I’ve kept myself free of distractions, determined to focus on finishing up my degree and landing the job of my dreams in a competitive landscape full of impressive applicants. I’ve worked my ass off to graduate from Columbia Business School with my MBA, and I did it.
Men complicate things. Sex complicates it even more. So, for the past few years, I’ve avoided both.
“This is taking so damn long,” someone barks from behind.
My eyes snap open to see that the line is still over ten people deep.
This is ridiculous. I let out of huff. “I can wait. You?”
“Yeah. Maybe the line will be shorter in a bit.”
“Probably not. But we’ll probably be drunker and not care as much.” I laugh.
“I don’t know how Ash likes this place. The people are so damn rude.” A groan escapes Lily’s lips.
“It’s not so bad. We’re having fun,” I say, and she shrugs in response. “This is Asher’s world, Lil. If you want a future with him, this will be your world, too.”
Her cheeks stain a pretty pink, and her eyelashes flutter. “I guess.”
I smile at my friend, hoping like hell I’m not leading her down a dead-end path with Ash.
We step away from the line, turning to walk in the opposite direction, narrowly knocking into the girl behind us. “Sorry,” I offer, and she doesn’t so much as grunt.
We’re walking back through the crowd when I see the man standing at a tall table surrounded by more insanely gorgeous women. The first girl is nowhere to be seen.
Ugh. Typical. He probably took her for a ride in the VIP room and has moved on to the next pretty girl who looks his way.
He grins at my obvious scrutiny, and in complete embarrassment, I spin around so my back faces him.
“God. Take me home now.” I cringe.
“What?” Lily’s voice is concerned but confused.
“The guy from earlier caught me staring at him,” I groan.
Lily’s eyebrows waggle. “You should go talk to him.”
“What? No.” I shake my head wildly. “I don’t even know him. That sounds like a terrible idea.”
Lily grins, crossing her arms over her chest as though she’s about to lecture a child. “You’re scared,” she teases, and my eyes narrow on her.
“Well, with my luck, he will probably end up being a mass murderer. He’s probably stalking victims right now as we speak. In fact, he’s probably a vampire.” I bare my teeth in emphasis.
She throws her head back and laughs at my horrible acting.
“Come on, drama queen. Let’s have a good time.”
Lily spins me around and pushes me toward the bar, marching us right to Asher. He passes us each another round of shots. As much as I don’t need it, I take it, relishing the burn as it slips down my throat.
“What took you so long?” Asher yells over the music.
“The line was long.” Lily’s shoulders shrug, earning her a broad grin from Asher. “And we didn’t even go.”
I gesture toward the dance floor. “Let’s move,” I say, grabbing Lily and dragging her out into the middle of the room just as the song changes to an old-school rap that’s making a comeback in popularity. She doesn’t fight it as both our inhibitions are lowered.
Lost in the haze of my buzz, I dance with abandon, not caring who’s watching.
I feel carefree.
Beads of sweat drip down my neck, but I don’t stop. I can’t.
With the adrenaline running through my veins, all my worries from earlier are gone. My hands are thrown into the air as I swing my hips more daringly.
I spin around to find Lily, and my eyes lock on the same man again.
His eyes penetrate me from across the room. I watch as his tongue darts out, running across his bottom lip in a way that’s sexy without trying to be.
From beside me, Lily nudges my arm, and I look over at her. “He really is gorgeous,” Lily yells a little too loud. “You need to go talk to him.”
Two hands grab my hips, pulling me back into a firm chest. I know immediately, based on Lily’s expression, that it’s Asher.
“Don’t be silly. She’s celebrating with us,” Asher shouts. “A club is the worst place to meet a guy. Especially a good one.”
“You’re at a club, and you’re a nice guy,” Lily snaps.
I smile at my friend, twisting out of Ash’s grip. “You’re right, Lil. I should. And he does look . . . nice.”
Asher’s arm snaps out, grabbing mine. “How the hell can you tell from here? He could be a serial killer.”
“You’re ridiculous,” I accuse. “He’s a vampire,” I deadpan. “Get it right. Plus, look at him.”
“Yeah. What about him? You can’t tell anything about someone by their looks. Women liked Ted Bundy. Look how that ended.”
Lily chokes on air. “Raven’s right. You are ridiculous. Nothing is wrong with her talking to a guy at a club. It doesn’t mean she’s leaving with him.”
I nod at Lily in thanks for coming to my defense.
Asher scoffs but drops my arm.
I offer one last smile to Lily and turn to head toward the guy, but he’s gone. Again.
Clearly, it’s not meant to be.
4
Charles
My mobile never fails to buzz at the wrong time, but this call can’t be ignored.
I’m working my way to the front of the club, desperate to find an area free of the noise, which seems impossible at the moment. Silver is packed to the brim tonight.
“Kennedy, give me one moment. I’m trying to locate a quiet place,” I yell down the line, hoping that this hiccup won’t ruin Cavendish Group’s chances to represent the hottest brand in the country.
Paxton recently alerted me to a sort of hidden hallway, where a few very private restrooms for important clients are kept, and it’s not long before I’m sliding behind the wall and finally able to hear myself breathe.
I yank on the doors, but they’re all locked.
“Shit,” I bark under my breath, growing agitated.
I’ve waited for this call for two weeks, and they choose now? Just my luck.
Walking swiftly down a back hallway, I continue to search until I find an unlocked door. It’s pitch black, save for the light streaming in.
The cloakroom is currently out of use due to it being summer. A few white sheets are hung along the racks, and a stack of extra chairs sits in the back corner. Otherwise, it’s bare.
Entering, I quickly shut the door and breathe out a sigh of relief when the noise from outside is snuffed out, leaving me able to hold a conversation.
“Kennedy, I apologize. I’m currently entertaining clients at Club Silver, and the noise was deafening.”
“No worries, Charles. I appreciate you taking my call at this hour. We just got word today about a new product launch, and it’s moved up our timeline. A strategic advertising campaign is a priority.”
This account would mean huge things for the company and our investors. I’ve been attempting to pitch to Diosa for six months.
Cavendish Corporation is a staple in the United Kingdom, but this branch, Cavendish Group, is different. This is a new company set up here in the States. We are the new kids on the block, scrapping for our piece of the pie.