When Forever Changes

by Siobhan Davis

  He grabs her tray, pinning her with a deadly look as he sets drinks on it. “Your orders have been sitting here waiting. Watch your fucking tone. I don’t report to you.”

  “Don’t piss me off, Slater. Or need I remind you how close I am to Donny.”

  She’s so lame—tossing the boss’s name around in a veiled threat. Everyone knows Slater is a damn fine bartender, and he’s worked here way longer than Shelby. If anyone’s taking a hike, it’ll be her. But she seems to have missed that memo.

  “Slut,” she hisses, none too discreetly, as she passes by me with her tray. I laugh it off because no one is spoiling my good mood tonight.

  Slater passes me two drinks. “Enjoy and be careful out there. It’s packed tonight, and the crowd is rowdy.”

  I stretch up and kiss his cheek. “Thanks, and I’ll be fine.”

  When I return to where I left Myndi, standing over in a less- crowded corner, the rest of our gang is there. We waste little time getting into the party spirit. A few drinks later and I’m buzzing as we force our way onto the teeming dance floor.

  I’m glad for my mini dress now, because the heat is stifling, and my hair is already sticking to the back of my neck. We dance our little asses off while I keep an eye on the crowd, checking out hotties. A few guys flirt with me, but none of them are giving me tingles, so I make my excuses after a couple dances, returning to my friends.

  A short while later, a firm hand lands on my hip, and a warm body presses against me from behind. “Hey, gorgeous.” His voice is deep, his breath warm on my neck, and I shiver a little. “I’ve been watching you move, and I had to come and dance with you. Please tell me you’re here alone.”

  “Maybe I am. Maybe I’m not.” I decide to play coy as we subtly start moving against one another.

  He trails a finger up my arm, and shivers skate over my skin. “If you were mine, I’d never let you loose on the dance floor by yourself.” He spins me around so I’m facing him, smiling at me like he’s just won the lottery. “I’d be a complete obsessive freak, keeping you by my side all night.”

  He’s gorgeous. The epitome of tall, dark, and handsome with his chiseled, stubbly jawline, piercing green eyes, and sultry dark hair. “So, you’re one of those possessive alpha types?” I tease.

  “Most definitely.” He drops his hands to my hips, forcing my body to move in sync with his.

  “And does that admission usually work for you?”

  He laughs, and it’s a deep, full-bellied rumble that does funny things to my body.

  “I generally don’t have to try that hard.”

  “Wow,” I admit as the music slows down. “Healthy ego right there.”

  He pulls my arms up, placing my hands around his neck. “Nothing wrong with being confident, is there?” He grins, hauling me closer against his body, and we start to slow dance.

  “A little confidence is sexy. An overabundance just spells douche.”

  He laughs again. “We’ll have to agree to disagree,” he murmurs, flattening his hand against my lower back. “You look a million dollars by the way. And I’m Jack.”

  “Gabby. And thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

  “Don’t kill yourself with the compliments, doll.”

  Now it’s my turn to laugh. “No point in making it too easy for you.”

  “So, what’s your deal, Gabby. I know there’s got to be a reason why someone like you hasn’t been snapped up already.”

  “Maybe I’m actually a man in disguise. Or I’ve a third boob or a sixth toe. Perhaps I’ve got a flatulence issue or I’m one of those creepy cling-ons, you know girls who latch onto you and refuse to let go?” I joke.

  “You’re really selling it to me here.”

  I giggle. “You know I’m kidding. I recently broke up with someone after four years, so I’m just looking to let off a little steam.” I shrug like it’s no biggie. Like this isn’t the first time I’ve ever been in this situation. Like I’m used to picking up random guys in clubs.

  “What an idiot.” He leans down, pressing a kiss just under my ear. “But his loss is definitely my gain.”

  “There you go with the overconfidence thing again.”

  “So that’s not you palming my ass or rubbing your sexy little body against me?” He lifts a brow in amusement when I look around his body, and, sure enough, that is my hand squeezing his pert ass cheeks.

  “I have no idea how that happened. Zero.” I smother my smile.

