by Colet Abedi
“Perfect.” I think I hear a sigh of relief. “I need a date.”
“A date?”
For a moment I wonder if wants me to go through his black book of ladies and pick someone for him to go out with.
Over my dead body—
“So I’ll pick you up at eight?” His lips curl into a cocky smile, and I feel as though I’m a tennis ball that’s being struck back and forth on a court.
What is going on here? Have we just crossed a line and entered a grey zone?
“Umm, sure,” I finally manage to say. “What’s the occasion?”
“I’m having dinner with an old friend and I thought you might like to join.”
“Is it business related?” I ask in confusion.
“It usually ends up going there with Jack and me,” Michael replies smoothly.
But he hasn’t really answered the question. So is it a real date or business? I can’t be sure.
“I’ll join if you need me to.” I hope I don’t sound too eager. Or stunned.
Or both.
“I need you to,” he replies politely.
I continue to stand there, probably looking like I’ve just gone through electroshock therapy.
“Is there anything else I can help you with?” I finally find my voice.
“I think that covers it for today,” he tells me with a slow, knowing smile.
***
I find that alcohol and courage go hand in hand.
Truly. It’s one of life’s greatest miracles.
I left the office earlier than I usually do and rushed home to get ready for my “date” with Michael. The first executive decision I made was to shave my legs. I told myself it was a precautionary move and it had to be done anyway, so what was the harm in doing it before my “date”?
It didn’t mean anything.
Yes, I know. Sometimes I find it’s easier to lie to yourself rather than face the truth.
I showered quickly, tried on three different outfits and finally settled on a simple sleeveless black fitted dress that falls right to my knees. I paired the dress with a pair of Gucci suede black heels, left my long hair down around my shoulders and got in two full glasses of champagne before Michael had even arrived.
Hence the newfound confidence.
Now, I’m feeling good.
When the phone rings to let Michael up to my flat, I have a healthy buzz going that has done wonders for my state of mind.
He knocks on my door faster than I expect.
My heart is in my throat and I don’t know if I feel nauseous or am just in desperate need of taking him to my bedroom and having my way with him. All that separates me from my fantasy come to life is one door.
Calm down, Abby. You’ve got this.
Just remember, you’re shaved, locked, and loaded.
I take another sip of champagne needing a bit more liquid courage and finally open the door.
My mouth goes dry when I see him.
He looks really good.
Michael is still wearing the suit from earlier today, but now the top few buttons of his white shirt are open, exposing some of that tanned, muscular chest I’ve pretty much fantasized about my whole life. After I’m finished checking him out, I watch him take his turn. I try to remain unaffected, but it’s hard when the look on his face can melt steel.
“You look beautiful.”
His compliment works like an aphrodisiac.
“Thank you,” I reply shyly.
Michael’s gaze comes to rest on the champagne glass I’m still holding in my hand before flicking up to my face.
“Liquid courage?” His smile is sinful.
“Hardly.” I hope my voice sounds calm. “Would you like a glass?”
“We don’t have time.” He sounds disappointed. “Maybe after. You can invite me up for a nightcap.”
I don’t miss the innuendo in his voice.
My senses reel. I want him.
So badly.
So badly that I’m tempted to tell him to forget about the dinner and ask if he’d like to have that nightcap right now.
Maybe the alcohol on an empty stomach combined with my nerves wasn’t such a good idea after all…
Or maybe it’s exactly what I need to get to where I’ve wanted to be my whole life.
In Michael’s Sinclair’s bed.
Or him in mine. Whatever scenario works out faster.
“Are you ready?” Michael’s voice is gruff.
“Yes.” I put my champagne flute down, reaching for my camel colored coat.
He stands by the door and waits for me to exit before shutting it behind me.
Dinner is actually really fun and conversation flows easily.
Michael’s friend Jack reminds me of the guys I went to school with.
He went to Eton with Michael and now works for a tech company that specializes in social media. He has a pleasant demeanor and is a lot of fun. I especially like the way he dotes over his girlfriend Jennifer, who’s in town from Hong Kong for the week. Seeing couples in love always gives me hope. Jennifer tells me the two have had a long distance relationship for over a year and that it hasn’t been easy, but they plan on moving in together in the coming year.
“I’m surprised I’ve never met you before,” Jack says to me as the waiter pours us another glass of wine. My glass has not been empty since we sat down to dinner hours ago and I’m immensely grateful for it because the alcohol has only helped loosen me up.
“You being family with Michael and all.”
Jack studies my face as he continues.
“But I have to say, you do look very familiar to me.”
“You’ve probably seen me out over the years.” I take a sip of my wine. “I’m sure we’ve been to some of the same places.”
Jack leans back in his chair and brushes his blond hair away from his eyes.
“I never forget a face,” he says, furrowing his brow. “It’s going to come to me, I know it.”
“You’re making her nervous,” Michael says as he looks over at me with sympathy. “Don’t mind him, Abby. He’s harmless.”
“I’m fine.” I laugh.
“So you’re working for Michael now?” Jennifer intervenes with a gentle smile as she reaches over and takes Jack’s hand in hers.
