Page 34 of Prove You Wrong

Merciless. The rest of the round is interminable.

‘Now, ladies and gentleman,’ the quizmaster’s voice finally rings out. ‘There’s one more round to go but it’s neck and neck for first place, so it’s all to play for.’ The quizmaster lists the rankings for the teams and we’re fifth out of fifteen.

‘Not-too-shoddy,’ says Josie, then stands and straightens her dress. ‘I’m heading to the ladies before the next round.’

As Josie glides off, Nate suddenly grabs at his pocket, pulling out his phone.

‘I thought there was a no phone rule.’ I pretend to tut.

He frowns. ‘I’ve got to go.’

‘Oh no, really? There’s only one round left.’ It’s left my mouth before I can stop myself.

‘Your concern is heart-warming.’ He presses a hand between his well-defined pecs. ‘It’s almost as if you’re going to miss me.’

I scoff. ‘Asif.’ I’m not quite quick enough to sound convincing.

He flashes his dimple at me, again, like he knows it’s his secret weapon. ‘Admit it, you’re pleased I was here.’

Feeling the heat of frustration rise up, I argue, ‘You barged on to our team, blindsided my friend with all your random trivia, and then, did your best to sabotage me all game.’

‘I think you meanwith mysuperior knowledgeand, really, you sabotaged yourself.’

‘How so?’ Affronted, I sit back.

He leans in again. ‘This perfume. Reminds me of the other night. I can’t stop myself getting closer, wanting more.’ His hot lips suck on my earlobe and then he runs his teeth over my sensitive skin, ending with a little nip. A wave of adrenaline courses through me. ‘Just one more taste.’

My hand grips down to try and keep some sort of hold on reality. I find my fingers clawing into his thick, denim clad thigh.

‘I thought you said you didn’t feel anything?’ His low chuckle reverberates through me. ‘But I’ve got to go, like right now.’ He pushes up onto his feet. Indicating to his phone he says, ‘Duty calls.’

What duties does he have at ten o’clock on a Monday night? I devour his broad shoulders and tight tee-shirt as he walks across the bar and through the door that leads to behind the scenes. Disappointment and relief compete in equal measure. Suddenly, my phone pings and a message pops up from an unknown number.

?: So, how about that date?

My stomach gives a flip and I groan internally; I need to get my feelings in check. Nate is clearly just up to mischief but I wish I could deny I’m drawn to him.

Ella: How did you get my number?

Nate: Called myself from your phone when I was checking you hadn’t been cheating.

Ella: Seems like you’re the one cheating… and cheating is definitely something a bad influence would do.

As I’m chuckling to myself that I’ve finally managed a witty retort, rather than gaping gormlessly, Josie returns. A huge grin is stretched across her face.

‘Did you speak to him?’ I ask as she sits down.

‘Yes.’ She winces. ‘But you’re gonna be mad.’

‘Why?’

‘Or think I’m crazy.’ She bites her lip.

‘What have you done?’ I ask playfully.

‘I said I’d stay and have adrinkwith him after closing … ’

I can’t stop a small laugh peeling out. ‘I’m not mad and I don’t think you’re crazy.’ The fact both of us will have desecrated this bar is a little perturbing, but I don’t tell her that. ‘But will you be okay? What if you want to leave suddenly?’

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