Page 123 of Taste of Addiction

“Pretty sure your face says otherwise.”

“It’s just that I thought Ethan would be home tonight waiting for my return. Instead, he’s going to do a campout with his son at the ex’s.”

I frown over her disappointment. She’s not acting like herself, and I worry that she is putting all of her eggs into one basket with a man who might not be worthy of her. I just want my best friend to be happy.

“I’m sorry,” I say, giving her a half hug, all while trying not to dump my beverage down her back. “Let’s forget the guys for the night.”

“Sounds good.”

We clink glasses, throw the rest back, and place the empties on the side table that lines the wall. I don’t need to be drunk to have fun. I just need to be around my bestie.

My attention is back to shaking my ass and singing at the top of my lungs to the music. I mess up the lyrics on numerous occasions and laugh at the silliness of my improvising. The grinding of a guy behind me and the hands on my hips make me freeze. I see Collins moving across the room—ready to explode his fury on the poor dude—and before he can make it to me, I turn to look the offender in his eyes.

“Let go. I’m not interested,” I announce loudly, feeling the need to scream over the music.

“Oh, come on, babe, don’t be like that.”

Ugh, I hate when guys use that line of persuasion.

“I came here to dance, not get an STD.”

“Don’t be so frigid.”

“Leave me alone before my bodyguard breaks your face.”

He shrugs and moves on to someone easier, mumbling something about not wanting any trouble. I turn to catch Collins grabbing my elbow. “Are you okay, ma’am?”

“Yeah, of course,” I huff, swaying on my feet. I pat his arm. The man always wears a suit. I would bet he sleeps in one too. “Relax. Go grab a drink or something.”

“I don’t drink when I’m working. Ever.”

“Oh. Well, go search for one of those sand trays with the rake or something. I am good. I can take care of myself.”

“Yeah, just chill,” Claire says, dusting some snowflake confetti from his arm, giggling over her own inside joke.

We take several dozen silly pictures and selfies in our costumes. Even the security detail gets their images captured involuntarily.

Every time some guys get too close, we find ourselves flanked by Parker and Collins, while Austin and Owen verbally growl at them.

“I feel like I am part of a surprise orgy,” Claire announces, doubling over and laughing her ass off.

I laugh so hard I fall down, despite being surrounded by the man crew.

Claire helps me stand again. “Seems like your ninja reflexes have worsened with age,” she fake scoffs, pointing at each man individually.

The whole display is comical. We must look like royalty to anyone paying attention, with our security detail ready to slay any dragons that come our way.

“Gotsta use the pee station!” I announce unceremoniously, participating in the fit of giggles that spring out of my throat. I sound demented. I sway to the influx of the alcohol that must finally be reaching my nervous system from the bubbly on the ride over. I feel light and airy.

“Go before you leak,” Claire warns between breaths, only fueling the unending fit of giggles.

I excuse myself to go to the restroom. As I walk into the crowded space, I squeeze past everyone to find a free stall. I check my text messages and see that Graham sent me one.

The Boyfriend: I miss you, sweetheart. I want to wrap myself around you.

I type out a message quickly, hearing the water running outside and the hand dryer blowing. I think the room is finally clearing out, and I feel less claustrophobic in the space and in my thoughts.

Angie: I prefer you buried deep inside me.

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