Page 56 of Waiting for Sunshine

We take some pre-game shots at the house since we are taking an über to the club, then snap about a million photos before we actually head out the door.

When we all crawl into the car Taylor is already on her mama bear shit.

“If you even think of trying something, you’ll be taking a stiletto to the head, you got it?” She points accusingly at our driver. This poor guy. He looks like he can’t be much older than nineteen and Taylor is threatening him with a stiletto to the head. He shakes his head nervously and Taylor smiles at him, settling into her seat.

I post a photo to Instagram on the way since I don’t plan to be on my phone again until I get home tonight. I pick my favorite photo of the four of us that we took in the full-body mirror in Taylor’s room and a single photo of me raising my shot that Leah had snapped. I keep my caption simple – and tag all my besties.

currently unavailable. #blackhearts

As soon as I hit post, we pull up to the club. “Thank you, Zayn. You beautiful young man, one day you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day with a beautiful woman, or beautiful man, whatever you’re into.” Taylor says as she puckers her lips blowing an air kiss at him. She is definitely feeling her pre-game shots now. We walk in and for some reason, so many people all decked out in black on Valentine’s Day makes me smile. A bunch of jaded hearts all partying together and I’m here for it. Even if my heart is no longer jaded.

We all opted for our small wristlets tonight so we don’t have to worry about losing our things since ¾ of us don’t have pockets. We make our way over to Ruby who is waiting at the bar for us and greet each other with a round of hugs. Yeah, we’re all feeling out shots now. We do another round, then quickly hit the dance floor.

Ruby is already a baddie, but the all black outfit she’s wearing tonight screams stunner. She has on black leather pants that lace all the way up the sides, black strappy shoes, and a black tie front crop top. Pair that with her jet black hair that she’s wearing straight down her back tonight and even I want to hit on her. We are only out on the dance floor for about two songs before a pair of warm hands wrap around my waist, a familiar woodsy vanilla and leather scent surrounding me.

“Need a partner, Sunshine?” his deep voice growls into my ear, making me tingle all over.

I turn around and take in the sexy man in front of me. I told Max this was a blackout event and that he was required to follow the dress code, but to make it hot, and he fucking delivered. He’s wearing a fitted black t-shirt, his black leather jacket with a gray hood attached, black jeans, and his biker boots, which tells me he drove his motorcycle and that makes him even hotter. His dark brown hair is a perfect mess and his deep blue eyes are staring directly into mine.

“You look sexy as hell, Max Mullins.” I say looking him up and down.

“Back at you, baby.” He pulls me into his chest, leaning down to kiss me. When he pulls away, I notice my red lipstick smeared a little on his lips.

“Oh no!” I cry, wiping it from his lips.

“That’s gonna look so good around my co–” Max starts.

“Down boy, this is a public place.” Tucker playfully interrupts, clapping him on the shoulders. Max snarls at him then looks back at me and winks. Oh yes, I know where you were going with that, and I can’t wait to make that happen.

“Hi, Tucker. Hi Tank.” I greet them as they move onto the dance floor with us. They say their hellos, then start talking to the girls, Tucker to Taylor,and Tank heads over to Ruby. We all grab a round of drinks from the bar, the guys only committing to one since they all drove here. When Dirty Thoughts by BONNIE X CLYDE starts playing, my eyes go wide and I look at Max, dragging him onto the dance floor with me.

He tilts his head as a warning that he doesn’t want to go, but once I bite my lip in protest, he’s mine. He follows me willingly after that. We get out on the dance floor and the rest of the group follows close behind. I walk up to Max, pressing the front of my body to his, moving my hips back and forth, and he matches my movements. We’re bouncing to the music, and he leans in, kissing me senseless. He moves his kisses to my neck, making me moan from the sensation it sends down my spine. The flashing strobe lights in the club make everything feel like it’s moving in slow motion. When Max stands back up to his full height and swipes his tongue along his bottom lip, looking completely primal, I am ready to ditch the club and beg him to take me home. Before I know it, someone’s hand is wrapping around my elbow, spinning me around. I see a familiar face that sends an ice-cold chill through my whole body.

“What is this, Shane?” his pompous, entitled voice hits me at the same time as his condescending glance.

“Pete?” I am flooded with feelings of confusion and anger. Why is he here?

In Nashville. At this club. In my fucking face.

“Pete,” I hear Max’s voice growl behind me. About that time Taylor notices him and leaves her position dancing with Tucker and storms over.

“You scrawny, cheating bastard. I’m gonna kick your fucking ass.” She says, before Tucker pulls her back.

“Though I’m sure you’refullycapable, I’ll handle this,” Max says, stepping up from behind me.

“Who the hell is this, Shane?” Pete asks, ignoring Max standing right in front of him. I grab Max’s hand before saying anything. Pete looks down and then back up at me.

“Her date. So why don’t you take your hand off of her if you plan to keep it.” Max warns.

“Well you may be who she came here with, but I’m who she’ll be leaving with. Shane, can I talk to you? In private maybe?” Pete mindlessly asks. I feel Max’s grip tighten on my hand.

“Whatever you have to say, Pete, you can say it right here,” I tell him, unmoving.

“I came to apologize in person since you never took any of my calls. I messed up, I know that now. I was being stupid and I want you to come back home. I miss you, baby. It was just a stupid mistake. I’ll treat you better now I promise. Come back home with me where you belong.” Pete stands there with a dumbass smile on his face. Does he really think that worked?

I feel bile in my throat at everything he just said. But when he called me baby my eyes shot up to Max’s face. His jaw ticks and I feel every muscle in his body stiffen.

“Over my dead body she’ll be leaving with you. Shane doesn’t concern you anymore, so why don’t you head on back to California? Alone.” Max states, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me closer to him. Pete looks between the two of us as I give him a go-to-hell look. When he realizes I sure as shitwon’t be goinganywherewith him, he scoffs putting a smug look on his face.

---