Page 51 of Love, Luck & Clusterf*ck

Adam brought her another fruity-looking thing and she drank that down just as quickly. What was going on with her? She’d barely touched her drink earlier and then guzzled down two within a matter of minutes. Not that she was my responsibility, but I’d have to keep a close watch on her. I didn’t want her doing anything careless.

Perry laughed at something, no doubt instigated by chucklehead over there. Her smile was…. Fuck. She looked over and met my gaze. It was the first time she’d acknowledged me since I’d arrived. She held it for a short time and then turned away. I immediately craved it back. I was so screwed.

I tipped the waitress after she left another round. I’d just picked up my beer when Perry and Kate passed by. I grabbed hold of her arm and she glanced down.

“Can I talk to you a moment?” I asked. That was the main reason I’d come. I wanted the chance to explain, even if I didn’t completely understand what I was explaining.

She used her other hand to pull mine off. “Sorry, Mr. Davidson. I’m off the clock right now, but I’d be happy to revisit policy procedures with you on Monday.”

“Perry, that’s not what this is about.”

A Black Eyed Peas song came on and she started shaking her hips. “Oops, gotta go dance now.”

“There’s no dance floor.”

“Tell that to me and Kate.” She smiled wide and they went off giggling.

I shook my head. That went fucking nowhere. My eyes followed them up to the bar area as they each ordered another drink. I onlyhad a narrow window to work through. The more she drank, the more she might be open to talking with me, but the less she’d remember.

As much as I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t part of my job description to keep tabs on her after hours, I couldn’t stop watching, checking, making sure she wasn’t getting mauled by one of the dozens of assholes drooling all over her.

With drinks in hand, the two found an open spot near the small distillery and began their dancing. If I thought she drew attention to herself just by standing, it was nothing compared to when her body moved. I thoroughly enjoyed the show, but I didn’t like that I wasn’t the only one who did.

“She’s mighty nice,” Alex said.

“Yeah.” I was seriously wondering what I’d gotten myself into when I’d agreed to manage her department.

“Tread carefully, my friend. Tread very carefully.”

“It’s not like that.” Was her long, dark hair as soft as it looked? Because it looked highly touchable. It looked very easy to run your fingers through. “And even if I weren’t helping out at Braden, she’s still taken. Some loser muscle-head boyfriend.”

I snorted at that and Alex raised his eyebrow. Where was the guy anyway? Loser.

Several songs and a couple more drinks later, they stumbled their way back to the table. I had this strong need to pull her towards me again but closer this time. I wanted to learn her story, find out what had caused her entire disposition to change earlier. What had made her suddenly want to pound lots of alcohol? I wanted to believe it was because of Dre, but I didn’t want her getting hurt in the process.Tread very carefully. Probably the best piece of advice Alex had ever given me.

“You’re crazy,” Kate said, plopping down on her husband’s lap. “You’ll never get married, but you’ll get a tattoo for the guy? You do realize those are more permanent than most marriages, right?”

“I didn’t say I was getting one for sure. Only that he wants me to. Real bad.” Perry held on to the edge of the table as she swayed back and forth. “Would you get one for John if he real bad wanted you to?” She was slurring, and I scooted my chair closer. Adam was almost touching her and that just… bothered me.

“Hmm….” Kate looked up at him and smiled. “Probably, but then I married him too, so it’s kind of a different situation, don’t you think?”

Perry giggled. “You two are soooo cute together. I have a special knack for these things, you know. I can tell likebam!when a couple’s meant to be.” She waved her finger around. “And. You. Two. Are.”

Too bad that same knack doesn’t extend to yourself.

“If I ever do get some ink, though, it’s gotta be pretty. And I think I want it right here.” She jabbed herself in the hip, knocking her off balance. I heard a smack when her ass hit the ground.

She started laughing hysterically, and I rose. Man, it was brutal to watch and not rush over and help. Both Kate and Adam pulled her up. Or tried to.

“John, you about ready to go? I think we need to get Perry home now.”

“Naw, you guys stay,” Adam said. “I can take her. No problem.”

“No, we should probably get going anyway. We have plans in the morning.”

“But she’s more on my way than yours. I got it.”

“Aww…. Are you two fighting over me? You guys are the best.”

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