Page 23 of Fall I Want
Beautiful people are not caged by the same rules. It’s clear Alex writes and plays by his own.
“You wound me,” he says. His arm brushes against mine, causing goosebumps to pepper my skin. Each time he gently grazes my skin, a spark of electricity jolts through me. There isn’t enough room to escape him. He made sure of that.
The server pulls his attention away and hands him food in a paper bag.
“Everything they order on my bill, please. Would anyone like anything else? Another round?” Alex asks everyone.
Julie and Blaire shake their heads.
“I’ll have mine on a separate check, please.”
“No, not necessary,” Alex insists. “I will tip you very well if you ignore her request.”
They exchange a smile and she walks away grinning. He’s naturally charismatic without even trying, like he commands rooms for a living. It’s not lost on me that he has that effect on those he comes in contact with. Even me.
Alex’s focus is back on me. “I’d like to talk to you.”
“No thanks,” I tell him.
“We were just heading out,” Blaire offers, and Julie agrees as they chug their drinks.
“Thanks, Alex. So nice to see you again,” Julie tells him, glancing at me.
I sigh as they slide out of the booth. “I hate it when y’all do this. You’re seriously leaving me?”
“Yep, we’ll see you in the morning.” Julie shoots him a wink and I shake my head.
“You’re both traitors,” I mutter.
“Text us,” Blaire says to me, then glances back at Alex. “Join us anytime.”
“The invitation is appreciated,” Alex offers, then they walk away.
Once we’re alone, he shifts his body toward me with a brow lifted. I swear he sees straight through me.
“You’re feisty as fuck,” he says.
“Tequila,” I tell him, knowing the liquid courage has set in.
“I do want to speak to you,” he admits. “I was serious about that.”
“Not in here. I need fresh air.”
“Sure,” he says. The server returns with the bill. Alex signs the slip then he stands, allowing me out so I can lead the way.
When we’re outside, I inhale the sweet scents of the churro food truck that’s parked across the street. It makes my mouth water.
We step to the side of the entrance and I turn to him. “I’m not fooled by you.”
He studies me. “Oh, you think this is an act?”
“Absolutely. The fake charming thing. I can see your true colors, Alex Alexander.”
He chuckles. “Yeah? What color am I?”
“Your aura is red like fire. A raging flame,” I state, without missing a beat. “I’m convinced you’re the damn devil.”
“A flame? That’s interesting.” A bark of laughter releases from him and I hate his perfect smile. It makes him look younger, carefree, even. It’s light and contagious and he nearly breaks me. I have to stay annoyed with him. Right?
