“What are you waiting for? Go inside.” Alexis pushes me forward.
“I’m going. Impatient much?”
She pushes me to the side and goes through the entrance first. I follow. I hate to walk into a place where I don’t know anyone. Alexa runs off, leaving me alone. I try to act casual and walk around the bar.
I freeze and do a double take. There she is, standing by a table in the corner. There’s a lamp over the table reflecting specks of light on her skin. She shines like a diamond. The last two times I was with her, I thought she was pretty. Her black dress hugs her at all the right places. Her hair is up with little curls coming down, which exposes her neck and back. Her shoes show off her slender legs. The first word that comes to my mind is stunning. My body goes on immediate high alert.
She laughs at something with one of her friends. Her heart-shaped face lights up the room when she smiles. Her friend looks in my direction. She whispers something in Lisa’s ear, and Lisa glances my way. Our eyes lock, as if by some magnetic pull. A lump forms in my throat when I see her glistening blue eyes and giant smile. The man who ends up stealing her heart and waking up to her smile every morning will be a very lucky man. Her ex-boyfriend Bryant was a jackass. Maybe he didn’t make her smile. Is she smiling like that because of me?
I pull my lead feet off the hardwood floor to walk over to her. She meets me half way. “Happy birthday, Lisa.” I lean in and give her a kiss on the cheek. My lips linger longer than they should. They tingled when they touched her feather-soft, warm cheek.
“Thanks, James. I’m so glad you came.”
My eyes trace her face. “You look beautiful.”
She fiddles with her earring. “Well, isn’t that a nice thing to say. Thank you. I almost didn’t recognize you. Short hair and cleanly shaven. We have never seen each other in normal clothes.” Her eyes scan my body. With a slight grin, she says, “You look really good in jeans. But I also liked the stubble on your face. You look sexy either way.” She giggles as she traces her fingers along my jawline and then drops her hand to her side. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” Her face turns an instant shade of crimson as she looks down.
I will pretend her comment or her touch didn’t surprise me. “I’m sorry I’m late. I blame my sister. It took her forever to get ready. We’re here now, so that’s all that counts.” I wink. “I’m sorry I didn’t get you a present.”
She rubs my arm gently. “No worries. You joining us tonight is all I wanted for my birthday.” I can see, by the way her eyes shine and how she nervously touches her neck, she is being honest.
“Where’s your sister?” She looks over my shoulder.
“She’s around here somewhere. She’ll make her appearance in due time, I’m sure. She left me as soon as we walked into the bar.
“Speaking of sisters, did your sister come?”
“Yes, she did. She’s the one I was talking to when I saw you. Let me get her over here so I can introduce you. She knows about you.” Lisa looks behind her. “Tina, come over here.” She yells and waves her over to us.
Her sister picks up two martinis and walks over to us. She hands Lisa one.
“James, this is my sister, Tina.”
She shakes my hand, looking me over with wide-open eyes. “Lisa, you said he’s good-looking, but he’s a lot more than that. Look at your eyes, James. Wow!”
Lisa nudges her and whispers something in her ear. Tina grins.
“I saw you when I was talking to Lisa, and right away I knew it was you. I saw those eyes of yours.”
Lisa nudges her again.
“It was nice to meet you, James. I need some water. We can get to know each other later.” She downs her martini and walks away.
“Sorry about Tina. She already had two martinis, which is more than she usually drinks. She’s usually the mother hen.”
Did she really tell her sister I am good-looking? I lift my head up high and push my shoulders back.
“It’s no problem. I have a sister too. I’m used to it. Your sister looks nothing like you. Brunette with brown eyes, and tall. She looks similar to the actress Anne Hathaway. What a contrast. I would have thought she was your friend, not your sister.”
“That’s not the first time someone says she looks like her. Everyone says I’m a replica of my mother. She had the big blue eyes and petite figure. I was blessed with them.”
She used the word “had.” Did her mother die? I remember she said she’s been through some tragic experiences herself.
“Tina looks just like my dad. He’s tall, dark, and handsome.”
