Fever

by Melissa Pearl

Squeezing past a couple of tall guys with beers in their hands, I mumbled, “Excuse me” and worked my way to the bar. There was one spare stool, right near the end. My head spun with relief as I made my way toward it. Climbing up, I let my feet dangle as I scrambled for my phone.

  I was such a chicken.

  I ran my thumb over my phone screen and wondered if I should text Morgan first. If she was only a couple of minutes away then maybe I could hold out. My foot tapped of its own accord as I unlocked my phone. The band had a really awesome sound and I wanted to stay and hear a little more. My thumb hovered over the green Messages button. I glanced to the door, hoping Morgan might appear before I sent her an SOS.

  “Can I get you something?”

  I jerked at the male voice behind me and spun around. “No, thanks, I'm not old enough to dri—” I smiled, a big broad one that strained my lips. It was probably bred more from relief than anything. Cole. A face I knew! I wanted to kiss him. Not because I was attracted to him of course, just because I was relieved. I inwardly cringed at my lie, hoping it wouldn't show through in my smile. “I didn't know you worked here,” I shouted above the music.

  “I know the owners.” His gorgeous eyes danced as he gazed at me.

  “Nice.” I couldn't rip my eyes away from him. He was so incredibly gorgeous. His chiseled jaw. Those high cheekbones...and the little dimple on his chin, which, now that I could see it properly, actually appeared to be a scar. It was sexy. I didn’t know why something that was probably created by an open wound and stitches could be so attractive, but it was. I wanted to run my finger over it and find out the story. I wanted to hear his sheepish chuckle and watch his skin heat as he launched into the details.

  Curling my fingers together, I pressed them into my lap. I didn’t have the right to touch him. That luxury would one day belong to another girl.

  I still couldn't believe he didn't have a girlfriend. I nearly fell off my chair when David had told me.

  “You know, we do serve sodas here.” He winked.

  My nerves began to settle as I took in his friendly expression. It was so obvious he was a good guy, and if I had to spend my night chatting to him, I wouldn't have minded a bit.

  “Right. Of course you do. Can I please have a Sprite with lots of ice?”

  “Coming right up.” I watched him work behind the bar, his movements fluid and confident. He took other orders as he was digging out ice cubes for me, calling out something to the older man at the end of the bar. The man called out something in a thick, Irish accent, raising his hand to acknowledge Cole's comment.

  I strained to hear what was said next, but it was impossible as the band started up another loud number. I couldn't help swaying to the beat just a little.

  Slapping down a cardboard coaster, Cole placed the drink in front of me. “It's on the house.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course! Welcome to Quigg's.” He grinned.

  “Thank you.”

  His dancing blue eyes held me captive as he leaned over and pressed his forearms against the bar. I watched his thick muscles ripple and averted my gaze, pulling a quick sip through my straw.

  He leaned toward me with a conspiratorial smile. “You know, I would have served you a drink, if you'd asked.”

  “Well, that is very irresponsible of you.” My teasing tone took me by surprise and I cleared my throat, feeling self-conscious.

  He chuckled. “You really are a good girl, aren't you?”

  “Is that bad?” My nose wrinkled. I hated the way it did that.

  He paused, his blue gaze softening. “No, it's actually...” he looked down with a grin and swallowed before glancing up at me again. “Refreshing.”

  I smiled and raised my glass, taking another sip. The man behind Cole's shoulder called his attention, and he was dragged away from me. I stayed where I was, sipping my soda and watching Cole work. His friendly smile was endearing, and I loved the way he looked people in the eye as he spoke to them. I saw a few flirty gestures thrown his way, but he didn't seem fazed by any of them. He kept glancing over at me, giving me a reassuring smile that made my insides dance. For once it wasn't a nervous dance, but an excited, giddy one that made me forget all about my boyfriend.

  As the minutes ticked by I stopped looking at my watch and started to think that if Morgan and Brad never showed up, I would have been okay.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  COLE

  Sexy.

