Chapter 02

KATE

We arrived at the club around ten thirty, Brad and Matt were waiting outside, but Sarah wasn't with them. Matt mentioned that she had sent a message saying there was an unforeseen circumstance, and she couldn't make it. I was curious and worried, not knowing what had happened. I tried to convince Lisa and the guys that we should go back home, but it was useless.

We entered the club, and it didn't take long for me to feel out of place. It had been a while since I had been in a place like this. I think I spent most of my time buried in books, and the university had taken up most of my time in recent years.

The club was packed, and the music was deafening. Some people were dancing on the dance floor like crazy. I watched the guys head towards the bar as soon as we entered.

"Shall we dance?" Lisa pleaded, holding my hands.

"Maybe later," I indicated the bar, letting her know I would be there. I definitely won't embarrass myself. I think I can only dance without looking ridiculous after a few drinks, or maybe I still look ridiculous but just don't care. "Have fun!" I walked toward the bar amid the crowd of bodies.

I leaned against the counter and called the bartender after losing sight of the guys. I ordered a whiskey, planning to have just one drink to endure the torture. I had the feeling the guy was looking at me strangely. I looked at myself, trying to find the mistake. When he served me the whiskey and flashed a nice smile, I understood. He was flirting. Do people still do that? Of course, they do, Kate. Normal people go out at night and flirt.

He moved away to serve other customers, and I discreetly observed him. Black hair and a well-groomed beard. He was handsome, but not my type. Wait, do I have a type? I don't think so. I sat on one of the stools near the counter and turned to see Lisa on the dance floor, she seemed to be having a great time dancing. I smiled and waved at her. In the next ten minutes, a couple of guys, almost drunk, sat on the chair next to me making small talk, but I ignored them. I wished I could go home and finish watching my TV series.

Glancing to my right, I noticed a guy sitting at the end of the counter. I couldn't see him fully because of the lights, but I could feel his gaze on me, and it made me uncomfortable. I became strangely curious to see his face. He lifted his glass, greeting me, and I stopped staring at him. Seconds later, I saw him stand up and walk toward me. It was impossible not to look; he was extremely tall, the kind that made me feel like a dwarf even though I was five foot seven.

His shoulders were broad, and he wore black jeans that fit him well. The gray long-sleeved shirt accentuated the muscles of his broad chest and arms. Everything about him seemed so sexy. I blinked several times, averting my gaze when I realized I had been staring at him for too long. When he sat on the stool next to me, I finished the rest of my whiskey, wanting to escape, while he signaled for the bartender.

"Whiskey," he said, and I could feel his gaze on me. "You either don't like to drink, or you're avoiding getting drunk to be able to take your friend home," he gestured toward the dance floor.

I didn't respond because all the words seemed to have vanished from my mind at that moment. It was one of those moments where your mind goes blank.

"Are you going to keep playing your game and ignore me too?" It was strange to know that he was smiling even without looking at him. I swallowed hard, bringing my mind back from wherever it was.

"Did you notice that while you were checking me out?" I replied without looking at him, rolling my eyes and feeling proud of myself for being so bold. I took another sip of the whiskey in my glass.

"Admiring," he corrected. "You're the most interesting thing I've found around here."

"I almost forgot that I'm on a store shelf." How could he say something so stupid? Does this actually work with women?

"Are you always this receptive?" Only with idiots like you. I felt his fingers brushing against my ear as he tucked a strand of my hair back. My body froze, and his fingers trailed down, grazing my neck. I swallowed hard, feeling a shiver. That was so audacious. Why didn't I push him away? Maybe if I ignore him, he'll go away. But he didn't. On the contrary, he moved closer, leaning towards me. My heart raced in response.

"Your skin is so soft..." he whispered. "I wonder if your lips are too." His deep voice, unlike anything I had ever heard, sent slight shivers down my spine. I moistened my lips with my tongue and involuntarily bit my lower lip. Damn, he was making me feel strange things. Maybe it was the alcohol, making me say bold things and imagine as well.

The bartender returned with a new bottle and poured the whiskey. He picked up the glass, and I felt his breath on my neck. Why wasn't I pushing him away? "I'm imagining what I would do if I had you in my bed," he said. I almost choked on my own saliva. This was much more than flirting. It was making me flustered, and more.

I took a deep breath, gathering the courage to look at him, intending to tell him to go take a hike, but after staring at his face, the words disappeared again.

He had the most seductive blue eyes I had ever seen, a well-defined jawline, almost golden blond hair, perfectly shaped full lips, and the most incredible smile with perfect teeth and those damn dimples. Incredibly sexy. Shit. What was I going to say again? Did I say I didn't have a type?