  “Sure, you don’t, doll.” He winks. “Just like you’ll pretend this didn’t happen either.” Before I can quiz him, he closes his mouth over mine, claiming my lips confidently and expertly, and I sink into his kiss, giving it my all. He tastes like beer and peppermint, and his lips are soft but insistent. I don’t resist when he runs the tip of his tongue around the seam of my lips, looking for an invite. I open to him, allowing his tongue to explore my mouth as I tighten my grip on his neck. With one hand on my waist, he grinds against me, while his other hand creeps up my back, holding me in place at the neck. He deepens the kiss, angling my head and devouring my mouth, and my mind is made up. Jack is perfect hookup material. I can tell he’s done this a lot, and I doubt he’ll have any expectations beyond one night, and that suits me perfectly.

  We dance for what seems like hours, chatting and drinking, and I’m really enjoying myself. Myndi checks in with me regularly, giving me a subtle thumbs-up. Every so often, I feel Slater’s eyes on me, boring a hole into the back of my skull, but I deliberately ignore him. I know he won’t approve and that he’s probably a little pissed, but I need to do this for me. To finally put Dylan behind me.

  Jack is a senior, like Ryan and Slater, so the drinks keep coming, and soon, I’m more than a little tipsy. But it’s a happy buzz, and I feel in control of myself.

  “God, you taste so good. Feel so amazing,” he mumbles against my ear while his hand moves lower, caressing my ass. I moan, grabbing both his hands and planting them firmly on my butt. The alcohol has definitely lowered my inhibitions, and I’m more than a little horny. I lick my lips as he digs his hands into my ass, eliciting another lustful groan. His pupils dilate, and he looks at me like he wants to eat me whole, and I’d happily let him. “What do you say we get out of here and take the party somewhere more private?” he suggests, grazing his nose along the column of my neck.

  I lean back a little, examining his flushed face and lust-filled eyes. “How do I know you’re not a mass murderer or a serial rapist?”

  His expression turns serious. “I promise you’re safe with me, but if you like, you can send my number to one of your friends.” He pulls his cell and driver’s license out of his pocket. “Take a pic of my ID so your friends know where you are and how to get me if I harm a single hair on your head.”

  I take his cell, snap a pic of his ID, and send it to Myndi before handing it back to him. “Thank you.” I wipe my suddenly clammy hands on the side of my dress. “I haven’t done this before. Had a one-night stand, I mean.”

  “Well, then I’m flattered to be your first.” He takes my wrist, planting a soft kiss on my flesh. “And I promise you’ll have a night to remember.”

  I loop my arm through his, sending a text to Myndi from my own cell, letting her know I’m leaving. “I’m going to hold you to that.”

  He puffs out his chest. “I have faith I’ll rise to the challenge.”

  I giggle at his innuendo as he leads us off the dance floor. I’m swaying a little, but I’m pinning that on my heels rather than the alcohol consumption.

  We’ve just made it to the door when Slater shoves his way in front of us, doing a great impression of an angry Mike Tyson. “Where the hell do you think you’re going, Belle?”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Slate. Come on.” My eyes plead with him to drop the big brother routine.

  “You’re dru
nk, Belle.”

  I cross my arms over my chest, stumbling a little. “No, I’m not.”

  “Evans, butt out,” Jack says, his voice low and carrying a warning.

  “Do you know who she is? Is that why you’re doing this?” Slate demands.

  I frown. “Wait? What?” I ask, sober enough to feel embarrassed when a loud hiccup erupts from my mouth.

  “I know she’s gorgeous and gagging for my cock,” Jack retorts, grabbing my hand. “And that’s all I care about.”

  “I know your rep,” Slater replies. “But I didn’t think even you’d stoop so low as to take advantage of a girl when she’s drunk and clearly incapable of making a sound decision.”

  “What’s the matter, Evans, you want to fuck her and she gave you the brush off? Or you’ve already dipped your wick and she’s not interested in round two?” He prods his finger in Slater’s chest. “Guess what, I don’t give a fuck. She’s coming home with me, and I’m going to show her a good time.”

  Slater ignores him, focusing on me. “Don’t do this, Belle. I don’t trust him with you, and I don’t want you to end up doing something you’ll regret.”