  I'd wanted to say that her being a good girl was sexy.

  Because to me, it was. Her sweet smile, her innocent look. She was a total turn on. I couldn't wrap my head around it. Unlike so many girls I encountered, she’d never throw herself at me. Her purity was attractive, which felt weird, but true.

  Malachi eyed me from the other end of the bar, his eyebrows bobbing as he checked out my favorite customer. I gave him a quick glare that told him to stop being so obvious. He chuckled, slapping my back and making sure he kept his tail down the opposite end of the bar.

  I finally had a second to breathe, so I headed back to Ella.

  “Can I get you a refill?”

  She popped down her empty glass and held in a chuckle. Her cheeks turned bright red as she crunched through a piece of ice.

  I laughed. “An ice eater. Interesting.”

  She swallowed her mouthful with a laugh. “David hates it, but it just tastes so good and it's all Sprite-like and sweet now.”

  “It doesn't bother me. Crunch away.” I leaned my hands against the bar, watching her with a grin.

  She smiled back. It wasn’t as shy and tentative as before, and I was glad she felt more relaxed.

  “So, are you meeting David here?” I had to ask. If my best friend was about to walk through the door, I wanted a heads-up.

  “No.” She frowned. “He has to study for some big test on Monday.”

  “Flying solo then, huh?”

  “Kind of.” She leaned closer to me so she didn't have to yell so loud. “I'm supposed to be meeting Morgan and Brad. They were telling me about Chaos.” She pointed over at the small stage area. “They're really awesome!”

  “Yeah, they are. I found them at a talent quest last year.”

  “You found them?”

  I blushed, wishing I hadn't worded it that way.

  “Are you their manager or something?”

  “Not quite! I just like to convince Malachi to let bands play here. Liven the place up a bit.”

  “Well, it's working. I bet your boss loves you for it.”

  I looked over my shoulder at the tall Irishman and grinned. “I hope so.”

  Ella's sunshine smile took over her face, and I swear I wanted to freeze time.

  “Oh my gosh, Ella!” Morgan's voice made us both turn. We looked over to see her brush past the table and rush up to Ella's side. “I'm so sorry we're late. We couldn't catch a cab!”

  Brad trundled in behind Morgan, raising his eyebrows at me and lifting his finger.

  “What's your flavor?” I called to him.

  “I'll start with a bottle of Bud.”

  “You got it.” I turned to fill the order, watching Ella out of the corner of my eye. Her hand was on Morgan's arm, her head shaking as Morgan apologized again.

  “It's really fine. Cole's been keeping me company.” She flicked her thumb at me. Morgan looked over Ella's head and gave me a grateful smile. If only she knew how much I'd been enjoying it.

  “Come on, Ella Bella! Let's dance.”

  I grinned at the nickname. Morgan took her little friend's hand and they trotted off to the dance floor. Brad took the vacant seat and lifted his bottle. “What's the bet I don't even get through half of this before she drags my ass out there.”

  I laughed with him, but couldn't understand what he was complaining about.

  I would have done anything to be out on that dance floor. I moved so I could see Ella through the crowd. Morgan was into it, jiggling away with fluid moves that surprised me. She was really good
. Ella watched her with a grin, slowly warming up and copying her talented friend. My eyebrows rose as I watched her leather-clad legs move around the floor. She was pretty damn good, too.

  It was easy to sense their closeness as they laughed away together. Morgan lifted her hands, letting out a whoop. Chaos continued to rock out, the girls building up a quick sweat. I felt my body ignite as I watched Ella dip to the floor then bounce back up again. I imagined what it would feel like to have her slide beneath my hands or press against my body as I stood behind her, swaying to the beat.

  The glass in my hand grew slippery, and I nearly spilled the beer all over myself before quickly slamming it onto the bar. I yelled my apologies to the customer and took their money, ringing it up with shaking hands.

  “You all right, Boy-o?”

  “Yep, all good.” I cleared my throat and forced a grin at Malachi.