“Yes, it’s been just a few weeks now.”
“How do you like it?”
Jack interrupts our conversation. “Is he a slave driver?”
“Hardly,” I reply acutely aware of Michael’s eyes on me. “He’s a great boss.”
Jack bursts out laughing and looks over at Michael.
“You train them well, my friend.”
“No training here.” I’m sure Jack can hear the irritation in my voice. “I’m not afraid to speak the truth.”
“If he were an ass you’d tell him?” Jack’s smile is devilish.
“Absolutely.”
Michael bursts out laughing.
“There, you see,” Michael says, putting an arm on the back of my chair. His long fingers brush up against my neck, causing goose bumps to make their way up my body. “I can’t be so bad if she’s not afraid to call me an ass.”
“I like you, Abby,” Jack says. “You’re brave.”
“You have no idea,” Michael agrees.
I shrug in embarrassment and look down at my plate of half-eaten soufflé. What I wouldn’t give to eat the whole thing…
Flabby Abby.
Right. Scratch that. Not going to touch the rest of that dessert.
“It just came to me!” Jack claps his hands together in realization. “Where I’ve seen you, Abby.”
I wait for Jack to continue.
“Were you engaged to that wealthy Russian?” Jack asks curiously. “Dimitri something or other?”
My stomach drops in dread, but I keep a smile plastered on my face. Michael’s body tenses beside me.
“I was.” I bite my lip, not supplying any other information.
“And you bro
ke it off rather dramatically if my memory serves me well,” Jack continues on as if we’re discussing something as trivial as the weather.
“Jack…” Michael intervenes quickly to my relief. “This isn’t a topic Abby wants to discuss.”
“She doesn’t?” Jack asks innocently.
“No, she doesn’t,” I interject, shaking my head. “She really doesn’t.”
Jack meets my gaze with an apologetic grin.
“I’m sorry, Abby,” he says earnestly. “I’ve had a lot to drink and sometimes I forget my manners.”
“It’s all right.” I look down into my lap feeling embarrassed.
“Jack is really good at putting his foot in his mouth,” Jennifer rushes out to say to me as she shakes her head. “Trust me, I know from previous experiences.”
I can’t help but laugh.
“So now that I’ve completely managed to make a mess of what was an absolutely lovely dinner, where should we go?” Jack asks the group with a sheepish smile.
“It’s late—” Michael begins as he glances over at me, the look in his eyes protective.
“It’s Friday night and we haven’t gone out in ages.” It doesn’t sound like Jack will take no for an answer. “And Jennifer is here from out of town. And now I’ve got to make up my blunder with Abby and show her a good time. Come on. You must. I insist.”
Michael fixes his brilliant blue gaze on me, and I feel his finger brush up against my shoulder.
“What do you think?”
I’m not thinking. I can’t. Not with all the wine I’ve had and the way he keeps touching me and wreaking havoc on my senses.
“I’m up for it.”
He lifts a brow, questioning.
“You’re sure?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Michael’s grin is wicked. My toes curl in my shoes, and I want to lean into him so badly it’s a challenge to remain still.
If Jack and Jennifer notice any of the tension between us, they cover it well.
“So there,” Jack interrupts our stare off. “It’s settled then. Let’s go dancing.”
***
Over the years, I used to fantasize about running into Michael at one of the clubs I used to frequent. I had every scenario mapped out in my head. Of course, they all always ended the same way—with Michael and me in bed together having the best sex of our lives.
Georgie spoke the truth when he said I dragged him to different clubs and bars I thought Michael might be at. Unfortunately, all of my endless stalkings never produced any results, and I always missed him.
And now…
Now here I am at one of London’s most popular clubs as his date. I still don’t know what the parameters are between us, what is really going on, but a buzzed Abby is happy to test out the waters in any way she can.
The owner knew who Michael was the moment we entered and rolled out the red carpet for him. They ushered us through the crowds back to a VIP section where we settled into a booth in one of the darkest corners of the club. They placed a few bottles of hard liquor on the table and Michael gave orders for them to bring wine and champagne as well.
With the music thumping around us, and the alcohol warming my body I feel myself get a second wind. I can’t remember the last time it was when I let my hair down and had fun. I’ve been so consumed by the drama that I forgot about this part of life that we all need every so often.
Like just have a bloody good time.
I haven’t felt this free in forever.
Jack pours four shots of tequila in the small shot glasses that were placed on the table. He passes them around.
“I don’t know…” I shout above the music as I shake my head. “This might not be safe…”
“Nonsense!” Jack sounds inebriated. “What’s not safe about tequila?”
Let me count the ways.
Michael is sitting just opposite me in the booth and Jennifer and Jack are standing up with their shots swaying to the music. I steal a look at him as he takes his shot and lifts it in the air. His gaze crashes into mine.
“To a wonderful night!” Jack says with a bit too much enthusiasm.
Michael’s brilliant blue eyes are glued to mine and we both take the shot at the same time. The liquid burns down my throat and into my stomach.
God! That stuff is strong!
