Page 31 of Rival Desires

“You’re right,” Natalie said. “It’s girls' night. I heard about this new club downtown. Let’s go scope it out!”

I polished off my wine. “Now you’re speaking my language. After you, my dear!” Natalie was spot on. A night of clubbing was justwhat the doctor ordered to clear my head and forget all about Cory McCrae.

Natalie pushed back from the table, her head tilting back as the last drops of wine disappeared into the depths of her smile. “Alright, I’m making it official. Tonight’s mission is to find two tall, dark, and handsome strangers to sweep us off our feet.”

A twenty-minute cab ride later, we stumbled past the line into the lively place, greeted by the pulsating bass and a warm, inviting glow.

It didn’t take Natalie long to zero in on a pair of dudes facing the bar. “Bingo,” she declared, “our dream dates for tonight.”

Raising an eyebrow, I playfully ribbed her. “How can you tell they’re good looking just from their backsides? Maybe they’re an item? Could be they’re a couple, Nat.”

Natalie rolled her eyes knowingly and motioned towards them. “Have faith, they’re not together. And even if they were, who says we can’t enjoy the view?”

Chuckling, I gave the guys a once-over. Damn, those jeans were made to flaunt their assets. Not that I was on the prowl or anything, but hey, a little eye candy never hurts.

As I took in their broad shoulders and muscular arms, they both spun around, catching me off guard.

“Bloody hell,” I muttered under my breath.

There he was - Cory freaking McCrae. And the other guy had to be his business partner, Fury.

Natalie’s sly smirk morphed into full-blown curiosity when she caught my whispered slip-up. “What’s the deal?” she urged, eyebrows shooting up expectantly.

“Figures,” I confessed, watching her reaction. “We were ogling Cory McCrae and, I’m guessing, his partner in crime, Fury Gracen.”

Her eyes went wide as saucers. “Wait, you’re saying this hottie is Cory McCrae? No wonder he’s been on your mind. And his partner? He’s no slouch, either. Damn!” Then, she got all excited. “This is it, Rylee! Your chance to talk to Cory face-to-face. No more playing guessing games or making assumptions - just ask him what’s up.”

I sighed, shaking my head at Natalie. “No way, I’m not going over there. I don’t need to talk to him.”

“Really? Because it seems to me like there’s some unresolved tension between you two.”

I gave her an exasperated look. “The only tension is the massive headache I get whenever he’s around. I’m here to have a good time with you, not rehash old stuff with McCrae.”

“Old stuff?” Natalie laughed. “This happened last week!”

“Exactly, ancient history.” I waved my hand dismissively. “Now, are we getting drinks or what?”

With no time to waste, I marched right up to the bar, flashing the bartender a bright smile. “Two rounds of Tequila shots, please,” I said, hoping the booze would take the edge off my nerves. The last thing I needed was to butt heads with Cory tonight.

As the bartender slid the shots towards me, I felt a looming presence at my side. Ugh, speak of the devil. I stiffened, bracing myself for a fight.

“Well, well, look who it is,” Cory’s voice dripped with fake casualness. I eyed him warily.

“Just out for a good time with a friend,” I replied curtly. I snatched the shots and moved to leave, but Cory’s gentle grip on my arm stopped me.

“Rylee, hold on a sec.” His voice softened. “Can we talk?”

My heart raced, but I met his gaze evenly. “I’d rather not, Cory.”

He opened his mouth to respond, but Natalie popped up beside me before he could speak. “Great, you got the shots!” she exclaimed, plucking them from my hands with ease. She turned to Cory with a dazzling smile. “Hi there, you must be Cory. I’m Natalie, Rylee’s friend.”

Cory looked taken aback by her friendliness. “Oh, um, hi,” he stammered.

“We should get these shots back to our table,” Natalie said cheerily. “Enjoy your night!” Before Cory could utter a word, she nudged me with her arm and led me away.

I let out a breath. “Thank you,” I murmured. “You’re a lifesaver.”

Natalie grinned. “That’s what friends are for. Now, let’s do these shots and hit the dance floor!”

---