  His eyes narrowed, and I had no choice but to ignore him. This wasn't cool. I was fantasizing about David's girlfriend. I needed to get my head straight.

  “Just taking a quick break!” I pointed at the bathroom and Malachi gave a short nod.

  I knew I'd have to be fast.

  Shouldering the door open, I walked to the urinal and did my business. It felt good to have tiles in front of me and not a sexy body that made my loins ache. I washed my hands and splashed some water on my face, gazing at my warped reflection in the aging mirror before me.

  “You are so screwed.” I pressed my hands against the edge of the sink and sighed.

  I had to find shower girl. I had to find her fast or I was going to go mentally insane.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  ELLA

  I arrived home on a high. Handing the taxi driver too much, I told him to keep the change and chuckled as I jumped out the door and headed into my dorm.

  It was mostly quiet with only a few stragglers making their way home at this late hour. I checked my watch — 1:34 a.m. Man, what a night! I could have danced until the sun came up. It had taken me a while to warm up and not be so self-conscious. I just did that thing Jody told me to do and pretended like Morgan and I were the only people in the room. After that, I got into it and had so much fun. Chaos was kicking it, big time. Thanks to Morgan's extra-loud cheering, we got in a few requests and danced our way through some old favorites, remembering the moves we'd choreographed as teens. It was hilarious and my stomach was sore from all the laughing.

  Quigg's had closed at midnight, and I'd been too pumped to think about going home, so I'd stuck around to help clean up until Nina kicked me out, insisting I catch a taxi before it got too late. Man, she was a cool chick. Cole was lucky to work for such nice people.

  “Cole,” I murmured his name with a dreamy smile. Unlocking the door, I stumbled into my empty room. Morgan and Brad had disappeared a little while before me, eyeing each other hungrily. I knew exactly what they were up to right now. I chuckled, flopping onto the couch with a sigh.

  I wasn't physically drunk, but I felt euphoric. I was high on life and Jody would be so proud. I wanted to call her, but knew she’d be in bed already. Rehearsals were zapping all her energy and she needed her sleep. Pulling out my phone, I checked the couple of selfies I took and chose to send her the one of Morgan and me with the band. They'd been really good about posing for us at the end of the night.

  “Cool kids. I wish I'd known people like that in high school.”

  I rolled my eyes. As if! Even if I had, I would have been too chicken to perform on stage.

  I wished I had more confidence. Why was I always so scared to put myself out there?

  Part of me blamed my parents' deaths. Having them ripped from my life so suddenly really did a number on me. Rather than making me strong, it made me timid, and I hadn't been able to snap out of it. Living with an overly-critical aunt hadn't helped, either. I'd been so heartbroken and terrified that I'd lost myself in the trauma. I still couldn't figure out who I was, and it was so much easier to just hide behind David and my girls. They were home to me. They were safe.

  “David,” I sighed, sleepily. “You missed a good night.” My eyes fluttered closed as images of David swam through my head, quickly pushed aside by sexy blue eyes and dark brown curls. My fingers wove through his hair, my body stretching tall so I could reach his lips. His smile was pure magic as he pulled me close and brushed his lips against mine.

  I snapped awake, jerking up from the couch. Rubbing my eyes, I held my cheeks and pulled in a breath. Not cool. Dreaming about kissing David's best friend was very not cool.

  Glancing at my watch, I decided sleep was something I wouldn't capture again this morning; it was nearly five. I knew the showers would be quiet, so I raced for my stuff. I might as well get on with my day. I didn't know what it held, but I felt upbeat and figured maybe I could do some more exploring on my own. A nervous tickle of excitement ran through me.

  I was humming before I even reached the shower stall. I took my standard one at the end and flicked on the spray, my voice cresting over the tune for “Steppin' Out With My Baby.” I danced into the cubicle, swaying my hips and soaping myself down. I finished the song with a laugh and shifted straight into “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” For once, it didn't make me feel sad. It actually made me remember my parents with a smile, which then led me straight into a song that I thought of as theirs: “Someone To Watch Over Me.” My thoughts swam around them as the words oozed from my body.

