Page 21 of Fall I Want
“Holy shit,” Blaire whispers. “Alexlivesthere?”
My face burns and I gulp down more of my drink. Ordering margaritas on an empty stomach was a terrible decision, but we did it anyway.
“Did you go inside?” Blaire asks, and I cover my face.
“Fuck. Was he pissed?” Julie asks.
I stay quiet, remembering how he grabbed me with his strength and pinned me in place. His touch made every inch of my body spring to life. Having his hot breath on my skin and hearing his deep voice in my ear was exhilarating.
“No wonder he looked at you like that today,” Julie says.
I try to ignore her words but I know what she’s referring to.
When our eyes met earlier, the intensity nearly pulled me under and it took all the strength I had to look away from him. I refused to steal another glance because it was too much.
The confidence he exudes isn’t like anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s like he knows exactly what he wants and will get it, no matter what. And being attracted to a man who carries himself that way says more about me than him.
“He looks at you like he plans to unravel you,” Blaire says.
Shit, I guess she saw it too.
Julie nods in agreement, glancing past me. “Speaking of, he’s co—”
“Come on, guys. You’re as bad as the fairy godmothers. He’s an asshole. Rude. Orders prick drinks. Total dickhead. And if I never had to see him again, great.”
Julie makes a face and opens her mouth, but I hold up my hand and continue. The tequila has worked its way through my bloodstream.
“Men like him are used to getting whatever they want and never have to work for anything in their life. I’m tired of it, to be honest. And don’t you dare try to tell me how hot he is. Maybe he is, but it doesn’t erase his shitty attitude. As soon as he speaks, it’s a complete turnoff. I’m sure he enjoys it when women fall to their knees for him, but I refuse.” I lick the sugar from the rim.
Julie nervously chuckles and the energy in the room undeniably changes. When I look up at my friends, they aren’t paying attention to me, but to whoever isbehindme.
I close my eyes tight and shake my head.
He takes a step forward and stands at the edge of the booth. I immediately smell his cologne, his skin, everything about him. His brown hair is messy, and he’s wearing the same faded Beatles T-shirt that he had on earlier.
“I’d love to hear more about how women fall to their knees for me,” he says, amusement in his tone.
“No,” I say, not daring to meet his eyes because it gives him too much control over me. No way I’m drowning in those baby blues again.
“Please, join us,” Blaire and Julie offer in unison.
I glare at them as Alex sits beside me in the booth, scooting his warm body against mine. I don’t move, so we sit closer than I’d like.
“Thanks for the invite,” he states, sweetly.
My temperature rises and I blame the margarita swimming through my bloodstream, but deep down, I know it’s him.
“Don’t try to win over my friends,” I say, twirling my strawaround in the empty glass. He shouldn’t be here right now, not when these drinks were supposed to help me forget he exists.
“I don’t have totry,” he says with a cocky-as-fuck attitude. The server offers him a menu, but he doesn’t take it. “I placed a to-go for Alexander.”
“Sure, I’ll check on that for you. Would you like a drink while you wait?”
“I’ll have what they’re having, and let’s have another round for the table.”
“With the extra shot of tequila?” the server asks.
I nod, wanting to numb whatever is swimming inside of me.
