Page 21 of Be My First

He points to Keene. “He said he’ll walk you. What’s the big deal?”

The big deal is I want to try to go out tonight. So far, this trip has just been me and family. I’m not getting laid that way. I have to start being more proactive about this, or I’m going to be leaving this trip the same as I started it.

“Fine,” I grumble.

Keene and I walk one direction, and Bode and Eli the other. As soon as they are out of sight, I grab Keene’s hand and say, “I want to go out.”

He gets a mischievous grin. “Yeah. What did you have in mind?”

“I saw a place earlier today. Come on.”

He follows me a few blocks until we get to a club. I push the doors open and go inside. It’s loud and crowded. There’s a bar and lots of hot guys. This place is perfect.

“I’m getting a drink,” I call. He nods. He doesn’t care. He’s too busy checking out the women. Good. I don’t need him babysitting me.

As I’m sipping on my drink, I scan the crowd. A guy a few seats down from me catches my eye. He gives me a little nod, and I smile. As I’m sipping my drink, he walks my direction. My heart is pounding.

“Want to dance?” he asks. He has the sexiest Italian accent.

I set my drink down and say, “I’d love to.”

He takes my hand and leads me out onto the dance floor. The music is blaring. He puts his hands on my hips, and we start to move to the music together. His body is really close to mine. He’s really muscular, and I run my hands up his arms as we dance. I’ve completely lost Keene, but I don’t care. I know the Secret Service agents are somewhere near. They never really leave my side.

When the dance ends, he asks if I want another drink.

“Sure,” I say. I shouldn’t since I’m already a teeny-tiny bit drunk.

He orders me another drink, and we sit down at the bar together.

He places his hand on my thigh and says, “You’re beautiful.”

I blush and look down, but then I remember I need to be bold if I want things to happen. I don’t have time to waste. I’m actually out having fun, so I need to take advantage of this.

I look up and then lean forward until I’m just inches from him. He closes the distance and presses his lips to mine. He tastes like beer and smells faintly of cigarette smoke, but I don’t care. His hand creeps up my thigh as we kiss. It’s not the best kiss I’ve ever had or anything but it’s nice enough. When we pull back, I pick up my drink and drain the whole thing then I say, “Let’s dance again.”

This time I turn my back to him and grind against his body as the music plays. His hands are all over me. I shouldn’t have had that last drink. It hits me hard, but it feels so good to be touched and desired by someone. I spin around to face him, draping my arms over his shoulders. At first he pulls me close and then I feel his body tense. When I look up, I see a shadow pass over the guy’s face. I glance behind me to see what’s causing it. Declan, Bode, and Eli are staring down this guy – looking like they are about to murder him. He just holds his hands up and walks backwards.

I cross my arms over my chest. “Go away.”

“I’m not leaving without you,” Eli says, his eyes are shooting fire at me right now.

“You’re going to have to wait a while,” I say, turning back to my dance partner.

“Don’t make me carry you out of here because I will,” Eli yells.

I’m so angry right now I want to scream. Eli grabs my wrist and gives it a tug. “Come on.”

I hold eye contact with each of the guys for a moment – Eli looks angry, Bode looks terribly uncomfortable, and Declan looks like he just got roped into this somehow and would rather be somewhere else. I sigh and follow them. Once we’re outside, I jerk my wrist away.

“Where’s Keene?” I ask.

Eli shrugs. “Don’t know.”

“Shouldn’t you drag him out too?” I point back toward the club dramatically.

“Fine. I’ll go get him. Wait here.”

I give Bode and Declan the evil eye after Eli leaves. I focus my attention on Declan. “How did you find me?”

---