I look over her shoulder at her friends. Their eyes are darting back and forth from me to Lisa. What’s their problem? Something tells me she didn’t tell them I was coming tonight. Interesting.
I grab Lisa’s hand and stroll up to them, with her behind me. “Hi, everyone. I’m James. Lisa invited me here tonight to celebrate her birthday with you all. I hope that’s okay, since it looks like it’s an all girls’ party,” I say, a little too sugarcoated as I let go of Lisa’s hand. I’m not sure why I started to hold it in the first place.
Everyone gawks at us, not saying a word. I put my hand on her open back and lean in and whisper, “I’m going to get a drink. Do you want something? I can see your friends want to interrogate you.” I get a view of her neck and smell a trace of vanilla. I wish I could give her a birthday kiss right underneath her collarbone. I gently trace my fingers along her skin.
She shivers in response. As she takes a sip of her martini, I notice her hands are shaking. I smile to myself.
She leans her head toward me and looks up. “Don’t worry. I’ll only say nice things about you. Well, in reality, I don’t know a lot about you, so I can’t say much. I’m kind of enjoying the reaction you’re getting. They are completely surprised, wondering who this gorgeous guy is and where I have been hiding him.” She looks in the direction of her friends. “Why don’t you get yourself a drink? Can you please get me a glass of water? I want to pace myself tonight. I still have this one I need to finish.”
I nod and walk away, knowing I’m the one who’s shaking now.
What is this effect she has on me? She’s more attractive every time I see her. I was so close to her when I was whispering in her ear. Her neck and back are completely exposed. It’s so sexy and enticing. I had to touch her skin to see how soft it was. Smooth like satin.
This is unfamiliar territory. We agreed to keep this platonic. My heart belongs to someone else, but my hormones tell me something different.
I order a dirty martini and her water. I hear Alexa behind me. Finally, she makes her appearance.
“So where is Lisa? I want to meet her,” she asks while sipping a bright-red martini. Not surprising, since she’s obsessed with the color red.
“Please don’t embarrass me. I’m warning you. This isn’t a date. I agreed to come here for her birthday. That’s all.”
She pouts. “Don’t be such a party pooper.”
I take our drinks and lead her over to Lisa. She’s talking to a guy at the table. My body stiffens. Who is he? Of course, she will attract other guys. She certainly has my eye. Do I feel jealous or protective? She can talk to whomever she wants. It’s your hormones, jackass.
She said she didn’t want to meet anyone, so let me have some fun. I proceed to where they stand. Her lovely back is facing me. I wrap my arm around her waist and hand her the water she asked for. “Here’s your water, babe.”
She doesn’t miss a beat. Her hand goes around my waist in response. “Thanks, honey.” The guy’s face is priceless. His eyebrows press together as he takes a step back.
He takes his drink off the table and mumbles, “Sorry. I didn’t know you were here with someone. See you around, Lisa. Have a good birthday.” He walks over to Emily and whispers something in her ear. She looks back at us and mouths to Lisa, I’m going to kill you.
We try to hide our amusement by facing the other direction. “That was per
fect timing. Thanks for the save. As you can see, Emily brought him here for me. He’s nice, but he’s not for me. I don’t know who is, as a matter of fact.”
I’m the one for you.
She peeks over my shoulder with a curious look.
“What’s up?”
“I think your sister’s heading our way. I can tell by her eyes.”
Before I even see Alexa, I move to the side. “Lisa, this is my sister, Alexa.”
Lisa smiles and extends her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. Thanks for coming out tonight. I see you both inherited the same beautiful eyes.”
“Unfortunately, his eyes are even prettier than mine. It’s nice to finally meet you. Thanks for inviting us. Happy birthday.”
She points to Lisa’s drink. “Are you drinking water? This is supposed to be your birthday party. Can I buy you a birthday martini?”
“Sure. So much for pacing myself. I’ll take you up on your offer. Let’s go scan the menu for something fun. I should try something new tonight.” She turns toward me. “Want to come with us?” Her hand touches my lower back.
