Chapter 6

"Let's see if I have more luck than them.

Two whiskeys Richie, make them doubles."

He nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips before he passed me two glasses.

"Good luck."

"I don't need luck, I'm fucking charming." I winked. Turning to walk away, hearing Richie's laugh fading more with every step.

I felt strangely nervous as I neared him, his gaze was fixed on the empty glass still in his hand. I dodged around the crowd of the dancers and finally reached his table. He didn't look up until I placed a glass in front of him and slipped into the seat opposite, not waiting for the invitation. Predicting that it was unlikely to come.

I took a sip of my drink as I faced him, realizing just how handsome he was up close. How his light brown hair was styled but not overly so and just like Evan he sported light stubble which defined his chiselled jawline. He was dressed in simple casual clothes, dark jeans and a plain black T-shirt that framed his muscular arms and shoulders.

One of his eyebrows was slightly raised as he eyed me curiously. I met his gaze with my own, displaying confidence that was not present within me at this moment. Sitting my glass down on the table I straightened up, giving him a small smile.

He tilted his head slightly as if trying to figure me out. Suddenly he released the glass in his hand instead, taking hold of the new one. Picking it up and lifting it to his lips. My eyes never left him and I felt my breath hitch slightly at the intensity of his gaze. When he put the glass down, I couldn't miss the light chuckle he let out as a smile lingered on his lips.

"Okay, so you buy me a drink, yet you don't tell me your name. Interesting approach." His voice was deep yet smooth, a classy British accent. Slightly formal without being too proper. It was the kind of voice you could happily get lost in.

"I'll let you in on a secret, I didn't buy the drink." He looked a little surprised at my confession.

"No? So who do I have to thank for this then, some random guy?" His time was one of amusement and intrigue.

"In a manner of speaking," I replied. He waited for me to elaborate, leaning back a little. It was my turn to laugh this time as I continued, "The barman is buying my drinks tonight."

"Wow, how did you manage to swing that one?"

"I have skills, and I like to win."

"I don't doubt it. So why did you decide to come over here and neglect to introduce yourself this evening?"

"You gotta let that go, dude." I shrugged with a grin. "But hey what can I say, I found your whole 'leave me alone ' vibe so inviting."

This time it was more than a chuckle as he let out a loud laugh. It immediately soothed the knots that had formed in my stomach with nerves. I felt more at ease and comfortable.

"I'm glad you thought so." He shook his head slightly with a grin of his own then looked back at me. "So, do I get to know your name yet?"

"Whatever happened to a mystery?" I pouted, earning a shrug. "Rosy."

"Pleasure is all mine, Rosy." He smiled.

"I'm Henry."

"Right now that's out of the way." I picked up my drink. I downed the last of the contents, standing up as I put the glass back down. "Time to dance."

I tilted my head towards the center of the room as I took a step closer. He looked like he was about to say no but there was no way I was going to back down now. I stared him down determinedly. Barely three seconds passed when he rolled his eyes, laughed and finished his drink before standing up and allowing me to lead him out on to the dance floor.

Finding a small space among the sea of dancers, I let myself move in time with the music. My body didn't touch Henry but was still close enough to feel the heat emitting from him. It was like standing by an open fire, that tingling sensation that skates over your skin leaving goosebumps. It made my blood race through me, whilst my heart jumped in my chest and I longed to feel his touch.

My eyes rested on his face, his own looking right back at me. I could detect the colour now that I was this close, warm brown with an amber glow. They didn't waver from my own as we stood there. My breathing was quickening and I didn't even realize that I was barely moving anymore, lost in this man who was now only an inch away from me.

A sudden force from behind knocked me forward with a jolt, bumping straight into Henry who caught me before I could fall to the ground. Pulling me in close he held me against his firm chest. My hands closed around his strong shoulders as I clung to him to keep upright. Shockwave emitted from the contact of his hands, where they were holding my waist.

Our faces were almost touching and at that moment every part of my body screamed at me to close that silver of space and kiss him. To allow myself to feel his lips move against my own. His eyes flicked to my lips as his mouth parted ever so slightly, his breathing quickened the same as mine. My hand traveled along his shoulder, resting against his neck. I tilted my face up to meet his, closing the space, my eyes flickered closed. Just as a buzzing started up followed by a loud ringing sound coming from his jeans pocket. As if awakening from a dream, the moment was over. His grip loosened before releasing altogether. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he glanced at the screen and immediately looked awkward.

"I'm sorry I have to go. It was great meeting you." Without another word he cut a path through the crowd disappearing towards the exit, leaving me standing there. My heart still racing and the ghost of his electric touch lingering on my skin.