Jensen: WYA? We are in a private room in the back. Some of the guys want to head back to the hotel soon.
I bet they do. I laugh to myself.
Me: Alright, I’ll find you guys in a second.
Walking back to the security, I nod in thanks before returning inside. The boys usually take longer to find their dates for the night. But I couldn’t be happier at their suddenly found efficiency. I would love to dive into bed right now.
Grabbing one of the waitresses’ attention with their pokey ears, I ask, “Where can I find the private rooms? My friends are in one.”
“Right through there.” She smiles and points to a lightly lit hallway.
“Thanks,” I say and follow her directions.
It doesn’t take me long to hear which room the guys are in from the loudest door down the hall. Turning the doorknob, I get a weird feeling in my gut, a twisting and gnawing tug. I ignore it and push into the packed room. Jensen grabs my attention with a nod.
“No lucky girls for you tonight, Donnelly?” I joke, as he is usually the first to claim his stake for the night.
“Nah, no one caught my eye.” He says casually.
“Not even the blonde I danced with?” I ask, but keep pushing. “She was just your type. She was blonde and… oh wait, that’s the only qualification you have.”
I burst out laughing, and he shoves me hard. Tripping backward, I knock into someone dramatically shorter than myself. Spinning, I reach out and catch a flailing brunette in my arms. She gasps, and my entire body tenses at the sound, at her overwhelming familiarity. It can’t be her, not really. But it’s undeniable. It’s my Laura, my clumsy girl.
“Lu? Is that really you?” whispering, not even sure I said it out loud.
Her eyes are as wide as can be, incredibly beautiful brown eyes. I can’t help but study her, the small changes in her face and body. She is more stunning than I could have ever imagined her to be. As I notice the subtle differences, I can’t help but notice the growing concern, worry, and almost anger on her face. I know it has been a while since we’ve seen each other, but I didn’t expect anger from her.
Ignoring the room of onlookers, I softly beg her to answer, “Laura?”
But she doesn’t answer. She jerks out of my grasp and bolts out the door, a blonde girl on her heels. It doesn’t take much thought to figure out who that may be, Charlotte.
And just like that, she’s gone, leaving my arms tingling from where they held her and my heart more disarray than ever.
“Well, I think we just met the distraction,” Jensen says, slapping my back.
“Fuck,” the word slips from my lips without my notice.
“Well, this is awkward.” Costy laughs, and the fact that no one is beside him means that Laura probably was, which would explain the awkwardness.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” It’s the only word that can form on my tongue.
I should have gone after her.
Why am I still standing here like an idiot? My feet might as well be cemented to the floor. I wasn’t expecting to see her like that. To have her literally fall into my arms again. It caught me so fucking off guard, but it felt natural like that was exactly how it was supposed to be. She looks the same, yet so different. The most beautiful woman, nonetheless.
Tingles dance between my fingers from the absence of her against them. Why didn’t I run out that door after her? Removing my stare from the ghost of her in my arms, I look up at the boys around me, who are all staring with undivided attention.
“Do you want to talk about whatever the fuck just happened?” Jensen asks with a softer tone than the one he usually dons.
“I would like to know what that was about, personally,” Cam says with a hint of humor, and I consider punching him.
“I presume you two already met,” I state, side-eyeing him.
He rubs the back of his neck, which is the only answer I need. “Yeah, we uhh kinda met.”
Burnsy laughs, “Kos is going to kick your ass.” “Who is she?” Larinski asks me in complete seriousness.
“Laura Young, at least I think that’s still her last name.
She’s my ex,” the words cut my mouth like a knife. Ooo’s and laughter fill the room at Costy’s expense.
I don’t blame him though, anyone; in their right mind wouldn’t be able to resist the attraction to Laura.
“Shit,” Costy mumbles. “But, like, how long ago? Is she like…” he trails off. “… completely off limits?”
“Yes.” I declare to the entire room and anyone in the vicinity that can hear me practically roar it.
“Aye, aye, Captain.” Costy salutes me, chuckling.
“Are you guys still going back to the hotel? Don’t stop partying on my account. But I’m going to head back now.” I announce.
Jensen yawns and adds, “I’m fucking beat. Let’s go.”
I wonder where Laura is heading right now. Home? Where’s home? Who’s home? My fists clench, picturing her running home into some guy’s arms that aren’t mine. The rage I feel surprises me. I didn’t know she still had this much control over me. Maybe this town is fucking with my head and making me emotional. But there’s only one way to sort it all out.
I need to see her again.
