Page 78 of Still Here Without You

Huh? I didn’t see that coming.

“Stumped you there, right? I co-own this place. I could have my pick of anyone here, and I will, don’t get me wrong. But right now, I just wanted to talk to someone that didn’t look like owning this club would impress them.”

I cringe. “And I look like that?”

“You look bored out of your mind, so yes.”

I laugh and thank him, because he deserves it. Not only did this guy get a smile, but now a laugh. He’s a lot more like Joel than I first thought.Fuck, there I go again…move on, Delilah.

Mark’s lips purse in confusion. “Thank you?”

“It’s been a while since I laughed.” I shrug.

“Fuck. That’s depressing.”

“Yep.”

“What—”

“Mark!” A hand clasps Mark’s shoulder to get his attention, cutting off his words. “Your VIP has arrived.”

“Thanks, Ben,” Mark says before turning back to me. “Well, that’s my cue. If you want a drink, just tell the bartender that Marky Mark is paying.”

I bite back a smirk before raising an eyebrow. “Marky Mark? Really?”

He winks, and his face lights up with a smile. “Yep. Marky Mark.”

“Okay. Thanks.”I think.

He waves as he walks away, and my face scrunches at the entire exchange. One of the cheer girls sits down in the chair Mark just vacated, watching him in the distance. “Damn, he’s smoking. Tell me you exchanged numbers.”

“Nope.” I shake my head.

Her eyes widen. “Nope? Are you crazy?”

Am I? I’ve asked myself that question a bit latelyut in this case, the answer’s no. Mark was smoking hot; there’s no denying that. But the desire just isn’t there anymore. In another life, I probably would have played along, flirted, or more. But now, none of that interests me. Well, maybe not none of it…I’m curious about the drinks.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Delilah

Sweatrunsdownmybody as I move to the music. My eyes close with the beat pulsing through me. It’s safe to say Marky Mark was not lying, and I may have taken advantage of that fact. The alcohol coursing through my body is definitely improving my mood, and I’m actually enjoying myself.Cheers to you, Mark.

My friend Julia and I are dancing seductively on the edge of the podium. I may not want to take any of these guys home, but I’ve got to say…the attention is nice and I’m lost in the moment. When I raise my hands above my head, my center of gravity shifts, and I stumble, almost losing my balance, proving my point from earlier. They shouldnothave let me up here. Righting myself, I grip Julia’s waist, swaying my hips in time with hers. It’s all a bit of fun until I feel someone brush my ass, then a definite erection press in behind me.Gross!Jumping in fright, I step away, out of his reach. Turning to give him a piece of my mind, I lose my footing again, and the world stills as I fall.Oh God!

Eyes squeezed shut, I brace for impact, but strong arms wrap around me, pulling me in close. The hold feels protective, though I’m sure it’s just a reaction. I’m lowered to the ground, and when my feet touch, I wobble a little before gaining my balance. Turning toward my savior, I’m already saying “thanks” when my eyes lock on his, freezing me in place. My heart pounds in my chest as he stares down at me. It’s an intense moment until he frowns, and my giggle takes over at the realization of what just happened.No wonder people drink to dull the pain. It really works.

“I thought shit like this only happened in the movies,” I joke, pushing Joel’s chest as I try to stand up on my own.Try.

“Which part?” he asks with a frown. “You being so drunk that you fell, or me being the one that caught you?”

“Probably both,” I say, as the high I had from the alcohol starts to fade.

“Well, I can’t answer for the first, but as for the latter, it helps that I’ve been watching you since you first walked in the door.”

My chest tightens, and I inwardly curse when my pulse starts to race. This is exactly why I’ve been trying to stay away. “I’ve been here a long time, Joel.”

“Trust me; I know.”

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