Page 6 of Hard To Love

Chapter Two

As soon asthe cab pulled up in front of The Pulse, I could feel the vibration from the speakers pour through the glass windows. When I stepped onto the sidewalk, my eyes followed the long line that had formed along the side of the building, full of people that were patiently waiting to get in. I trailed behind Cassie as she bypassed the line and walked right up to a guy in a suit behind a red velvet rope. As soon as we approached the bouncer, he asked for our IDs, then spoke into a headset and punched something into his iPad.

“You ladies are all set.” He smiled. “This man will show you to the VIP area. Follow him to the top of the stairs and make sure to have your IDs ready. Enjoy your evening,” he said, moving onto the people next in line.

I’d been to a few clubs in the past, but had never been invited to the VIP section. I silently thanked Cassie for her help in getting me ready. I was sure that whatever I would have picked out wouldn’t have been as good as her choice. I was excited to test out my new look and attitude.

“I guess it helps to know people,” Cassie said excitedly, as we walked through the door.

The club was vibrant and alive, packed with people from all different walks of life. That was one of the things I loved about the city. There was no shortage of interesting people-watching to do. As we wound our way to the dance floor, we walked between dancers speaking directly into their friends’ ears so they could be heard above the music. Along the far wall, there was a beautiful bar area with glass and crystal showing an elaborate selection of liquors and wines, all served up by the gorgeous male bartenders.

We followed our guide to the VIP section, climbing the stairs to the second floor, where more luxury awaited us. There was an incredible seating area, overlooking the dance floor below. Just as I was getting ready to sit down and rest my feet, we spotted Jack and his friend Liam at the bar.

As I walked over, Jack turned around and did a double take, and said, “Who the hell are you and what have you done to my friend Emily?”

I swatted his shoulder and nudged him playfully. “Are you saying normally I look like hell?”

He laughed, “Never. It’s so good to see you out. I’m glad you came.”

“Well, if I had known that this was what awaited me…” I paused when I noticed a group of girls surrounding a table nearby, clearly enjoying the champagne they were pouring down each other’s throats. “I would have been here earlier.”

He followed my line of vision, then started laughing. “See all the fun you’ve been missing out on?”

I snatched his drink, and took a huge sip. Something told me I would need the alcohol in my system to get through tonight. This was not my scene, but I was determined to make the best of it.

“Hello, Jack, I’m over here,” Cassie called over my shoulder. I stepped aside for them and fiddled with the hem of my dress. No matter how hard I pulled, I couldn’t get the damn thing to reach my knees. But as I looked around, I felt slightly less out of fashion, seeing some of the women looked like they were wearing only a G-string with a push-up bra.

Jack threw his arms around her shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Is somebody feeling left out?” he teased.

“I know I am,” said a deep voice behind me. I looked over at the handsome man leaning up against the bar.

“Shit, I’m sorry. Where are my manners?” Jack said, making room for the guy as he pushed himself off the bar to come stand in front of us. “Liam, this is Emily Davis and Cassie Harrison. Ladies, this is my friend Liam St. John. You know the guy from the gym that I’ve been telling you so much about.”

Liam extended his arm and politely shook my hand first. “Nice to meet you, Emily.”

It was a nice handshake, but there was nothing more than friendship in its grip. Next, he glanced towards Cassie, and the sexual chemistry was almost palpable as he extended his hand to her. When they touched, their eyes met and a giant smile erupted on both of their faces.

Liam was good-looking. I’d give him that. His brown wavy hair hung almost to his eyebrows, and his brown eyes sparkled in invitation and masculinity. He had a muscular build with broad shoulders and bulging biceps. It was very clear that he worked out and it was even clearer that he was exactly Cassie’s type.

“Can I buy you two pretty ladies a drink?” Liam asked, as he finished off his beer.

“Yes please,” Cassie said, shyly batting her eyes. “I’ll have a Cosmopolitan.”

Then he looked at me raising a questioning eyebrow. “Make it two, please, and thank you, Liam.”

“My pleasure. We have a table over by the window. Why don’t you both get comfortable and we’ll be right back.” He smiled, and then turned to place our order.

As soon as we found our table, Cassie grabbed my hand and quietly squealed, “Liam is so hot. Did you see how he was staring at me? Tell me I’m not imagining this.”

“He definitely seemed into you.”

“Good, because I call dibs.”

I couldn’t help but snort. “We’ve only been here for ten minutes and you’re already sinking your claws into him.”

“Oh sweetie, hopefully he will be the one sinking into me later.” Good god, she was a handful; Liam had no idea what he was in for.

For the next two hours, we alternated between drinks at the bar, chatting on the couch and serious dancing. I started to feel a little hot and claustrophobic. I excused myself and headed for the exit for some fresh air. I wasn’t that worried about being missed. Cassie and Liam were practically joined at the lips and Jack was on the dance floor with an attractive little blonde he had been trying to hook up with since we arrived

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