My drink is history by the time I spot Lola in an aquamarine sundress, waving and approaching our table.
“I’m so happy you called,” Lola says, smiling.
Before she can sit, I pull her away from Henry, who is focused on the big screen TV.
“It’s a set up,” I whisper.
Her blue eyes focus on me. “What do you mean? Set up how?”
Before I can get anymore into telling her it was all Henry’s idea, Ellis strides into the bar, looking like candy on a stick.
And by the way the women stare at him, they definitely want a lick.
Henry waves him over. It’s all happening so fast, and Lola’s eyes grow bigger as she connects the dots. I can see it all over her face. And she’s not too happy. I mean, sure, she’s happy to be hanging out, but she’s not on board with this plan.
“I’m not into Ellis,” she whispers in my ear as soon as all the hellos have taken place and drinks are flowing.
“Really?” I question her absurdity. In his dark jeans, and simple black t-shirt hugging his biceps, Ellis is the epitome of sexy. If you’re into that kind of thing. Which I’m not. I prefer Henry. I mentally slap myself for that thought.
Henry and Ellis chat, while Lola and I edge away from them. “I’m sorry. I panicked, ok?” I tell her.
“Panicked how?”
“I was asking questions about him at dinner, and well, Henry suggested a double date. And I…”
“You were trying to cover up.” She points the little black stirrer from her drink at me. “You’ve got it bad.”
“Do not.” My cheeks heat. “I really don’t.”
Ellis and Henry close in on us, and I try to look anywhere but at Ellis.
Finally, I glance up, sneaking a peek at him, and he’s laughing at Henry calling him a player.
He hasn’t acted in any way for me to suspect he’s a player. Normally, you can spot those types of guys immediately. They usually check out every woman in a bar.
But, Ellis hasn’t even glanced around. His attention has remained...well, on me. Henry, on the other hand, is acting like a spectator at a museum. He can’t stop his eyes from wandering all over the place. Hm. I’m sure he’s just getting a feel for his environment. Maybe. I slurp down the rest of my second frozen drink and immediately regret it.
“Brain freeze,” I say, pressing a finger to my temple.
Henry wraps an arm around me, kissing my forehead. “Isn’t she just adorable?” he says to Ellis.
Ellis has a beer halfway to his mouth and his green eyes sear into me, melting my brain freeze. “Yeah, she is,” he drawls out, slowly. “Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth.”
Like some voodoo priest, he has now inserted thoughts of his kiss into my brain.
“Let’s dance,” Lola interrupts our moment, saving me from his hot stare. She grabs my hand and together we mingle into the crowd on the outskirts of the dance floor.
I close my eyes, letting the music distract me.
“He can’t stop watching you,” Lola says into my ear.
My eyes pop open and find Ellis’ in an instant. I turn, so I won’t be forced to look at him as I sway my hips. “I need to tell Henry to find another best man.”
Lola laughs. “You can’t do that.”
“Yes, I can.”
“You’re just gonna have to suck it up and deal with him.”
“He lives in Atlanta. He’s not in town for very long.”
Lola shakes her body to the beat. “See, you’ll be fine. Just don’t be alone with him. Ever.”
I stop dancing. “I can be alone with him. I’m not that crazy that I can’t even be alone with the man.”
“Well, better not to chance it.”
“He’s Henry’s friend. Nothing’s going to happen between us.” And I hope I’m right. Because my mind is all over the place.
I love Henry, don’t I?
The engagement happened so fast, and I don’t think I ever took the time to process exactly what being married actually means.
But, I do love him. Don’t I?
He’s very…work oriented. That’s a great quality. And he doesn’t just randomly kiss people in parking lots making them blush. But he also doesn’t make me feel hot like Ellis is right now. It’s like scorching hot. I’ve heard about someone lighting you on fire, but damn. Feels like my skin is melting. This is so bad.
Before I can process what this heat means, he’s stalking toward me as Henry chats up the waitress next to them. Actually, it’s more of a run. And then, I’m swept into his arms.
“Fuck,” he says. “You’re on fire.”
He doesn’t mean figuratively. I’m literally on fire. They should have a warning sign by the tiki torches for buzzed people like me.
Lola gasps and tosses her drink on my skirt just before Ellis’ hands fondle my thighs putting out the small flame but creating a raging wildfire within me. I’ve really got to stop with these cliché comparisons.
His warm fingers graze against my skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps. “You’re ok,” he assures me, rising from his crouched position. “Just a little charred.”
He steps back and grazes his teeth over his bottom lip before abruptly turning and crossing to Henry who is oblivious to the fact his fiancée was nearly just roasted.
As I watch Ellis walk away, I realize I’m not ok at all.
SEVEN
Ellis
Never trust a flame...
I should leave. Seriously. I should. When Henry texted me earlier about meeting up, I didn’t think that meant with him and...her.
The same her I can’t stop thinking about.
But, I need to. Because she’s the most off-limits person in the universe for me right now. It’s obvious tonight’s a set-up with her blonde friend.
And Lola seems nice. But, there’s just something about Kiki. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
“Thanks for coming out tonight, man,” Henry says, clapping his hand on my shoulder. “And for saving my bride-to-be.”
I smile. “Don’t mention it.” I feel like telling him next time maybe a head’s up if he plans on bringing the fiancée.
But, I don’t want to be one of those guys. I need to squash whatever feeling this is I’m having for Kiki into the ground. And get my head in the game.
“Kiki’s great,” he nods in her direction, “but she has me doing all this wedding stuff that I just don’t have time for.”
“Like what?”
Henry leans closer. “Flowers and cake and shit. She wants me involved every step of the way.”
“And you don’t want to be?” I ask.
“It’s not that. I just don’t have time. I’m going for partner at the investment firm I work for. They’re looking for a very specific type of candidate. They want a married, dedicated, solid man. Team player...you know what I mean, right?”
“Yeah, I get it.” My eyes travel to Kiki on the dancefloor and I feel odd about watching her shake her ass with Henry standing right next to me. “Speaking of...I was wondering if your firm would be interested in helping out our brewery.”