Page 9 of Until Presley

“Looks like it was a good day for you.” I point at her before heading up to my master suite.

I strip and make my way to the bathroom, dropping my clothes into the hamper. I turn on the rainfall showerhead and stand under it for a while, letting the water sluice over me.

After my shower, I put on some basketball shorts before heading downstairs for dinner. My chest aches at the thought of not seeing Presley for at least a week.

CHAPTER

FOUR

PRESLEY

It’s been five days since I saw Ham, and I still can’t stop thinking about him. Tonight, I finally gave in to Leah’s begging, and we’re heading out to Duval Street to hit a couple of bars and do some dancing.

I look at myself in the mirror one more time before deciding this is as good as it’s going to get. My top looks knitted and is a half-shirt bralette style. Since I’m just a small A cup, I don’t need a bra. But I did stick on some nipple covers so I don’t show when I’m chilled. I’m not taking a jacket with me tonight. It’s not a good idea, but I don’t have a jacket that would go with this outfit. The top is a soft mauve, and I paired it with a pale pink, high-low skirt. One leg is exposed to mid-thigh, while the other is covered by the skirt that hangs to my ankle. The wrap style makes my hips look slimmer. I complete the look with open-toe, strappy wrap suede heels.

When the driver honks, I grab my clutch and quickly lock up. I’m careful on the gravel to avoid twisting my heel. The back door opens, and Leah steps out in a ruched mini skirt andsleeveless crop top. I’m so glad she came for me because I would have chickened out.

“Hey, girl. Don’t even think about not going out.” She laughs, seeing right through me. We embrace before climbing into the back of the car. “We’ll get that hottie out of your mind tonight.” She wraps an arm around my shoulders.

I told her about the woman I saw hug Ham and how she gave me that look—the one that says, “he’s mine.” I ran before I could make a fool of myself. I cried all the way home, thinking he was different. Now, though, I feel like it’s for the best. I don’t need to be in a relationship right now, not when I’m entering the hardest part of my doctoral program.

I didn’t tell Leah that I was already catching feelings for him, even though it was only one day with him. But I can fake it until I make it. Tonight, I’m going to pick up a random guy and have sex, if I can. I’m not usually good at this, but Leah says I can do it, that it’ll be easy. I’m not so sure.

The car pulls up to a bar and grill where we’ll start with appetizers and drinks before heading to the main bar in the area. They have a DJ we like tonight. As we make our way inside, I feel eyes on us. I’m sure it’s because of Leah. I shake it off and follow the hostess to a table.

By the time we make it to the other bar, the place is packed. Leah orders us each a shot. I look out over the dance floor and see Margo and her friend. Ugh. I don’t need this.

“Ignore them,” Leah says, handing me my drink. We shoot back the tequila, and then she grabs my arm as a Dua Lipa song starts. “Let’s go.” We head out to the dance floor.

I’m shaking my hips when a pair of large hands wrap around me. I glance down and see darkly tanned skin. An image of Ham flashes through my mind. I’m about to turn to see who took the bait when I look up and catch the shock in Leah’s face. I spin around and immediately drop my head, my chin hitting mychest. I stop dancing and hold up a hand to Leah, signaling that I’ll be back.

Taking Ham’s hand in mine, I move off the dance floor and head to the bar. Before I turn to face him, I order a shot of tequila and throw it back, needing the buzz in my system.

When I turn around, he’s standing there, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. He’s dressed in all black—slacks that fit him perfectly and a black short-sleeve button-down shirt. His hair is wavy on top, and I have the sudden urge to sink my fingers into it.

“Sprite, I’m so glad we bumped into each other.”

“Was it a coincidence?” I look over to where Otto is dancing with Margo. She heard Leah and I talking about going out.

“Maybe a little bird told me you were going on the prowl tonight.”

“I’m not looking for you. You have a girlfriend, and she made it perfectly clear that I should back off.” I slap my hand over my mouth. I shouldn’t have said that to him. Maybe I’ve had a bit too much to drink.

He smirks then pulls me into his body. “Julia is a nurse I know. I’m not in a relationship with her. As a matter of fact, the only one I want to be in a relationship with is you,” he says before leaning down and taking my lips in a firm kiss.

I gasp, shocked that he’s kissing me in front of all these people. His tongue slides into my mouth, and I wrap my arms over his shoulders. He pulls me in impossibly tighter to his body.

My head is swimming. My hands clutch at his shoulders as his tongue dances with mine. When he finally pulls away, it takes me a moment to open my eyes. His are dark and filled with passion.

Okay, so I wanted a quick fuck to get over him, but maybe I can do a one-night stand. Or even a week or so of fun. I don’tneed to stay with him. I can be with him until I have to return to Miami.

“Come on.” I take his hand and stomp off, dragging him behind me. When I approach Leah, she’s dancing with a guy I’ve seen her with before. “We’re taking off,” I tell her.

“Are you okay?” she asks me as she leans in close.

I glance back at Ham. I trust him, but I know it’s going to hurt to walk away from him. He’s everything I want in a guy.

“Probably not, but I can’t not try.”

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