Page 38 of In a Pinch

Three rounds of straight tequila later, and we are tearing it up on the dance floor. My whole body feels like it’s buzzing and my head feels a little airy.

“Care to dance?” A deep voice comes from behind. Usually, I would shut this down. But tonight? I’m down for a little dance partner.

I nod, and his body comes up behind mine. He is tall and smells good. Judging by his breath, he's had even more to drink than I have, but who am I to judge?

Liv gives me the hubba-hubba eyebrow raise, and I find my cheeks getting even warmer.

“What’s your name?” he asks.

Wanting a look at his face, I turn toward him. “Addie. Yours?”

“Caden. That dress should be illegal.” He eyes me up and down, and I can’t tell if I’m creeped out or into it. He’s cute and seems normal. His brown hair is perfectly tousled and he towers over me, even in heels. The dimmed lights make it hard to see his eyes, but judging by the rest of him, he’s a looker.

“Thank you. It’s my ‘buy me a drink’ dress.”

“I think that can be arranged. Want to head to the bar?” he asks.

I nod and he grabs my hand, pulling me to the bar. So, he’s the assertive type. Got it.

“What can I get you to drink?”

“Tequila Sunrise.”

He nods and grabs a bartender’s attention, while I stand slightly behind him. He props an elbow up on the bar and turns just enough for me to catch a glint in his eye. “I’ve heard tequila girls are a bit on the wild side.”

Something about the comment makes me feel a little slimy. Maybe the flirting was a bad idea. Suddenly, I find myself wishing it was Theo helping us out. I’m sure I could send him a look and he would distract Caden while I slip back into the crowd.

I give a tight-lipped smile and respond, “Not me. Just don’t want to mix my alcohol.”

The bartender slides the drink right to me, bypassing Caden. I take a small sip and make conversation. There’s still a chance my heebie-jeebies are for nothing.

Taking a few steps away from the bar to make room for the next round of people coming up, I ask, “Are you from around here?”

“Yeah, I grew up a town over and moved here right after college. What about you?”

“Not at all. I’ve only lived here about two months, actually.”

“If you need a tour guide, I would be happy to oblige.”

“That is super nice of you, thank you. And thanks for the drink.” My eyes dart around the bar. Even more people have piled in the last hour we have been here. My glance hits the door, when an all too familiar face walks in. His gaze catches mine for half a second.

I snap my eyes back to Caden. “Thanks, again.” I raise my glass and give it a small shake. “I am going to go find my friends and make sure they’re doing okay.”

“I’ll walk with you.”

Okay, well, subtle hints are apparently not his strong suit. Maybe he will get bored by the group and leave me alone.

My eyes scan the crowd, but Sam is already gone. However, I do find my girls. Thank God. Because Caden is on my tail like flies on shit.

“My friends are right there.” I point to them, hoping he’ll catch my drift and go socialize somewhere. Preferably without me. “We’re having girls’ night. So, I should probably get back to that.”

“I’m sure they wouldn’t mind a little company.” His smile is wicked, and I suddenly hate my life.

Isla waves her hand overhead, and I make my way back to the girls. With my shadow in tow. Fuck me.

Chapter Eighteen

Sam

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