“Let’s go dance, beautiful!” Jack grabs hold of Jennifer and takes her out to join the crowded dance floor.
And then there were two.
Michael stretches out in the booth like he owns the place, his face partially hidden because of the dark lighting in the club. I can’t see his eyes now, but I know he’s watching me. I can practically feel his gaze, like he’s reaching out and touching me. The music pulses through my body. All around us are people dancing and drinking away, but it feels like we are the only two people in the world.
“Come closer.”
Said the Wolf to Red Riding Hood.
“Why?” Tequila makes me brave.
“Why not?” I can hear the challenge in his voice. “Are you scared?”
Scared?
Excited would be the better adjective to use.
I think I threw my sanity out the door when I took the shot of tequila because in the next second I scoot around the curve of the booth and settle in about a foot or so away from Michael’s lean body. The small distance between us makes me feel like I am still in control even though I’m well aware I’m not the one in the driver’s seat.
Michael ends that brief sense of safety when he reaches out and takes a piece of my hair in his hand. He rubs it together like it’s fine silk.
The intimate gesture wreaks havoc on my nerves.
“I like your hair down,” he tells me.
I promise I will wear my hair down for the rest of my life. And yes, I am fully aware that my lack of humility is astounding.
“Thank you.”
“Thank you,” he mimics back.
“Are you back to making fun of me?” Clearly, the alcohol has given me a crazy amount of courage.
“Are you back to being proper?” he counters.
“What do you mean?”
“I thought that last shot of tequila might have helped shed some of that armor you wear.”
“I don’t wear any armor.” I cross my arms and legs defensively.
“No?” He doesn’t sound like he believes me. “When was the last time you did something like this? Go out and just have fun?”
“I can’t remember,” I reply honestly. “But that doesn’t mean I’m wearing armor.”
He laughs.
“The way you say it, it’s like I implied you’re physically dressed like some medieval knight.” He smirks. “You’re not understanding me.”
“Then please explain.”
“When was the last time you let go of your inhibitions and just lived in the moment?”
I’m silent as my thoughts drift over my life.
“When was the last time you just did what you’ve always wanted to do?”
Michael places his hands over my heart and I know he can feel how erratic the beat is.
Because of him.
“I’m talking about this.”
I feel like I’m playing a chess game with a master.
“And what is this?” I’m happy my voice sounds calm even though I’m anything but.
“This?” Michael’s grin is wicked. “This thing between us?”
His admission that there is an “us” thrills me.
“This energy we have. The attraction…” he continues, hypnotizing me with his words. “It’s exciting. And risky. Dangerous. But it’s fun.”
His gaze flicks from my eyes to my mouth and back up to my eyes again. My mind races as I look away and stare blindly out onto the dance floor.
He grabs hold of my chin and pulls my gaze back to his.
“What do you think this is?” His sparkling blue eyes pin mine.
Now or never.
I love you, Alcohol.
“I honestly don’t know.” My voice is strong.
“You don’t?” There’s no mistaking the primal look in his eyes.
“I’ve never really known.” I finally admit the truth.
His hand begins to caress my jawline right before the pad of his thumb comes up to rub my lower lip.
“What do you want it to be?” I can hear the desire in his sexy voice.
Since I can’t find the words, I show him instead.
My tongue brushes up against his finger that rests on my lip.
Michael reacts as though he’s been burned by fire. He drops his hand and moves it through his hair. I take a calculated breath of my own as I wait for his next move.
Now he knows.
I want him.
CHAPTER SIX
“I don’t play games.”
Michael says this to me right before Jack and Jennifer make their way back to our table. Jack is now hammered and Jennifer looks as though she is on her way. They fall into the booth in each other’s arms, laughing and stealing kisses.
I want to scream out in frustration.
Talk about an interruption at the worst possible time! I’ve waited a lifetime for this moment, and now I’m going to be forced to wait even longer to understand what he means by that last comment.
I intend to find out as soon as we are alone again.
“Shots?” Jack yells out again as he stands up and begins to pour another round.
Don’t mind if I do…
I gladly take the glass out of Jack’s hand and down the drink as soon as I can. It burns again but not as bad as it did the first round. I know I should probably take it easy considering the amount of alcohol I’ve already consumed, but I can’t seem to stop myself. From the corner of my eye, I see Michael do the same. Before I can contemplate my next move, Michael grabs hold of my hand.
“Dance with me.”
He doesn’t ask. He commands.
He pulls me out of the booth and holds onto my hand as he takes me out onto the dance floor. Within seconds he’s navigated his way to the middle of the crowd and with a remix of Marian Hill’s “Are you Down”, I let all my inhibitions go and start moving my body to the music.
The song is sexy, her voice sultry and my hips sway to the music like I was born to move to it. Michael’s lithe body slides up against mine. His hands reach out and take hold of my hips, pulling me close as he rubs up against me in a way I’ve dreamed about my whole life, causing my body to pulse with electricity. My head tilts back and I look up and lock eyes with his steely blue gaze. His eyes darken and an almost animalistic energy seems to emanate from him as he leans into my body, turning me into a fiery mess of longing.
