Page 64 of Forever Wild
“Is that okay? Will your inbox survive?” I ask with a smirk.
“I’ll manage.”
I grab my stuff and start for the door. He doesn’t move from where he stands, but he watches me intently. I turn but keep walking away from him.
“See you later, stud.”
His face scrunches up with obvious displeasure at the nickname. And it just makes me want to call him that even more.
“You’re either a genius or the dumbest woman I know,” Grace says later that night. She’s at my place and we’re sitting on the floor in my bedroom. I was packing for a while, but the boxes and packing tape, and the piles of shoes and clothes are now abandoned and forgotten.
“I hope it’s the first.” I sip my wine, but the cool liquid does not stamp out the heat summoned by the memory of Jack going down on me in his kitchen.
The man has a wicked tongue. I left that part out when I confided in Grace the reason I needed her to keep me busy for the next few days. She got the abridged version: Jack and I made out and it’s no big deal. I have to keep repeating it to myself, mostly, because damn it felt like a big deal. I know I said I wasn’t going to get attached and that it was just sex, but wow, I think I was underestimating my feelings and his skills.
But now that I’ve told him I have things to do, I need to do those things instead of running back over there for another round.
“Well, this is perfect. We can shop tomorrow and go to Midnighttomorrow night.”
“That’s his club.”
“It’s not like he’ll be there.” Grace gathers her dark hair and puts it into a messy bun on top of her head. “We can drink and dance the night away. It’ll be like junior year all over again.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I’ve missed you.” She started dating her boyfriend Lane and as they got more serious, we spent less time together. Some might say we drifted apart, but that isn’t really true. I know that she would always be there if I needed anything, and the same goes for her. We’re like sisters, but as we’ve gotten older, our lives are less connected.
“Unless…” She trails off and a huge smile breaks out across her face.
“Yeah?” I ask, a rush of hopeful adrenaline courses through me before she’s even filled me in on her idea.
“Have you heard from him?” Grace asks.
We’re outside of Midnight. Me, Grace, and Lane, with dozens of others waiting to get inside the club.
“No, not yet.” I rub my lips together, ensuring my gloss is still there.
“Are you sure you sent the text?”
“I’m sure.” I check again though. Approximately one hour ago I sent him a photo of me in my new sexy dress and told him where I was heading.
It was a clear invitation to hang out, but now I’m wondering if I should have been less subtle. Before I can tap out another text that says,please come peel this dress off me, Grace nudges me in the side withher bony elbow.
“Ow. What was that for?” I ask, glancing up at her. But she’s not looking at me, her stare is locked straight ahead and she’s grinning. I follow her line of vision and then forget how to breathe. Or maybe this dress is just too tight. Who am I kidding? This dress is definitely too tight. But that doesn’t change the fact that Jack is here, walking toward me and looking like a goddamn snack.
I step forward and meet him a few feet away from Grace and Lane.
“Hi.” A shyness that is very uncommon for me makes a flush spread down my neck. Hopefully it’s too dark outside to ruin the effect of my outfit.
“Of all the clubs in the city…”
“It’s the best.”
His gaze drops to my lips. “You’re not wrong there.”
He glances past me, and I open up my stance as Grace and Lane approach us.
Grace lifts one hand and fans it out in a wave. “Hey,” she says.
Lane tips his head in greeting. He’s always been a little starstruck around the Wildcat guys. He’s a quiet guy but becomes even more withdrawn when any of them are around.
