Page 78 of His Secret Gift

It’s a much more casual look than I typically go for, and the expressions on my friends faces communicates their recognition of that.

“What?” I raise my arms and give them a twirl. “I wanted something different tonight.”

Bryant nods. Unlike me, he looks like a poet from the 1930s, which is his usual look when out of uniform.

It’s obvious by the sight of Tyler waiting near the front of the building for us that he’s coming along.

“Alright. Are we ready men?”

“Let’s go!”

Chapter 24

A Dangerous Web We Weave – Kayla

The insistent thump of the bass reverberates through my chest, making my heart race. I glance around at the writhing sea of bodies surrounding me and wonder how I ended up here. The crazy party scene is a far cry from my usual quiet nights in, but I can’t deny there’s a certain energy to it all that’s infectious.

Despite everything that happened last night, Callie has thrown herself into the thick of it. She’s dancing with another guy she met just minutes ago, throwing her head back with wild abandon as they grind against each other.

I watch them, and I’m envious of her ability to let loose and enjoy herself without a care in the world. Although, I’m also expecting more tears tonight as she reminisces about Dirk.

“Can I get you another drink?” The bartender’s voice startles me out of my thoughts. He’s young, buff, and grinning at me—and not just like a man who wants to charm a customer into a good tip.

I hesitate. I’m not a good drunk, and the idea of showing that side of myself to my new friends and co-workers doesn’t appeal to me.But one or two more shouldn’t hurt, right?

“Yes, please,” I respond with a small grin, feeling the weight of my decision. “I’ll have another glass of pinot grigio.”

“Coming right up,” he says with a wink before turning to grab the bottle.

The noise and heat of the room press in on me and for a moment, I close my eyes, trying to find some semblance ofpeace amidst the chaos. When I open them again, Callie has disappeared further into the crowd, leaving me feeling even more alone and exposed. I rub my arms, suddenly feeling self-conscious in my short, tight dress.

I felt much more comfortable when we were out in public, and I had a jacket covering my bare shoulders. However, Callie insisted that I check it for the night.

“Only weirdos wear jackets in the club,” her words slurred from the alcohol we pre-gamed with back at the hotel.

The bartender reappears behind the bar, effortlessly mixing drinks for a group of rowdy patrons before making his way back over to me.

“Here you go.” He slides another glass of shimmery deliciousness over to me.

“Sorry about the wait.”

“No problem,” I respond, reaching for my wallet. “How much do I owe you?”

He waves me off with a smile. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t charge women as pretty as you.”

I feel my cheeks flush, and I can’t help but laugh nervously.

Then, after composing myself a little, I’m happy I didn’t let Callie convince me to let her do my hair again because it’s down, and I can flirtatiously tuck some of it behind my ear while taking a sip of wine. “The bar must lose a lot of money then.”

“Actually, I’m pretty specific,” he mutters, leaning against the counter. “I already know that you’re gorgeous. And I’m Mehdi, by the way.”

He holds his hand out towards me, and I take it with a kind smile. “Actually, it’s Kayla.”

“I like it.”

I glance at him, taking in his dark eyes, tanned skin, long hair, and tattooed arms. He’s attractive, no doubt, but there’ssomething missing - that spark, that fire. Maybe I just need to give it time.

“Thank you,” I murmur, still uncertain.

---