Page 23 of At Your Door

I can feel my skin getting hot, the embarrassment kicking back in. How could I have fallen into another one of her traps?

Finally, I look away, turning around in my seat, to see El and her mystery girl heading for the dance floor. All I can do is let out a deep sigh as I try to wave over the bartender. But just as I’m about to speak up, someone steps into the open space next to me.

“Can I get you a drink?” a soft voice says.

I don’t realize they’re talking to me until I don’t hear a response, and my eyes widen when I turn to see a short-haired brunette staring right at me. I take in her delicate and soft features with a quick scan over.

“Oh, uhhh—” My eyes dart all around, trying to figure out what to say. Then, for a moment, I remember why I’m even here in the first place.

“—Sure, why not!”

Without hesitation, she smiles before turning to order us both a round of shots.

CHAPTER 13

MIA

I’m on my fourth shot with Isabella. Wait, maybe it’s Stella?

I don’t know, but she’s been a great distraction from all that’s happening in my head. We haven’t said much, or really, I haven’t since she hasn’t stopped talking. In less than ten minutes, she told me about her cats, job, friends, etc. But not a single thing has stuck.

Maybe it’s because I’m a bit distracted by the feeling of Griffon’s eyes burning through me. With every giggle, every touch, every slow ‘lean in,’ I can’t help but steal a peek, and from what I can tell, she hasn’t moved an inch.

If anything, it looks like she is about to throw her body over the railing.

And for once, I’m the one satisfied. I can’t help the mischievous smile that spreads across my face as if I just won the lottery.

Maybe that’s why I feel bold enough to turn back to Bella and ask, “Do you want to dance?”

We’re mid-conversation, so my question makes her eyes widen, and her eyebrows shoot up. But her expression quickly changes to a small smirk when I put my hand out.

“Of course!” Bella (I think) answers, hopping out of her seat. I don’t waste any time leading the way to the dance floor,not sparing a glance towards Griffon, even if I already know she’s watching.

My adrenaline is too high to stop and care what she thinks. All of the alcohol is slowly beginning to spread, and my body is responding fast. I can feel every tiny droplet of sweat starting to run down the sides of my face. But I pay no mind as soon as I feel small hands grab my waist.

I’m thrown off momentarily and stiffen completely, but I relax within seconds. This isn’t the time for overthinking. I’m over that; all I want to do is live in the moment and let go of my fears of being perceived.

Fuck, I want to be seen.

After closing my eyes, I lean back into her grasp, basking in her scent. She smells sweet—more like vanilla mingled with a floral note. Maybe Gardenia, to be more specific. It’s almost too sweet for my taste; I must stop myself from scrunching up my nose. I shouldn’t even think about her perfume—who cares if it's too sweet? She’s hot, and she’s into me.

I can't see her, but I can feel her short hair brushing against the side of my neck as she moves closer, her lips practically touching my ear.

“This okay?” Her hands tighten around my waist as she guides me backward until my back is pressed against her chest. Her touch is gentle, and even without seeing her, I can feel everything as her hips begin to sway back and forth.

Instead of speaking up, I simply nod and start to match her movements. Our hips move in sync as the beat envelops us both. Sweat threatens to drip down my chest as our pace quickens, and I can’t tell if I’m feeling the bass from the speakers or my heart pounding. But I don’t care—I finally feel free.

As our movements begin to mirror each other, my mind starts to drift away. Even with her breath on my neck, her hands on my skin, and her lips so close to my ear, I only see Griffon.

My mind replaces the feeling of her gentle touch with something more solid and rough. I can’t stop myself from gasping at how quickly my body responds to just the thought of her. I hate it—I know I do—but fuck, I can’t help but fall deeper into my imagination. All I see is her: her hair, her bright blue eyes, her... everything.

My head falls back, and instinctively, I crack my eyes open, disappointed to find that she isn’t staring back at me. I quickly scan the balcony, but I stop moving completely when I don’t immediately spot Monica or Lauren. Panic sets in as my head whips around, searching for Eleanor somewhere in the crowd. But it has only gotten more compact since we arrived.

“Is everything okay?” The soft voice behind me breaks through my mini-crisis, reminding me of my reality.

“Oh—uhh—” My eyes continue to search through the crowd for anyone at this point.

Just as I turn to respond, I feel my arm being yanked, and my body jerks to the left, leaving me speechless. My eyes widen, and I jump at the firm grasp, but I’m stuck in place as they grab my other arm, pinning my back against their chest.

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