  Jack pulls me into his side, squeezing my waist. “C’mon, doll. Ignore this fuckwit. Let’s go.”

  I rub at my eyes, smudging my eye makeup in the process. I may be drunk, but I’m not stupid. I’m not liking the vibes I’m getting from Jack anymore, and even though I know Slater doesn’t want me going home with any guy, I don’t think he’d deliberately interfere without good reason. I try to shuck out of Jack’s embrace, but he’s holding me too tight. “You know what, Jack. I’ve changed my mind.” I have a feeling I’m slurring my words, hating that I am.

  Jack abruptly lets me go, and if it wasn’t for Slater’s fast reactions, I’d have fallen flat on my face. “Your loss, doll.” He shrugs before landing an intentionally hurtful parting blow. “Drunken sluts are in plentiful supply around here, and it won’t take long to find a replacement.” The ugly sneer on his face takes me aback. Gone is the charismatic charmer, and I’ve never felt more gullible. “No wonder Woods traded you in for Banging Bianca. She knows how to give a guy a good time.” He pushes past, sending me a disparaging look as he makes his way back toward the dance floor.

  While Slater has been holding onto me, he’s been having a quiet word with one of the bouncers. Jack is suddenly hauled back and thrown out of the club, cursing at the top of his lungs, threatening Slater with all manner of abuse.

  I stumble on my heels, and Slater sighs as he steadies me. “What am I going to do with you?”

  Fuck me? I mentally punt kick that unhelpful little voice in my head, hoping I didn’t express that sentiment out loud.

  The look of amusement on Slater’s face doesn’t appease my bruised ego, and I scowl at him. “You don’t have to do anything with me. I’m not your responsibility.” I push out of his embrace, teetering precariously on my heels, but I manage to steady myself unaided this time. “I’m going back to my friends.”

  “Belle.” He reaches out, gently taking my elbow. “I was only trying to lighten the mood, but I’m sorry if I offended you. Jack is bad news, and you would have regretted it.”

  “Because he’s a player?” I ask, planting my hands on my hips. “News flash! I knew that! And it suited me perfectly because I’m not looking to get into another relationship. I just wanted to fuck Dylan out of my system.”

  Shock splays across his face, mixed with anger and some other emotion I can’t decipher. “You’re not that girl, Belle, and you shouldn’t start now.”

  “Don’t tell me what I should and shouldn’t do.” I remove his hand from my arm. “And you’re a hypocrite. It’s okay for you to fuck anything with a pulse, but when Jack does it, he’s bad news.”

  His nostrils flare, and I think I might have pushed him too far. “That’s not fair.”

  I prod him in the chest. “You know what else isn’t fair? You cockblocking me! Butt out. It’s none of your business.” I attempt to stomp off, but I’m struggling to maintain my balance as I head back to my friends. I’m more drunk than I realized.

  “I thought you’d left?” Myndi says, coming toward me with her jacket on.

  “Slate put an end to that.” I pout. She smiles, opening her mouth to defend him, no doubt, but I cut her off. “Don’t even attempt to say it. I just want to get back out there and see if I can salvage this night before it’s a complete write-off.”

  She winces. “Babe, I’m sorry. I thought you were gone, and I called Ryan. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”

  I close my eyes, and the room spins. Reaching out, I grab onto Myndi. “Whoa.”

  “Maybe you should call it a night?” she quietly suggests. “There’ll be other nights.”

  “Yeah. I think you’re right. My head doesn’t feel too hot, and I’ve got the spinnies. Let’s just go home.”

  Ryan laughs when he sees me, shaking his head as he picks me up like I weigh nothing, carrying me to the car. “Someone’s going to have a sore head in the morning.”

  “Someone has a sore head now,” I mumble, groaning as alcohol sloshes uneasily in my stomach. “Ugh. Why did I drink so much?” I lie down in the backseat, closing my eyes as Ryan starts the engine.

  I wake up as I’m gently lifted up and out of the car. “Shh,” my brother says, cradling me close to him. “Sleep it off. We’ll take care of you.”

