Page 79 of Still Here Without You

Raising my hands to my hips, I pout. “Why not say hi?” I’m trying to pull off my old sassy attitude, but my heart isn’t in it, and I can’t stop myself from swaying.

Joel gently places a hand on my shoulder to keep me still and sighs. “I thought about it, even approached your table, but someone beat me to it.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, even though I can tell that it is. I don’t know what to say to him. It’s an odd feeling because normally I’d be full of things to say. I shrug in return, forcing a smile.

I sway again ever so slightly—at least, I think it’s only slightly, but when Joel grabs my elbow this time, I question myself.

“We’re getting you some water. Marky Mark can pay.”

I fall into Joel, laughing out loud, then give him a pat on the back. He doesn’t see the funny side, but grips me tightly in his arms, making me feel so safe and at home. I snuggle in until his words truly register. Jumping back, I look into his eyes with a grin. “You have been stalking me!” I yell before slamming my hands over my mouth. “Sorry, that was louder than I meant it to be, but what the fuck?” I lean in closer, whispering my question in his ear. “You’ve been stalking me?”

“I’m not denying it. I can’t seem to stay away.” He sighs as the smallest frown appears on his face. I reach out to massage the crease between his eyes as he shakes his thoughts free and pulls on my arm, signaling toward the bar. “Come on. Water. Now.”

“Yes, sir.” I offer a salute, motioning for him to lead the way, but that doesn’t happen. Instead, he links our fingers and pulls me close until we’re walking side by side.

The bartender, Ted, recognizes me as we approach and smiles. “Another tequila shot?” he asks, making me cringe at the sideways glance Joel gives me.

“She’ll have water.”

“Who’s this guy? Need me to get the boss?” Ted says as his eyes bounce between Joel and me.

“Thanks, Ted, but he’s okay. He’s a friend.”

I’m not sure it’s on purpose, but Joel’s grip on my hand tightens a little.

“As long as you're sure. Boss said to tell you not to leave before he talks to you, anyway.”

Joel drops my hand, turning to face me. When his eyes lock with mine, he’s smiling, but it’s so obviously forced it’s almost creepy. I may be drunk, but I’m sober enough to know this doesn’t look good.

“Joel, I—”

“Do you want me to wait with you or leave you be? I’d prefer to know you got home safely, but I’m sureMarky Markwill ensure that happens.”

I roll my eyes, giving him a pointed look. “Are you done? I’ve only just met Mark. I don’t know why he wants to see me, and he’s definitely not taking me home. Neither of you are. So you can stop your little…”

I trail off when I see Joel’s smile widen, his eyes filling with mischief. “There she is. I’ve missed you, Del.”

“Are you purposely trying to wind me up?”

“Always.” He winks, and I melt. Fucking melt. Unable to stand the way he’s looking at me, I turn back to the bar. “Actually, Ted, I will take another shot, thanks.”

“Del?”

“Don’tDelme. You can stay and drink with me, or you can go and be responsible Joel elsewhere.”

He contemplates my options for all of two seconds before sliding onto a bar stool and asking Ted for a whiskey.

“Option A is a good choice, Joelle.”

“Don’t make me regret it,” he says with a serious tone before his lips pull up in a cocky grin.

Joel downs five shots before I’ve even contemplated the second. I’m not sure if he’s drinking to escape like I was, or simply drinking to catch up. Either way, within the hour, we’re both pretty messy, causing the lines between hate and love to blur. My ass grinds against his hardness as we dance to the music. The alcohol coursing through my veins is doing a damn good job of making me forget about my troubles.In fact, what were they again?This all feels so natural. Like I’m exactly where I should be, and yet, there’s something niggling at me to run. To get as far away as I possibly can, to never look back. Too bad I can’t concentrate long enough to focus on what that is.

Joel’s hands move up my waist until he’s cupping under my breasts, once again distracting me from my thoughts. He gives them a quick squeeze before running his hands back down. It’s the fourth time he’s done it, with each one making me more desperate for his touch.Histouch being the only one I’ve had since the moment we met. Curling one arm up around his neck, I lean back into his chest and sway, enjoying the feel of him behind me.

The DJ switches up the music and “Like A Prayer,” by Madonna comes on. The podium we’re dancing on becomes dangerously crowded, but since we’re pushed to the back, near the wall and in the safe zone, I don’t care. Closing my eyes, I get lost in the beat. Bodies brush against me from every side, but I’m so content right here that it doesn’t bother me like it usually would. It actually feels like a privacy screen to allow me to be free. Joel’s hands start roaming again, making my heart race in anticipation. My chest rises without my consent, waiting for his hands to find their way there, but only one makes the journey. I’m so focused on his thumb rubbing across my nipple that I almost jump when his other hand moves down to my thigh. My breath hitches as my eyes flash open, scanning our surroundings. No one is paying attention. It’s so crowded that no one would even be able to see. My heart pounds inside me as Joel’s hand slowly moves up my thigh, making its way under my skirt before brushing between my legs. My head falls back against his shoulder as a quiet moan escapes my lips. Wriggling slightly against his touch, I pout when his hand disappears. He’s barely touched me, but it’s enough to drive me crazy, and I’m desperate for more.

Spinning in his arms, I hitch a leg up to his waist and secure my hands around his neck. Joel curses as he grips my ass to hold me in place, gently grinding against me.

His forehead drops to mine, and he shakes his head. “This can’t happen here, Del. I shouldn’t have touched you,” he whispers breathlessly, just loud enough for me to hear. He’s right, but I no longer give a fuck.

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