Page 14 of On Broken Wings

“Not much.” Nate chuckled as he reached into his pocket and produced a small flask. “Want some?” He offered it to me first, but when I turned him down, he sighed loudly before passing it to one of the other guys.

I stood there awkwardly as conversations carried on around me. What I had thought was going to be a fun night, was quickly turning sour. Nate seemed uninterested when I turned down his hotel room idea, and now I was surrounded by game talk.

“Jenni!” I heard my name being called and turned around.

“Kenzie.” I smiled. “I’m gonna go get some punch and say hi to Kenzie.” I tapped Nate’s arm to get his attention.

“Sure. Ok.” He nodded absently. I don’t think he would have even noticed if I’d just left.

“Hey.” I grinned as I approached her. “Where’s your date?”

“At home.” She sighed. “He called me this morning claiming he was sick. I still don’t know if I believe him or not, but I bought this fancy dress, so I wasn’t going to let it go to waste.” She bounced on the balls of her feet. “You look gorgeous, by the way.”

“Thanks.” I glanced around, and that’s when I saw them. Darrin and Michelle were walking in. She was snuggled into his side, but he wasn’t looking at her. Nope, the asshole was staring at me. His eyes bore into mine, and I could feel his stare through my clothes.

“Ignore him. He’s a jerk,” Kenzie grumbled.

“I know. I knew she was his date, but I didn’t think it would hurt this bad to see them together.” I pressed my lips together. I would not cry, not over Darrin. He’d gotten enough of my tears.

“Where’s Nate? He should be showing you off.” Kenzie scanned the gym until her eyes landed on Nate in the corner.

“He’s hanging out with his friends. They’re talking about football. I was bored after just a few minutes.” I shrugged.

“He just played a three-hour game.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s had enough football talk. Go ask him to dance.” She pushed me a little from behind.

“He doesn’t want to dance with me,” I muttered, “at least not that kind of dancing.”

“Wait!” She held up her hand before coming around to stand in front of me. “You and Nate haven’t?”

“No.” I shook my head. “You know this.”

“Well, I thought you were just keeping it to yourself. I can’t believe Nate Carter hasn’t tried yet. I mean, he’s famous for his skills, Jenni. I’ve heard that once you’ve been with Nate, you’re ruined for other guys.” Kenzie bobbed her brows.

“You’re insane,” I grumbled. “He’s just a guy, and those are just rumors.”

“Maybe, but they had to come from some truth,” she mused. “Come on. Your date is going to dance with you even if I have to be the one to ask him.”

Despite the fact that I was putting up a fight, Kenzie half pulled/ half dragged me over to the group Nate was standing with. “Hey, football star.” Kenzie tapped his shoulder. Nate paused in his storytelling to turn around and see who was interrupting him. His eyes looked slightly glazed as if the alcohol he’d smuggled in was finally hitting him. “Your date wants to dance. You better take her for a spin, or I’ll find someone else to do it for you.”

Nate threw his head back and laughed. “You’re a bossy one. Glad I’m not dating you.” His eyes swung to me, and darkened. “Come on, Jen. Let’s dance.”

“We don’t have to do this,” I whispered as he led me onto the dance floor.

“Yes, we do. Your best friend said so.” He moved to stand in front of me, and wrapped his arms around my waist. “You look really sexy tonight.” He leaned in, and I could feel his breath feather across my cheek.

“You said that already.” My voice trembled as my nerves cranked up another notch.

“Why do you get so uptight around me?” He chuckled. One arm slid down my back, bringing us closer.

“Because you’re Nate Carter,” I stammered. “I never know what I’m getting with you, or what you’re wanting from me.”

“I told you what I want.” His voice lowered as he stepped into me, bringing our torsos closer. As my thighs brushed against him, I could feel a pretty impressive erection forming. “You’re driving me mad, Jen. You and your sexy body that you won’t let me touch.”

“I’m sorry.” I clamped down on my lip with my teeth as a sigh escaped me.

“Don’t be sorry. Let me touch you,” he begged. “I think you want me too, you’re just afraid that you’ll like it.” Nate didn’t realize how right he was. Darrin and I had touched each other, but that was as far as it had gotten. I was afraid if I let Nate touch me, I’d give in and we’d end up in that hotel room. “We don’t have to go all the way. Just let me touch you.”

“I don’t know…” I trailed off as I stepped impossibly closer to him.

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