt to ease the magnetic pull between us.

He ignores my question. “Do you want to see me before you leave?” He’s giving me an out, while simultaneously backing me into a corner. I can’t play coy if I admit a desire to spend more time with him. I don’t know what the point would be anyway.

I uncross one arm and turn my hand over, channeling my inner Leah. “Phone.” I bend my fingers up and down a couple times indicating for him to hand it over.

In the shadow of his hat brim, his eyes soften as he looks between my upturned palm and my face. He obliges, unlocking his phone and offering it to me. A stunning sunrise fills the home screen. My eyes flick up to him. He watches me with dark eyes.

I quickly program my number in and hand it back.

Without checking, he pockets the phone, holding me in his magnetic gaze. “One more question.”

I squint at him.

“Do you trust me?”

A breathy laugh pushes out of me. How could I not after both he and his friend made sure Leah and I were safe tonight? I don’t know what’s so important that he’s asking for a second time.

I bite my lip, determined to keep the upper hand somehow. “Mostly.”

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