“No. You go ahead. I have a martini. I’ll stay here at the table until you both come back.” I have this urge to kiss her cheek before she walks away. I refrain.
I watch them walk to the bar, my eyes focusing on Lisa’s backside. I force myself to turn around and almost bang into a girl.
“Hi, I’m Emily,” she says while twirling a strand of her hair. “I’m Lisa’s old roommate-slash-best friend. We’re all a bit surprised about you. Lisa never mentioned you. I could see how happy she was when you arrived. No one seems to make her smile like that.”
She leans into me with inquisitive eyes. “I saw how you both had your arms around each other. You scared my colleague Bert away. I was trying to fix her up with him.”
“She told me you do that often.”
Her eyebrows perk up, and then a smile forms. “This makes me even more curious. Is there something I should know about?”
She’s invading my space entirely too much. I take a step back. I’m not surprised to be interrogated. She’s excited to see Lisa happy. Little does she know nothing is going on between us. I think.
“We met a couple of weekends ago and again the other day under strange circumstances. She mentioned she was celebrating her birthday here, so I asked if I could come along. I live not too far from here.” I act casual.
I keep my mouth shut after that, just to keep her guessing. It’s none of her business. Lisa didn’t tell her for a reason. It’s for her to explain to her friends, not me. I think I will enjoy this night, just watching her friends. Thankfully, Lisa and Alexa approach us with their drinks. Emily walks away when Lisa arrives with a purple martini.
“What type of martini are you drinking? It looks sweet as hell. Just looking at it makes my teeth hurt.”
“It’s a Purple Lamborghini. It isn’t too sweet. It has cranberry juice and grenadine in it. Try it.” She hands it to me. There is something very intimate about drinking from her martini glass.
I squeeze my eyes shut. “Wow, that’s a mix of sweet and sour. It could be deadly because you can’t taste the alcohol. I think I’ll stick to dirty martinis tonight. Yours is too girly for me.” I sip my martini, trying not to laugh. “Don’t drink too many, because then I’ll need to take care of you tonight. Maybe it would be fun.”
Alexa’s eyes bore through me. Her mouth transitions into a knowing smirk. I break eye contact, not wanting to know what thoughts spin a web in her head.
Lisa takes the martini back and brings the glass up to her lips. I see the tip of her tongue touch the rim. Why do I wish I were her martini glass? I wonder how her full pink lips and tongue would feel on mine. Have I gone completely mad? My face feels warm. I need some ice cubes to cool off. I didn’t imagine Lisa would make me feel like this. Then again, she always makes me feel something, something positive and sexual.
Lisa and Alexa have moved away from me. They seem to be hitting it off. Alexa is animated in their conversation, with her arms flying around. Who knows what the hell she is talking about. Hopefully, nothing about me.
I walk over and stand at Lisa’s side. Alexa walks away. “I hope she isn’t telling you embarrassing stories about me.” Or my secrets.
Lisa responds, “No. She’s pretty funny though. I like her outgoing personality. She’s so classy with her blond bob and stylish red clothes. Your parents created beautiful children.”
Tina sneaks up behind us and chimes in, “I’m personally very happy to be here tonight to see Lisa happier than she’s been in a very, very long time.” She stares at me a little longer than I feel comfortable with and then hurries off.
“Again, please ignore Tina. She’s trying to annoy me. We haven’t seen each other in a while, so I think she needs to make up for lost time.”
“I was just interrogated by Emily. Why didn’t you tell her I was coming? She told me about that guy you were talking to. You weren’t exaggerating about her trying to fix you up tonight. I’m glad I’m here for you.”
“Well, I was afraid you would change your mind. I didn’t want to mention you and then if you didn’t show up, I knew how they would react. I would’ve been embarrassed. It was a lot more fun this way. You’re the mystery man.”
“Let them talk. This is the most entertainment I’ve had in a long time. Better than any reality TV show. I’m glad I came.” I lower my voice and run a finger down her arm. “You have this charming way about you… You’d better be careful. I might need to have you around all the time.”
