Page 14 of Worth the Risk

“Hello, Kylie,” they welcome me.

“Sierra tells me you are heading to Hanover House tonight,” Tony adds.

“Yes. We met a couple of girls at the lake yesterday from out of town, and they invited us to go out with them tonight.”

“What time is your Uber picking you up?” Tony asks.

“In about an hour. Just enough time for us to finish getting girlie and prepare for tonight.”

“Call us if you need us, and stay away from anyone who may take advantage of two young girls out having a good time. Oh, and stay out of trouble. I don’t want to get a call to come pick you up at the station or the hospital.” It’s Mark who gives me the lecture. Uncle Mark is a police officer, and because of that, he tends to be a little overprotective.

“You got it. And we will make sure we look both ways before we cross the street,” I joke.

“Don’t go getting sassy, Kylie. Do you think I don’t know about that party last weekend? I know everything, so don’t think you can get one over on me. Don’t forget I was young once too. I don’t want to take away from your fun, but I want you both safe and coming home the same way you left,” Uncle Mark replies.

Shit.What does he know about last weekend? Was it my impulsive drunken kiss with Leo? The fight between James and Leo? Or just the party itself?

Either way, I’m not asking him.

So instead, with a salute in his direction, I say, “You got it, Officer Duncan. I promise to obey the law and be aware of my surroundings.”

“Good girl. Now go have your girlie time. We’re headed out to catch a late movie, so we will be gone when you girls leave, but we’re only a phone call away,” Tony says.

I say goodbye and head up to Sierra’s room. She’s in her bathroom singing along to a playlist while finishing her makeup.

“Hey, Sierra,” I yell to let her know I’m here. I sit on her bed and bounce my leg because I’m so nervous. Tonight is different than the past two nights when I was surprised to see Leo. This time, I know he’ll be there, and it has me anxious.

Not able to sit still, I pace the room.

“Will you relax?” Sierra says as she comes out of the bathroom.

“I don’t think I can,” I answer. “How do I look? Do you think I should change?”

After studying me from head to toe, she gives me a nod of approval. I’m wearing a V-neck, long-sleeve red bodycon dress. The front dips lower than something I’d usually wear, but I felt sexy when I put it on. Now, the closer we get to meeting Sophie, Amber, Leo, and Nash, the more I’m second-guessing my choice. I paired it with a two-toned pair of black and red ankle-strap pumps, and my long waves hang down my back.

Sierra is dressed in a white mini dress and white knee-high-heeled boots. Her makeup is flawless, like always.

“He won’t be able to keep his hands off you in that outfit, Ky. Tonight, we throw out inhibitions and let the night take us where it takes us. No second-guessing anything. I know you overthink and overanalyze everything. Just focus on having fun. If you choose to hook up, go for it. If you want to tell him to fuck off, do that,” Sierra says, shrugging her shoulders.

She’s right, and I know it. I’ve always been this way, thinking,should I or shouldn’t I? Tonight, I’ll try to let loose. Who knows, maybe I won’t get those delicious tingles in my body when I’m with him again and won’t want to jump his bones.

Yeah, fat chance of that.

That man oozes sex appeal. If he kisses me tonight, I won’t stop him, and truth be told, I want him to. I intend to live a little and find out where this attraction leads us. He has to feel it too.

With that thought, some of my lost confidence is restored.

“Let’s do this. Tonight is about enjoying ourselves, and we’re going to have a great time.”

“That’s the spirit.” She cheers, giving me a high five.

A little over an hour later, we enter the bar. Hanover House is crowded, and I wonder if we will be able to spot them.

Luckily, when we stride up to the bar, we find two seats.

“Do you think they’re here yet?” Sierra asks.

I don’t spy them anywhere. “Let me text Sophie and check.”

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