Page 23 of Gigi and the Gym Rats

No.Definitely not. This one not only doesn’t attract me, he repulses me. There’s something about his smile that feels… slimy.

Turning about, I start in the other direction. I stagger a little.

Okay, maybe three cocktails were a bit much. I don’t normally drink. Could be why the lights seem to flicker so much. Or maybe that’s just the strobe lights on the dance floor.

My hair keeps falling in my eyes. I knew a ponytail was a better idea. And maybe low heels? Too late now. In fact… Bending over, I whip my pumps off my feet and continue, sighing in relief. Much better barefoot. It’s warm in here and the floor is cool.

“Miss?” someone calls out from behind me. “Miss. Your shoes.”

It takes me a long moment to realize they’re talking to me, because… yes. Shoes. Where did I leave my shoes?

I turn back around. Blink.Hey…Where did this one come from? A male beta. A gorgeous one. Look at that face! And the broad shoulders!Gah.He’s hot!

“Shoes?” He offers me my pumps. “You left them behind.”

“Oh. Thanks.” I grin at him. “Hey, that’s like what happened to Cinderella, isn’t it?”

A faint smile teases at his lips. His eyes are dark, though the strobing lights flash in their cores. His hair is dark but spiky, the spikes at the front dyed blond-white. “Just like Cinderella,” he agrees.

I like it, that he plays along. “Wanna dance?” I ask.

Something wistful crosses his face. For some reason, he glances over his shoulder. Then he sighs. “Maybe some other time.” He’s still holding out the pumps for me to take. “You might need these.”

Crap.I grab them from his hand. “You sure? You’re the first handsome beta I’ve seen all night.”

He chuckles softly. “Thanks. But I… have to go.”

He looks strangely melancholy. I wonder if someone stood him up.

“We don’t have to dance if you don’t wanna.” I juggle the pumps, almost dropping them. “We can talk. And have cocktails.”

His smile widens a little, and good Lord, is that a dimple in his cheek?Sexy…“I’m flattered. And to be completely honest, you’re the prettiest beta I’ve seen all night.”

Aw.I preen. “So we should get together.” I reach for him. “Get to know each other better.”

“You’re not thinking straight right now,” he says as I paw at his chest. It’s a seriously ripped chest if my hands aren’t lying. I can tell easily through the barrier of the cotton of his shirt. “You’ll regret this tomorrow. Go home.”

“I’m not drunk! Just relaxed.” I grin at him again. “Come on, I’m breaking my rule, having a night out.” I giggle. “Just don’t tell Ronin.”

His expression shutters. “Ronin? Ronin Adair?”

“You know him!” I’m delighted, so delighted I all but fall against him. “Serious guy, isn’t he? He’s?—”

“Oh, fuck,” he says, and before I know what’s going on, he pushes me off, turns around and vanishes in the dancing crowd.

Oh no.What did I say?

This evening is a bust…

9

GIGI

Iunlock the door and enter my apartment, then push it closed and lean against it. Kick my pumps off. Ignore the urge to slide down the door and curl up on the floor to sleep. The floor is cold. And I’m sobering up fast.

Was going out a terrible idea? How do other women end up with handsome guys and sweaty monkey sex that goes on all night until the crack of dawn? What about the walk of shame?

Am I too much of a good girl?

---