Page 83 of A Love That Broke Us
I pour another shot for dramatics, lifting the glass to my lips. But I don’t drink it, I just nod. “I appreciate that, man.” Setting the glass down, I pull out my phone. “Maybe I’ll grab your number. Just in case.”
Seth grins and rattles it off. I save it, and he clinks his glass to mine before walking off, leaving the offer floating in the air. The choice is mine.
I stare at the tequila for a beat, then push it aside. I’m not dumb enough to have another. Not when I’ve already crossed the line tonight. Rubbing my forehead, I exhale a long, slow breath. When Ilook up, Matt’s watching me from across the room. He lifts a brow like he knows something’s off.
Shit. Did he see me talking to Seth?It doesn’t matter. Even if he suspects something—which he shouldn’t, I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not going to call the guy. And even if I do, it’s just for a week. That’s it. It’s not like I’m scoring coke like we used to back in the day.
I nod his way, dump my shot in the sink, and push through the crowd to find Alley, suddenly needing to get the hell out of here. I find her on the balcony with Jordan, and now Megan, who must’ve arrived when I wasn’t looking.
I sneak up behind her, arms slipping around her waist as I press a kiss to her neck. “Is that Pam Anderson?” I murmur, my eyes dropping to her cleavage like a magnet.
“There’s my rockstar,” she says with a grin.
“Babe, you look so fucking sexy,” I whisper.
“God. Get a room,” Megan groans, rolling her eyes.
I chuckle against Alley’s skin, glancing up at Megan. “When did you get here? Where’s Kev?”
“Thirty minutes ago. No clue where Kevin is, probably upstairs at the bar.” She shrugs, turning back to Jordan and their conversation.
We’re interrupted by Jordan’s boyfriend, Max—the definition of a douchebag. She’s been seeing him ever since that ski trip, and I have no idea what she sees in him. The guy’s dull. Kudos to Matt for inviting him, I guess. But we all know the truth. Matt can’t keep Jordan at arm’s length no matter how hard he tries, and she wouldn’t have come without Max.
“Hey, I’m ready to go,” he says to Jordan.
She hesitates, clearly stalling. You can tell she doesn’t want to leave.
“How about thirty more minutes?” she asks, turning toward him.
“Nah. This party blows. Let’s get outta here.”
She exhales hard. “Let’s go talk about it over there.” She gestures to the corner, weaves her hand with his, and tugs him away from the group.
“Jesus,” Megan mutters. “He’s such a buzzkill.”
Alley laughs. “He’s definitely notfun.”
“Seriously.I’d rather read the dictionary cover to cover than have another conversation with him.” Megan glances between me and Alley. “I’m gonna go find Kev, take some shots. Do something to shake off the Max energy.”
Laughter bubbles up between them.
”Okay, I’ll come find you in a bit,” Alley says.
Megan touches her arm. “Sounds good. You two have fun.”
“Don’t get too drunk, Megs,” I call after her, and she waves me off as she disappears into the crowd.
Alley spins around, her hands finding their place on my bare chest. “Have you had to fight off all the ladies tonight?” she teases. “Because I’m ready to rip the rest of these clothes right off you.” Her nails drag down my abs, a smile playing on her lips. She slides her arms inside my open shirt, hugging me tightly. Rising onto her toes, she tilts her chin up, and I lean down, meeting her halfway for a kiss.
“Mmm,” I murmur against her lips, eyes dropping to her chest again. “Jesus, babe. Can you wear this bra, and low-cut shit like this more often? It’s such a fucking turn-on.”
“I’ll wear low-cut shit for you anytime,” she says, biting the corner of her lip.
“You wanna get outta here?” I ask, voice low and husky.
“Already?” She glances at her watch. “It’s only ten.” Her eyes flick to my knee, then back to mine. “Is your knee doing okay?”
“Yeah, actually feels pretty good tonight. Just tired… you know I’ve been sleeping like shit. Plus, I’ve been eyeing this hot blonde I’m thinking about taking home.” I raise my brows, and she laughs.
