Page 5 of Find Me

I pick mine up, the cold glass wet under my touch, and take a sip. It’s not half bad.

I look to Sam, holding up my glass. “Cheers!”

Sam smiles back at me, her drink already half gone. While she’s usually the voice of reason, reminding me of the importance of balance, it seems as though tonight she’s ready to let loose and see exactly where the alcohol will take her.

She continues drinking at a strong pace, and I struggle to keep up with her. Sam lets out a shriek after finishing her third cocktail in one big sip, and people around us turn to look in response. She’s impossible to overlook. Not only does her voice carry when she’s had a few drinks, but her vibrant personality demands attention. Add her long black hair, mesmerizing brown eyes, and stylish outfit into the mix, and she stands out in any crowd. I know she’ll use her good looks and captivating smile to get as many free drinks as she can tonight.

As the hours go by, I lose count of how many drinks I’ve had, and we make our way to the center of the dance floor, hand-in-hand once again. The room spins around me, and I steady myself against Sam. Our favorite song comes on and I can feel the bass in my chest as we start dancing together, my heart seemingly beating in sync with the music. I dance to a dozen more songs until I’m sticky with sweat, and blisters have started to form against my heels. I leave Sam on the dance floor, and she quickly blends in with the crowd as I stumble to the bar, cursing myself for wearing such impractical shoes.

The bartender smiles as he recognizes me in the crowd of people trying to get a drink.

“What can I get for you, babe?” he asks, laying the charm on thick and flashing a wide smile.

“Just water this time, please!” I shout across the bar as I lean on it, my feet tired from dancing so much.

The bartender winks at me, confirming he heard me, and it’s only a few seconds before a large ice water is placed in front of me. I bring the drink up to my lips, and relief floods through me as the cool water hits my throat, instantly making me more comfortable. I give a small wave, silently thanking the bartender, and spin around, eager to get back to Sam on the dance floor. I take one step before colliding with someone, their solid frame stopping me in my tracks.

Some of my water splashes onto my hand and the floor below, and I feel my cheeks redden in embarrassment. I mutter an apology before attempting to sidestep around him, but he moves in sync with me.

“Is a measly sorry all I get these days?” a familiar voice drawls.

I do a double-take and look up at the person I just ran into.

I smile widely as my eyes lock onto his, a bright sea blue that I would happily drown in.

“Rhett!” I shriek, throwing myself at him, my water sloshing out of the glass once again. Muscular arms catch me, wrapping around my waist as he tilts his head down, his lips meeting mine in greeting. The club around us fades from existence as I get caught up in his kiss, his hands exploring my body as his tongue invades my mouth.

We pull apart, coming up for air as he takes my hands in his, leading me back to a booth. I slide in beside him, momentarily forgetting about Sam on the dance floor.

Rhett looks at me and my heart pounds in my chest as his eyes trail across my body.

“I don’t think I’ve seen this dress before,” he says, his hand coming to a rest on the short hem, “because if I had, you would never be allowed out of the house wearing it without me by your side.” He winks at me, and I ignore his comment as butterflies flutter in my chest under his gaze.

He takes my hand in his, bringing it to his mouth as he kisses it.

“I’ve missed you, babe,” he murmurs, and for a moment, I melt under his touch.

Pulling my hand away to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, I can’t help but giggle at his proclamation.

“I saw you two days ago,” I chide lightly. “Or do you miss me so much already that you had to crash girls’ night?”

He laughs, flashing a perfect smile as he runs his hand through his blonde hair, the Rolex on his wrist shimmering.

“Okay, you caught me.” He smiles. “But can you blame me for not wanting to spend a minute away from you, Evi? Look at you…” He trails off, looking me up and down. “You’re so hot, babe.”

I blush, unaccustomed to such declarations.

“You’re not half bad yourself,” I joke, trying to shift the attention from me.

Rhett chuckles in response, subtly waiving down a server and ordering a round of drinks for us both. I watch him, and not for the first time, I notice how he carries himself with a level of confidence that I’ve never had. On top of that, he is dressed meticulously; his high-end leather shoes, designer jacket, and tailored clothes make him impossible to miss.

The server gets the drinks quickly, and Rhett thanks her as she places the glasses in front of us. Her eyes widen as Rhett hands her his black AMEX to pay for the drinks, and she taps it on the machine in her hand before delicately handing it back to him and rushing to another table.

I smile at Rhett as he sips his drink.

He puts his glass down, looking at me, and my heart flutters under his gaze.

“What?”

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