Page 42 of Wild Tangled Hearts

My phone suddenly buzzes with a new message, and my heart leaps momentarily, only to deflate when I see it's not from Alex. It's a text from my friend Jessica.

Jess: Stag and Doe for Kimmy tonight. You still coming?"

I sigh, my thumb hovering over the keyboard as I contemplate my response. The last thing I feel like doing right now is attending a celebration of love, a stark reminder of something I don't have. But Jessica relentlessly pursues a good time, and I know she means well. Kimmy and I were college friends, and I should be there to support her.

Bella: Wouldn’t miss it!

As I hit send, a sense of resignation washes over me. A night out with Jessica and the gang may help distract me. And who knows, some good company and a few drinks will make it easier to forget and move on.

I stand in front of my closet, contemplating what to wear. After indecision, I settle on a knee-length, navy blue dress with a flattering wrap-style top that strikes the right balance between casual and dressy.

I slip into the dress and glimpse myself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at me is a mix of uncertainty and determination. I brush through my hair, leaving it down, and add a touch of mascara and lipgloss, then slip on comfortable heels and grab a small clutch purse. With one last glance in the mirror, I head out the door, ready to face the night ahead.

The venue is bustling with activity when I arrive. The cheerful chatter and laughter fill the air as people enjoy the festivities. Colorful lights drape from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.

Kimmy and Jessica spot me as soon as I enter, and they rush over for a group hug. Kimmy, radiant in her bridal glow, beams at me.

"Bella, I'm so glad you could make it!" she exclaims.

I return her hug warmly. "I’m so happy for you."

Jessica, ever the energetic one, chimes in, "We’re going to have a blast tonight! There are so many hot guys here, and I've decided to take one home."

I chuckle at her enthusiasm. "Well, Jess, you always know how to enjoy a party."

“You know I do,” she says, grinning, her blue eyes roaming the room as if searching for her prey.

Kimmy introduces me to her fiancé, Hal, a tall and friendly guy with a warm smile. I can tell that she’s head over heels for him. It warms my heart to see her so happy.

“Ready to spend some money?” Jess says, grabbing my arm and dragging me to the game area. There's the classic ring toss, a lively game of darts, and a "Pin the Cock on the Jock" setup that elicits fits of laughter from those playing.

I buy a handful of fifty-fifty tickets and play a few games of BlackJack while Jess feeds me drinks.

She hands me Cosmopolitan and links her arms with mine as we walk over to where a live band plays.

"Drink up, Bella! It's going to be a wild night!" Jess says, polishing off her Cosmo in one gulp.

“I don’t think I can keep up with your pace,” I say, chuckling.

“You never could hold your liquor. Remember in college, when—”

I interrupt her, “Not the Jägermeister story. Please.”

She laughs. “I’m just saying you can be fun when you want to be.”

“Hey. I’m fun.” I sip the fruity cocktail, the tartness tingling on my tongue.

“Oh,” she says, already moving on from our conversation. “Jello shots.”

I let out a playful groan, though secretly, I'm relishing the moment. Jess passes me one of the jello shots, and we raise our petite cups in a wordless salute before simultaneously knocking them back. The sugary, gelatinous blend glides smoothly down my throat, leaving behind a comforting warmth.

As the night progresses, the Stag and Doe kicks into high gear. The dance floor becomes a swirling mass of people, and Jess, with her boundless energy, drags me into the midst of it. We dance like no one's watching, lost in the pulsating beat of the music.

But then, as I spin around, a shiver runs down my spine. An invisible gaze has settled upon me, and I can feel someone watching. I turn, scanning the crowded room, my eyes searching for the source of this strange sensation.

And there he is.

Alex stands at the edge of the dance floor, his gaze fixed on me. My heart races, and it's as if time stands still. The chaos of the party fades into the background, and it's just him and me in that charged moment.

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