Page 38 of Stick Handled

Jake notices and lets out a low chuckle.

“Hey, relax. I’m just making conversation. You’re almost out,” he says, motioning toward the glass in my hand. “Let me get you another one.”

Before I can respond, he’s already plucked the drink from my hand and is motioning for the bartender. I glance around for Sarah, feeling like I need some kind of lifeline, but she’s lost in the crowd, her arm draped over a guy’s shoulder as she laughs. Reluctantly, I accept the drink Jake hands me, and we clink glasses before he takes a slow sip, his eyes never leaving mine.

“So,” he says, his gaze sharpening, “you don’t wanna come upstairs with me?

I let out a little laugh, unsure of how to answer. “I… no, I’m just going to stick to my friend.”

Jake raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“She can come, too,” he says, his voice dropping lower as he moves just a fraction closer.

“Um, I’ll ask her,” I mumble, not sure if he can even hear me, feeling awkward under his gaze. I turn away, focusing on the drink in my hand and sipping it to distract myself.

Jake doesn’t seem to pick up on my discomfort. He leans in even closer, his breath warm against my ear.

“So, are you seeing anyone? Or maybe waiting for someone to show up?”

I freeze, not sure how to answer, and he lets out a soft chuckle at my hesitation.

“Don’t look so nervous, babe. I’m not gonna bite,” he teases, his hand drifting to rest on my waist. I tense up immediately, my instincts screaming at me to move, but I don’t want to seem rude.

“I, um, I’m not really…” I trail off, struggling to find the words as his hand stays where it is, his fingers brushing my side.

He raises an eyebrow, his expression amused.

“Not really what?” he prompts, his hand giving a light squeeze that sends a fresh wave of discomfort through me.

He starts moving to the music, pulling me in with him, his hand never leaving the small of my back. I’ve never had anyone hold me like this, but instead of excitement, I feel odd.

“You look so hot,” he says, his breath tickling my ear. “This makeup suits you. I hope it’s not waterproof.”

What does that even mean?I look up at him in confusion, and he lets out a chuckle, swallowed by the sound of the music.

“You’d look even hotter with it running down your face,” he adds as his hand slides lower and lower until he’s gripping one of my butt cheeks.

“I think I should go find Sarah,” I say quickly, pulling away. I’ve had enough. This is too much.

Jake’s expression flickers with frustration, but he recovers with a forced smile. “Yeah, get her and come upstairs,” he says, trying to sound casual.

I start looking around for her and feel Jake’s hand around my elbow, pulling me back.

“You’ll come upstairs, right?” he shouts over the music.

I nod, muttering a quick, “I’ll see,” before slipping away from him, my heart pounding.

I push through the crowd, finally spotting Sarah, still laughing and chatting with the same guy. I feel a huge rush of relief as I reach her, tugging gently at her arm.

“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, “I think… I think I’m ready to go home.”

Sarah turns to me, noticing the look on my face. “You sure? What happened?”

“I need to get rid of this guy.” I point my thumb at the direction of where I came from.

“The blond one? He’s cute.” She scans the crowd.

“He’s being weird. I just want to go home.” I give her an apologetic look. “I think I’ve just reached my limit. And I also think I’m drunk.”

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