Page 2 of Landon (In Safe Hands)
“Isit okay if Rob and Zach hang out? The new DLC is out for Call of Duty.”
“Noidea what that means, but sure.” Rob and Zach are his two best friends. “I’mgoing out with Frannie, so try not to burn the house down.”
Mostpeople would be hesitant to leave a bunch of sixteen year old boys on theirown, but as a self-professed group of geeks, these boys are as trustworthy as theycome. They’ll spend the night playing video games, guzzling Mountain Dew andwatching those horrible Japanese cartoons.
Hisfriends show up right after dinner as I’m preparing for a night at the club. Irarely go out like this, bars and clubs just aren’t my scene. I study my closetwith a frown and finally decide on tight jeans and a clingy red blouse. I haveno desire to spend the evening stuffed into a dress and uncomfortable heels.
“Jeans,”Frannie moans, barging into my room.
“Saveit. I want to be comfortable, not attract assholes.”
“Babe,you’ll do that no matter what you wear. Come on, the cab’s waiting.”
“Justa couple of drinks,” I remind her.
“Yeah,yeah.”
Fransqueals with excitement when the cab drops us at Chaos, one of the most popularIndianapolis nightclubs. Fran’s painted on mini skirt and low cut blouse get uspast the line and into the club. “What do you want to drink?” Fran shouts overthe music and chatter.
“Kamikaze.”
“That’swhat I’m talking about, girl!” She’s right. I’ve had a terrible day and I justwant to forget about it.
Wegrab a table upstairs, overlooking the dance floor, where the music isn’t asloud, and dive into our drinks. “I’m going to fuck…him,” Fran says, pointingout a tall, dark headed pretty boy.
“Paceyourself,” I laugh. “There are plenty to choose from.”
“Sochoose one.”
“Youknow I don’t do one night stands.”
“Youdon’t do anyone.”
Sighing,I down my drink and move on to the next. “I have enough to worry about withoutany bullshit man drama.”
“Ilove this song!” Frannie squeals, grabbing my hand. “Let’s dance.”
OnceI’m on the crowded dance floor, the drinks and music lighten my mood. Eyesclosed, I let the music flow through me and join the throng of writhing, sweatybodies. I can shake my ass with the best of them and there’s no shortage of mento dance with. Frannie laughs and flashes me a brilliant smile when she spotsme dancing between two men.
Theguy facing me is a cutie. Blond hair, blue eyes and a muscular body. He restshis hands on my hips, grinning at me when the song ends and says, “Thanks forthe dance, beautiful.”
“You’rewelcome.” I swat at the guy who seems to think dancing behind me gives him theright to put his hand on my ass.
BlondGuy pulls me away and glares at him until he takes off, grumbling. “Can I buyyou a drink?”
“Ishouldn’t. I’m seeing someone,” I lie. “But thanks.”
“Anytime,sweetheart.” He heads off to sweet talk his next prospect while I head to thebar for another drink.
I’mreally happy Frannie convinced me to come out tonight. It’s the most fun I’vehad in months. I’m only twenty-three, but some days I feel forty. With so manyresponsibilities, I just don’t have the luxury of partying and dating like anormal young woman. There’s a kid depending on me to feed him and keep a roofover his head.
Theyoung bartender nods at me as I order another Kamikaze and an ice water, hopingto fend off a morning hangover.
“Putit on my tab.” A shiver runs through me at the deep voice coming from behindme, and I turn to gaze into the most amazing eyes. I stare for a moment, tryingto decide whether they’re blue or green before I remember what he said.
“Thankyou, but I’ll get it,” I tell him, causing the corner of his mouth to tuck inwith disapproval.
“Iwant to buy you a drink.” His stubborn entitled attitude annoys me.
