“Why are we doing this again?” I ask Alex as our Uber pulls up in front of the club. A long line of people snakes its way down the block. Not surprising, considering the hype behind this place. Tonight is its grand opening, but it’s already being touted as the next big hotspot—where the rich, famous, and beautiful will go to be seen.
“Because you’ve been working hard for weeks, first on your proposal, and now on the project, and you need a break. We both do.”
I pat her knee sympathetically. Things have been a bit rough for her since Jaxson left for LA. She’s been struggling with the temporary separation. She’s even started teaching interior design classes at a community center a few evenings a week to keep herself distracted. I guess a night out on the town will do us both good.
After paying the driver, we climb out. I smooth down my sparkly green minidress, the one Alex says matches the color of my eyes. With bare legs and a pair of strappy nude stilettos, I feel sexy tonight. Alex is wearing black skintight leather pants and a red halter top, and she looks amazing.
I smile as I take in the bright lights and all the dressed-up people. As someone who wasn’t exactly a party girl during my high school and college years, the novelty of going out like this is still fresh and exciting.
Although the line to get in is long, we don’t have to join it. Jaxson has somehow gotten our names on the list because of his connections in the music scene. After Alex talks to the bouncer, he unhooks the red rope and we’re ushered straight in.
My eyes widen as we enter the two-story club. A circular bar stands in the middle of the large open space. Tables and booths with plush velvet seating line the outer wall, and there’s a crowded dance floor with a raised stage at one end for live performances. A second level with a balcony allows people to watch those mingling and dancing below.
My gaze catches on the mountain-sized, black-suited man standing at the bottom of a staircase across the room. I guess that’s where the VIP section is.
“Drink first?” Alex asks, and I nod. I’m looking forward to having a couple of cocktails and doing some dancing. The last few weeks have been both exhilarating and tense because of my interactions with Cole. I want to let go and relax.
Once we have our drinks in hand, we make our way to the outer edge of the club and score a booth when a group of people leaves. A sigh gusts out of me as I sink into the plush red velvet seat.
“It feels as if you and I haven’t had a chance to catch up in ages,” I say. Even though Alex and I live together, the two of us have been like ships passing in the night for the last few weeks. With Alex spending her evenings teaching at the community center, and me alternating between doing long hours at work and attempting to have more quality time with Paul, it’s been a while since we’ve had time to hang out.
Alex takes a long sip of her drink, then grins. “Tell me about it. And I haven’t even had a chance to ask how things are going with you know who.”
I raise my brows. “Paul?”
Alex snorts. “Your sexy, virginity-stealing boss.”
Even though there’s no way anyone around us can hear what she’s saying, I wince. “Please don’t refer to him that way. How about my arrogant asshole boss? That works.”
Alex laughs. “I mean, it’s all accurate, right? And I’ve seen photos of him. He’s definitely sexy, despite being an arrogant asshole. Maybe even more sexy because of it.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “Believe me, there’s nothing sexy about being accused of trying to sleep your way into a job—which he’s never apologized for, by the way—and having your memory of the night you lost your virginity cheapened. Not to mention him asking whether I think of him when I masturbate. In the middle of his office.”
“What?” Alex leans forward, an avaricious expression on her face. “You didn’t tell me about that.”
I fill her in on what had happened with Cole earlier this week. When I finish, she sits back in her seat, her brow furrowed. “That’s unprofessional.”
“Tell me about it.”
“He doesn’t really strike me as the type to do that kind of thing. Which makes me think you’ve gotten under his skin.”
I sip my cocktail. “I doubt it. I’m pretty sure he dislikes me as much as I dislike him.”
“Mmm. You know what they say about love and hate. It’s a fine line, baby.”
“I’m not sure he’s the kind of man who feels love.”
She smirks. “Lust, then.”
“He’s a billionaire that can have his pick of any number of gorgeous women, and you think he’s secretly lusting after me?”
“Didn’t he admit that he’s been jerking off because of you?”
I scoff. “I’m sure he was just playing mind games with me. He wanted to get in my head.”
She taps her finger against her pursed lips. “What if he’s one of those guys who assumes by taking your virginity, he’s claimed you as his?”
I let out a laugh. “I very much doubt it. He was obviously unimpressed when I turned up in his building. Not exactly the behavior of someone who thinks I belong to him.”
“Okay, then maybe seeing you with Paul has his competitive drive running at full speed.”
“That’s the most likely scenario out of a series of unlikely scenarios, but personally, I think he’s just a sadistic bastard who likes to make people squirm.”
She waggles her eyebrows. “I’m sure he’d like to make you squirm.”
I shake my head, suppressing my smile. “Okay, enough about my bosshole. How are things with Jaxson?”
Her mouth pulls down in a frown. “It’s been harder than I expected, being away from him.” She looks down at her left hand, where she’s fiddling with her engagement ring. “It seems like every time I call, he’s out partying with the guys. I mean, I know it’s part of the lifestyle, but it’s not exactly easy being the one left behind.”
After putting down my drink, I slide closer to her in the booth and give her a hug. “I’m sorry it’s been hard for you, but I bet he’s missing you lots. Hey, how about we take a selfie now and send it to him so he can see it’s not just him going out and living it up?”
Alex grins. “Good idea.” She holds her phone and we smile for the photo. Then she taps away, composing her message, and I take the opportunity to do some people watching.
The dance floor is packed, and the rhythmic beat of the music has my body itching to get out there and let loose. I look up at the second-floor balconies and see quite a few people looking over the crowd. Then my eyes drop and catch on the VIP entrance.
A familiar form snags my attention, and I squint to see better. No, it can’t be. Surely Cole wouldn’t deign to bring himself to a nightclub. But as he turns to talk to the man behind him, I know it’s him for sure. He’s with a couple of other men, and a bevy of beautiful women jostles to stand next to them.
I sink down in my seat, hoping he doesn’t glance over. Although, even if he does, I’m sure his icy gaze will pass right over me without a second thought.
“What are you doing?” Alex asks, amusement threading her voice.
“It’s him,” I whisper-shout over the loud music.
“Who?” She scans the surrounding area.
“Him. About to go up to the VIP section.”
She peers in that direction, and a grin stretches across her face the moment she spots him. “Oh, this is perfect.”
“Why is it perfect? I’m here to relax and forget about work and him. Isn’t that what you’re always telling me to do?”
“No, you’re here to have fun. And what’s more fun than seeing your ex—”
“He’s not my ex.”
“Your ex-hook-up when you look like a million dollars and are bound to have men vying to dance with you?”
“No one’s going to be vying to dance with me. And I doubt Cole will even notice me in this sea of people. Particularly not when he’s surrounded by what looks like a bunch of supermodels.”
“You noticed him, didn’t you? And you underestimate how hot you are, Dee. Anyway, you’re right. Cole King can have his supermodels. Tonight is about you letting go and living a little. So, come on. We’re both looking as sexy as fuck. Finish your drink and let’s get out on the dance floor and enjoy ourselves.”
I really do want to dance. Cole will be up there with his women and his friends, completely self-absorbed, and will never know I’m here. Why not forget about him and have fun?
I down the rest of my drink, scoot from the booth, and hold out my hand for Alex. We wind our way through the tables and people until we reach the dance floor.
Turns out Alex was right. We soon have a bunch of guys dancing around us. And she’s right about something else, too. When I imagine a pair of icy blue eyes looking down from above, I smile and sway my hips even harder.
After all, pretending never hurt anyone.
