Page 40 of Shadowed Obsession

“Hi. I’m Xavier,” he leans in to say, speaking over the music.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Dee.”

His infectious smile widens, and I mirror it, peering up at him expectantly.

Skye shouts loudly enough for him to hear, “The birthday girl needs to dance.”

“Does she now?” he asks in a smooth drawl, tilting his head toward me with a look that makes my cheeks heat. He leans in closer so I can hear him better.

“Would you like to dance, birthday girl?”

“Yes,” I say, giggling in his ear.

He takes my hand as he leads me to the center of the dance floor. I tuck the clutch under my arm and steal a peek at my girls, wearing knowing looks as they sip their drinks.

The song switches to an upbeat track with sultry lyrics, and Xavier’s palm splays across my lower back, gently inching me closer to him as I take his free hand. He leads this song, andevery time I meet his hungry gaze, I consider if a one-night stand is a good use of my time tonight.

When my thoughts become too loud, I turn around to press my ass against him, winding my hips to the beat as I scan the venue for any sign of my stalker. No luck, but the inkling of his presence intensifies alongside the buzzing phone beneath my arm.

A few songs later, we head toward the bar for him to grab himself another drink and a water for me. I’m having fun and he’s sweet, but I’m now in the mood to climb into my bed. It’s obvious we’re not in college anymore, but it’s even more apparent when I start yawning, and last time I checked my phone it was only ten at night.

Desperate to rest my feet in these heels, I grab a free seat at the end of the bar as he orders our drinks. One of his friends approaches, distracting him, and I search my clutch for my phone. But I’m interrupted when the bartender spots me, a knowing grin stretches across her freckled face.

“The guy from earlier came back and said to put whatever you want on his tab.”

“You’re serious? I ask, staring incredulously.

She nods assuredly. “Friends too, he said. Another cherry smash?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Coming right up,” she shouts, turning away to grab a new glass and a bottle of Divin whiskey off the shelf.

“Some guy, huh?” Xavier asks in a hesitant voice as he reemerges.

“I have no idea. I’m just the birthday girl,” I say with a shrug.

He smirks and meets my gaze, leaning in close. “That you are. How are you feeling? Would you like to head back to my spot?”

He’s cute, but I just want to go home.

I shake my head. “I came with my girls, and I’m leaving with them.”

“I respect that. Can I give you my number?”

“Of course,” I answer, retrieving my phone from my clutch. I unlock it to find a number of notifications, and I rapidly swipe them out of view before handing it over to him.

He enters his number and saves it as Xave, flipping it to show proof.

“I hope to hear from you soon,” he says, placing the phone back in my hands and holding onto my gaze.

“You will. Have a good night.”

“You, too, beautiful.” He winks and parts with a wave, returning to the section where his friends are seated.

Alora and Skye join me at the bar right as the bartender slides the cherry smash across the counter, and I tell my girls if they want something, it’s on me.

“You’re not paying for anything on your birthday,” Skye argues.

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