Page 13 of Kiss Me Ever After
“Well, you’re such a catch, aren’t you?” Amber raised her eyebrows.
“Haha, you’re funny.”
“Curtis seems to think so.”
“You here with just your work friends?” I asked, glancing around. “Or…?”
A grin crossed her face. “Who else are you expecting?”
“Oh, no one.”
She punched me on the arm. “I can see right through you, Justin Navarro. You want to know if Lennon’s here.”
I clutched at my chest. “You’re so right. She’s the love of my life and I don’t know how I’ve coped without her since last summer.”
Amber snorted but then smirked. “She’s around somewhere.”
“I think she went outside,” chipped in one of the other girls, “I’m surprised you didn’t see her.”
My eyes narrowed. How had I missed her? Then again, there were about a million people outside and if she were on her own, it would’ve been easy. “Okay, thanks, I’ll look for her later.” I tried to act casual but knew Amber would see straight through it.
She flashed me a knowing grin to confirm my suspicions. “Don’t be too long, we’re heading to the club soon.”
“Not the end of the world if I don’t see her.” I wasn’t sure who that was meant to convince, me or Amber.
After I’d used the bathroom, I hung around the bar to get more beers. There was one benefit to being a local: you got served quicker. I got three pints and manoeuvred my way through the throng back to the patio. It was no less crowded outside, and I squeezed through gaps, throwing out apologies as I inadvertently splashed people when the plastic glasses threatened to collapse. Suddenly, someone crashed into me and the cups went flying, covering both of us in warm beer.
“Shit!” A female voice exclaimed. “I’m so sorry.”
Ready to have a go at the person who’d made my t-shirt damp and cost me three lost pints, I stared Lennon Cole straight in the eye.
“You really should look where you’re going,” I grumbled.
Her thin—and now wet—blouse clung to her chest, emphasising her black lacy bra. Silently, I paid thanks to the universe for allowing me to see that delight. Her own gaze was similarly drawn to my chest, her pupils so dilated her eyes were almost black as they skimmed the outline of my abs and pecs.
The corner of my mouth quirked. It was a warm night; she was clearly interested in what I had underneath the damp cotton. I could have some fun. I grabbed the hem of my t-shirt and dragged it up and off, wringing it out for effect.
Lennon swallowed, her eyes not leaving mine.
A few heads swivelled at my show, and a couple of catcalls and wolf whistles followed.
“Look at that, you’ve got me all wet.” I fought back a chuckle at my choice of words, while Lennon shifted from foot to foot.
“I…” She bit her lip.
“You owe me a new t-shirt.”
Lennon tilted her head, her gaze dropping to the V where my jeans hung off my hips. “Oh, I don’t know, I don’t think you really need one.”
I was grateful I held my bunched-up shirt in front of my fly because if she carried on looking at me like that, my dick would make my feelings about Lennon Cole absolutely clear.
“Ugh, stop showing off, Justin.” Amber shoved my shoulder from behind, breaking the moment. “Lennon, we’re ready to head off to the club now. Are you coming?” She looked between Lennon and me, as if trying to determine what was going on.
She wasn’t the only one.
“Mate, why are you standing here topless?” Alex asked. “And what happened to our beers?’
I gestured to the floor where the crushed cups had fallen, and the beer puddled around them. “Bit of an accident.”