She bats her eyelashes. “Sorry. I’m basically married to the hospital for the next four years. I can give you my schedule so you can get your daily dose when I’m available.”
“Sounds good to me, beautiful.”
Chapter 23
Lisa
This is the best birthday ever! When I saw James for the first time when he arrived, my heart skipped a beat, and my stomach jumped. I couldn’t help it. He stands out in the crowd. His green eyes are the first thing anyone notices. They almost glow. He’s dressed casually tonight, but he looks stylish. His T-shirt fits his chest, biceps, and shoulders perfectly. Not too tight but just enough to give a peek of what’s underneath. I’ve seen what’s underneath. His jeans attract my attention to all the best places. I wish I could see those places. I’m done with drinking. I don’t want to make an ass out of myself by jumping on him. He’s only here because it’s my birthday.
Tina nudges me and nods toward the restrooms. “Come with me to the bathroom.” Does she want to talk to me, or is she not feeling well?
“Sure.”
She hooks her arm with mine and starts to drag me with her.
I peek back at James and say, “I’ll be right back. Stay where you are.”
He nods while he eats the olives from his martini.
We enter the bathroom, and Tina looks around to see if it’s empty.
“What’s up with you? Did you meet a cute guy?” I say, full of curiosity and excitement for her.
“Don’t try to deter the subject.”
I play dumb. “What are you talking about? I thought that’s why you’re so peppy.”
She cocks her hip and points out the door. “There’s so much electricity sparking between you and James I’m surprised the lights aren’t flickering. How can you stand there and say there’s nothing going on between you two?”
“I won’t deny it, because I truly feel what you see. However, nothing will come of it. He has some dark secrets, and he wants nothing to do with relationships, just like me. I need to ignore the chemistry and just be friends. Simple as that.”
“Something tells me it won’t be so easy. I’m not going to push you. If you can’t or won’t do anything about it, at least enjoy it tonight.”
I check my hair in the mirror and say to Tina’s reflection, “Go pee. I want to go back outside. I’ll meet you out there.” I wash my hands and pop a mint into my mouth.
“Okay. Go back to your yummy man out there. I wish he had a twin brother.” She chuckles as she locks the stall door.
“You’re definitely tipsy, if not drunk. Lay off the martinis for a little while. I’ve never seen you drink this much. Oh, and wash your hands! You don’t want to know what kind of germs are lying around in here.” I rub hand sanitizer on my hands.
“Yes, Dr. Lisa,” she yells as I walk out the door.
As I walk out of the bathroom, I hear the song “Fix You” by Coldplay. I haven’t heard this song in so long. It’s one of my favorites from this group. I think of James instantly. Maybe I can fix him.
I look through the crowd and see James hasn’t moved from where we were standing. However, a tall, slender blonde chats with him. As I creep closer, I zone in on her hand, which is on his arm. She leans closer to him.
Why doesn’t she press his face into her cleavage? Is it my turn to interrupt, or does he want to talk to her? He jerks his arm away from her.
There’s my cue.
James notices me behind the blonde. He lifts his chin and flashes me a smirk. I can’t help but feel warm and fuzzy. He’s so damn cute. This is so much fun. Once I’m near the table, he scoops me into his side.
“There you are, beautiful.” He leans down close to my cheek. I turn my head toward his, and our lips brush and linger for a couple of seconds. We slowly put space between us, never losing eye contact. My breathing is heavy. My pulse blasts through my body. Our kiss was only for a mere few seconds, but it was the best kiss I have ever had.
“What’s the matter?” Tina interrupts.
We are jerked from our zone, and I act like nothing happened. The blonde is nowhere to be seen.
I clear my throat. “Nothing’s the matter. Why do you ask?” It’s not like the kiss meant anything.
“You both looked really intense. Like something happened.”
“Oh. There was a blonde chick flirting with James, and I saved him from her. No big deal.”
James remains silent. Did he like the kiss as much as I did?
Lives Collide (Collide #1) Page 14
