Page 54 of One Last Wish

“Aren’t you cold?” Evelyn asked just as I noticed Darce standing outside the bar. He was looking in the opposite direction of us.

“I’m keeping warm on pure adrenaline right now.” I swallowed, watching him slowly turn in my direction.

Evelyn and I were pretty close now. I watched Darce take a step back, blink a few times, and try to compose himself. His eyes raked over my body slowly, from my feet to my chest. When his eyes met with mine, they were a blistering furnace of desire.

“He’s eye fucking you,” Evelyn whispered in my ear.

“Hush,” I warned her as we finally greeted him.

“Are you the first one here?” I asked, trying to act normal. Like there wasn’t a strange current around us.

“No, the others are inside. I thought I’d wait outside for you.” Darce smiled warmly at me. Annoyingly, he’d collected himself well. “I must say, you ladies look stunning.”

“Well, it’s not for your benefit! Alora and I are on the prowl tonight!” It was moments like this that made me wish I could feel something. Evelyn had never been more of a friend than right now. Grabbing my hand, she pulled me into the bar. Darce was close behind; I could feel the heat of his body.

“Wow!” Daisy beamed. “You look beautiful, Alora.” Ned and Theo were at the bar getting drinks. Alice gave me a disapproving look, but she was in a dress almost as revealing. Daisy was the only one mostly covered up, in black jeans and a silver, sparkly top.

When Theo finally turned around and noticed me, he spilt some of his drink. “Shit! Alora, you...you...you’re...” His eyes were wide as he drank me in.

“Theo, we've had this conversation. The word is incredibly sexy or hot!” Evelyn called towards him. “What are you drinking, Alora?”

“No, I’ll get these,” Darce interjected. “Alora, you can come to the bar with me.” Oh, I felt like that might have been an order. I followed him wordlessly as he made room at the bar so I could stand in front of him. “I know the game you’re playing,” he whispered against my ear while I was trying to get the regular barman’s attention.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I murmured as the barman noticed me and gave me a cheeky wink. Darce chuckled against my ear, making me realise how close his lips were to my neck. I knew what those soft lips felt like. Moving backwards, I pressed my ass against him.

“Behave!” Darce’s voice was rough as he gripped my hips. His fingertips were digging into the fabric of my dress. “You’re not going to wear me down this time.” Was that a challenge?

“Hey, dream girl!” the barman called, his eyes falling onto my chest. “Damn! Please tell me you’re letting me have your number tonight.” Darce’s grip on my hips tightened. Mmm...someone was clearly affected by the barman flirting with me. That was interesting. Maybe meeting Charlie later was going to be a good plan, after all.

“Oh, I’m not giving my number out to anyone tonight.”

“Shame! What are you having? The usual?”

“Please, and Evelyn’s usual.” Nodding, he looked over my shoulder at Darce. I’m not sure what he saw, but he took a step back and looked a little alarmed.

“I’ll have a whiskey. A smoky bourbon, if you have it, please,” Darce called out to him. “I’m paying.”

“Okay, man.” The barman held his arms up before moving to get our drinks.

“What did you justdo?” I frowned, turning to look at him. I regretted it the moment I noticed how close our lips were. Just another inch and I’d be kissing him.

“Nothing, I only looked at him.” There was a playful smirk on his face. “How many admirers do you have, anyway?”

“Oh,hundreds. I’m very desirable, apparently.”

“That I can’t argue with,” he chuckled, as the barman handed us our drinks. Darce paid quickly and followed me back to our group.

“Why couldn’t Malcolm make it?” Theo was asking Ned and Daisy when we arrived back. Evelyn gave me a smile as I passed her drink over.

“His kid got sick,” Ned replied.

“How convenient. Didn’t he say he would buy us a few rounds of drinks?” Alice tittered in the corner.

“It’s probably better that he’s not here.” Daisy made a fair point. “At least Bookends is closed tomorrow so we can all get drunk!”

“You look really pretty, Alora,” Theo muttered next to me. He was on the other side of the table a second ago! Where did he come from? “I can’t wait for our date next week.”

“Oh, yes,” Darce butted in, leaning over me to talk to Theo. “I heard about thisdate. Do you know where you’re taking her?”

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