  He deposits me in my room, and Myndi helps me get my dress off. Then she rubs a facial wipe over my skin, removing the remnants of makeup, before pulling a loose shirt over my head. I’m tucked up in bed when Ryan returns with a bottle of water and two pain pills. I dutifully swallow them, draining the bottle of water before I pass out.

  I wake a few hours later with my tongue practically glued to the top of my mouth. A dull ache spreads across my forehead, and my tummy feels tender, but at least I don’t feel as bad as I did when I first left the club. Desperately needing hydration, I get up and mosey downstairs, yawning.

  I open the refrigerator, pulling out a couple bottles of chilled water, and turn around, shrieking at the unexpected sight of Slater standing in the shadows, watching me, with his arms folded over his broad chest. The two bottles slip out of my hands, dropping to the floor. “Shit, Slate. You scared the crap out of me.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I only got in a short while ago.”

  My head is throbbing, and I just want to go back to bed and forget this whole humiliating night. “I’m just gonna head back to bed.” I pad across the cool tile floor.

  “Wait a sec,” he calls out when I reach the door.

  I turn around, leaning against the doorframe. “What?”

  He walks toward me stealthily, and my heart rate accelerates. “You need to understand something. Jack has a habit of picking up beautiful girls, charming the panties off them, and persuading them to make a video of their night together. Then he shows it to all his buddies, and they ridicule the girls behind their backs. I didn’t want that to happen to you, Belle, and I’m only telling you this so you know he’s not a good guy. Ask Ryan if you don’t believe me.”

  “Seriously?” My face falls. How did I misjudge his character so badly? I mean, I knew he was a player and it would only be a one-time thing, but he seemed like a decent guy.

  He nods. “I’m sorry.”

  I shake my head. “No, I’m the one who should be apologizing for the things I said, and I knew you were only looking out for me, but I was drunk and …” I trail off, unwilling to articulate the rest of my thoughts. I’ve already made enough of a spectacle of myself in front of Slate tonight.

  “And?” he gently prompts.

  My legs wobble, threatening to go out from under me. “Ugh. I really need to sit down.”

  Wordlessly, he takes my hand and guides me into the living room, pulling me down beside him on the
couch. He turns to face me, and his leg brushes against mine, sending fiery tingles up and down my body. My face grows hot, and I look away.

  “Belle,” he whispers. “What’s going on?”

  I tip my chin up slowly, meeting his warm brown eyes. All I see is concern and compassion in his gaze, and I remind myself this is Slater. I’ve never had any trouble talking to him before, and I know he won’t judge me. “I’ve never been with anyone but Dylan,” I start explaining, “and I just wanted to hook up with some random guy and do the deed and finally start forgetting about him, but I couldn’t even do that right.” I harrumph. “I’m so naïve, and they’re just lining up to take advantage of me.”

  “You know I won’t let that happen, and not every guy is a douche.” He cups my face. “You’ll find someone amazing, Belle. Someone who sets your world on fire. Someone who appreciates how beautiful and special and intelligent and caring you are, and he’ll be the luckiest bastard because he’ll get to spend the rest of his life with you in it.”

  He has no idea how badly I needed to hear those things right now. How low I’ve really sunk since all the shit went down with Dylan. How battered my self-confidence is.

  So, I really can’t help what I do next.

  Maybe it’s the alcohol still buzzing in my veins. Or his heartfelt words shatter my lingering denial. Or I’m finally opening my eyes and seeing what has always been right in front of me—who has always been in front of me.

  Whatever it is, I don’t stop to question it, I just act on my feelings, jumping onto Slater’s lap and planting my mouth on his. His lips are soft and plump, like crushed velvet, and his familiar citrusy scent swirls around me, providing comfort and reassurance. He doesn’t kiss me back, at first, but I persevere, circling my arms around his neck and angling my head, deepening the kiss in the process. Then his lips are gliding against mine, and his hands are on the move, flattening against my lower back, drawing me in closer.

  I run my fingers up his neck, dragging my nails through his hair, and he moans into my mouth. My body is alive, thrumming with need, and my head is swimming in awe. I can’t believe I’m kissing Slater, and it feels like the most natural thing in the world. He’s igniting an inferno inside me, cranking my lust to new, undiscovered heights.