Page 6 of The Plus One Contract

Harper pouts. “No! You said you wanted to have fun.”

“And I did. This was fun.” I pat her arm. “But I’m hitting my limit, and I have to be functional in the morning.”

“Boring. You’re boring.”

Elijah chuckles, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Let her live, babe.”

She sighs but pulls me into a hug. “Fine, but next time, you’re not getting out of it.”

“Next time,” I promise.

She pulls back, already reaching for her phone. “I’ll get you a cab.”

“Don’t bother. There’s a whole line of them right outside. I’ll be fine.”

She narrows her eyes like she’s not convinced but eventually relents. “Text me when you’re home.”

“Yes, Mom.”

She flips me off before grabbing Elijah’s hand, and just like that, they’re gone.

One by one, the others filter out after them, and suddenly, I’m alone.

Well, almost alone.

I swallow hard, my fingers tightening around my glass.

He’s still watching me. His gaze feels hot against my skin, sending warmth curling low in my belly. It feels exhilarating.

I glance down at my drink, my heart racing.

Am I really about to do this?

My gaze flicks back up. Our eyes meet. He’s waiting. Challenging.

A thrill shoots down my spine.

Fuck it.

I grab my bag and drink, toss my coat over my arm, and slide off the stool.

One step.

Then another.

Every nerve in my body screams with adrenaline.

I don’t stop until I’m standing right in front of him, close enough to catch the sharp, intoxicating scent of his cologne. I tilt my chin up, forcing bravery I do not feel.

I don’t think. I don’t plan. I just act.

Five

Nathan

Missed calls.

Twelve of them.

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