  They would have been proud of what I did the night before. I knew they would have. It felt so good. I was proud of me. I actually grew a backbone, went out and had some fun. All by myself.

  “Legend,” I sung and then laughed. I was so not legendary. What I did last night, most people would do without batting an eyelid. David could do anything. He took on the world daily and never hesitated.

  I picked up the rest of the song, wondering what he'd say when he found out what I'd been up to. He'd probably think it was irresponsible to have been out so late. Should I even bother telling him what I got up to? Would he feel bad because he had been stuck at home studying while I went off and lived it up with my friends?

  Rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, I stood under the spray and thought for a minute.

  No. He probably wouldn't be disappointed at all. He wasn't into dancing or music. He might blast his techno beats in the car and tap his finger on the steering wheel, but that was about it. He'd rather die than have to shake his tail-feathers on a dance floor. He hated that kind of stuff. He'd go to the movies with me, but nothing like what Morgan and I had been doing last night.

  I wished I could share that part of myself with him, but I knew he'd think it was dumb. I didn't think I could handle any level of teasing about it. This was precious to me and needed to be protected. Man, I hoped Cole didn't say anything to him. He would. I could tell by the way he smiled at me. He'd loved how much fun Morgan and I were having. My insides warmed as I pictured him behind the bar.

  My song wobbled to an end, guilt cutting it short. I hadn't done anything wrong last night, but my dreams were borderline betrayal. Yes, they were only dreams, but the way my body ignited just before I woke was a testament to my desire. I couldn't think of Cole that way. I was with David...and I loved him. He deserved my loyalty.

  And so of course my thoughts flicked straight to shower man. I rolled my eyes.

  David! Think of David!

  But I couldn't.

  I'd tried to push shower man from my mind, avoiding showering around the same time, just in case he reappeared. I'd really had to resist the urge to find him again. To hear that voice one more time would have been magical.

  My blood sizzled as I imagined him, his deep voice floating over the shower wall. I closed my eyes, feeling guilty for trying to picture another naked man when I heard it.

  The deep voice oozed into my shower stall. At first I thought it was just my imagination. I jerked still, my heading tipping to the side to listen, and there it was again.

  He was singing “I Wan
na Know Your Name” by The Intruders...and he was singing it to me.

  I drew in a breath, my belly coiling tight with desire. Turning off the spray, I leaned my head against the tiles so I could hear him better. His smooth, chocolate voice drifted around me. I could dive into that sound and swim there all day. Heat rushed between my legs, and I had to press my fingers into the wall to keep myself standing. His rich voice faded out as the song came to an end, replaced by a request that made my eyes snap open.

  “I want to meet you. Wait for me outside.”

  “No.” The word fired out of my mouth.

  “What?”

  “I—I can't.”

  David. I rubbed my tummy, trying to expel the fire, stepping out of the shower and reaching for my towel. I had to get out of there.

  “Why not?” I couldn't tell if the muffled voice was sad or annoyed.

  Throwing my shirt on, I struggled to pull it down over my damp skin. “I'm sorry,” I softly called to him. “I have a boyfriend...who I really love. I can't. I can't meet you.”

  Pressing my lips together, I closed my eyes.

  Desire was playing tug-of-war with logic and doing its damnedest to win. Trying to struggle into my leather pants would have been near impossible, so I wrapped the towel around my waist and grabbed my stuff.

  “At least tell me your name,” I heard him call.

  Closing my eyes, I bunched my lips and tiptoed out of the room.

  “Are you still there?”

  Hating myself, but knowing it was the right thing to do, I swung the bathroom door open and raced down the empty hallway.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  COLE

  I called out to her three more times before giving up and slamming off the shower. Slumping down on the wooden bench just outside the stall, I didn't even care that I was naked. Water ran down my limbs like long, slow tears.

  She'd said no.

  Biting the inside of my cheek, I banged my head against the wall behind me.