“Sweet Christ, Shannon!” He’s a yeller. “Let me buy you a drink!!” He walks over to the bar with me, hand in the small of my back. “Johnny!” he bellows down the bar to his brother, “Shannon’s usual please!” Johnny nods his head in agreement and gets to it. I feel breath on my neck and shudder. When I look it’s lush one of the night. We aren’t twenty minutes in, Kavy will kill me if I have an issue already. I take a side step into Cian who is talking to another guy on the other side of him. He notices my closeness and assesses my action quickly. When he sees the lush he wraps his arm around my waist and glares at the creep. The creep takes the hint and backs off to wherever he came from.
“Thanks.” I nudge my shoulder into Cian.
“Don’t mention it.” He nudges back. Johnny hands me my drink and winks at me.
“You’re causin’ quite the commotion in here tonight.” He nods behind me at my revelers.
“I’m always glad to entertain.” I tip my glass at him. We chat about nothing for a few minutes and I head back to my boys. I can hear Kavy laughing, loud. Either Sully has Kel in a headlock or things are going well. I’m hoping for the latter. I get in view of the table and am relieved to find the happier of options. The whole table is snickering at something, a wave of delight washes over me. It’s going to be a very good night.
“What’s so funny gentlemen?” I ask when I reach the table. Kavy stands up and pulls my chair out for me.
“That guy that was breathin’ down your neck,” Kavy nods his head in the bar’s direction, “ran face first into that pole after Cian dismissed him.” He points at a wooden pole a table over from us. “Knocked himself clean the fuck out.” They’re all dying laughing again. I snicker too, I love it when people fall. Home video shows of people falling, running into stuff, or some combination thereof are my secret pleasure in life. I can’t believe I missed one in person!
“So, Kellerman, when are you goin’ back up to Alaska?” Sully asks. Good question. I look over at him and he’s comfortable. He fits here. Inward shimmy of excitement!
“I don’t think I am.” He looks right in my eyes and then back to Sully. “This thing with Butch could take a while from what I’ve heard and I’d like to stay closer to Mia.” Everyone’s listening intently. “I rented out my place in Seattle and told my Captain I wouldn’t be back, so he filled my spot. I have some interviews this week. I think I’ll be around for the foreseeable future.” He glances back at me and smiles.
“What kind of work are ya hopin’ to get into?” Kavy asks. “Not much of a fishery around here.” Really? I spike my heel into his shin. “Ow! What the fuck?!” He glares at me.
“Sorry,” I feign innocence and sip my drink. Kel laughs.
“Nah man, not much fishing here.” He shrugs and smirks at me. “I got my MBA before I ran off up to the Bering Sea. I’m hoping to get into one of the bigger marketing firms here. QD or Mansfield, that’s where I’m interviewing. I worked freelance in Seattle while I was off the boat, so it should be easy to make the transition here.” He drains his pint and pushes back from the table. “Another round on me?” he asks the table. Resounding yeses clamber from the boys.
“I’m good,” I motion to my half full cocktail. “Never take a drink from a guy you don’t know” - Uncle Mick’s words ring in my ear. Even if said guy is a hottie with a body you’d like to…yeah we’re watching the drink count tonight Kelly. He winks at me and moves off to the bar. Signal interrogation.
“What’s the story, Kid?” Sully questions, brows up.
“Yeah,” Cally and Kavy unite. Fucking hell!
“When we showed up at the hospital, he was there with Mia. He looked wrecked and like he could use a night out. It’s called being nice boys, you should give it a try sometime,” I snark.
“He’s a good guy,” Finn pipes in. “Kid passed out and we talked for a while, he was cool…and I may have had him checked out.”
My eyebrows are now lifting off. “You did WHAT?!” I hiss under my breath, so as not to be heard.
“Come on, Kid,” Finn pleads. “He was in Mia’s fucking room and we don’t know shit about him. I have a job to do too sometimes. Cut me some slack.” He’s right…not that I’m telling him that. I roll my eyes and remain mature.
“Quiz sheets due in five minutes,” the quizmaster announces from the stage. Cally jumps up and takes ours over. I think we did well. There are a lot of teams here tonight so I just hope we make it to the second round. Kel comes back at the same time as Cally. I spy the waitress, Carrie, trailing Kellerman with a tray of pints and shots. I can’t stand this girl.
She leans over at the waist (classy) and sets her tray half on the table half still in her hand and begins to unload. Free show doesn’t begin to describe my view. I think I could tell you the color of her underwear I can see so far down her shirt. She’s eye fucking Kellerman, hard. He’s still standing talking to Cally about basketball and doesn’t even notice he’s being assaulted. Sully and Kavy are enjoying the show. I drain my drink and hop up from my chair. The pub is packed now and moving through the crowd is going to be trickier than earlier in the night. I’ll be all right. I turn on my heel and start sliding through bodies, excusing myself as I go. I could have ordered a drink from Big Boobs McGee back there, but that would have entailed me speaking to her, which I try to avoid at all costs. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard and she has the vocabulary of a three-year-old, no offense to toddlers. I make it to the bar in one piece, point Kid. Two more bar tenders have started working, I can’t remember their names. I wave at one of them and I get the “hang on” head nod. Ugh. Waiting.
I feel a hand snake around my waist and a light kiss pressed into my neck. I sure as fuck hope this is one of mine otherwise a brawl is happening, tout de suite. I snap my head to the side. Motherfucker! Troy Granger. I dated him eighteen months ago for maybe three weeks. He wanted a trophy and I am not a prize to be won…it didn’t work out.
“Troy,” I smile condescendingly, “hands off.” I grab his fingers and move them off my hip. He pats my ass in his retreat. Really?
“How ya been, Shannon?” He’s not asking me a real question…he’s using his time to eye fuck me carefully.
“I’ve been great Troy. Thanks for asking.” Fake as fake can be voice and smile.
“What can I getcha sweetheart?” Unnamed bartender to the rescue.
“The lady’ll have a tall Long Island Iced Tea and Macallan, 18, neat for me.” I open my clutch to pay. I definitely don’t need Troy buying my drink. I feel a hand slipping around my waist from the other side and silently pray that my high school crush isn’t here to make my night even better.
“I got it,” Kel slides a hundred across the bar and pulls me tight into him at the same time. He smells divine: beer, man, and just enough musky cologne (not scary body spray). I smile up at him, my savior.
“Thanks.” Troy is annoyed. “I didn’t catch your name.” Kel grabs his change and leaves a twenty for the unnamed bartender who’s a little piece of eye candy himself, yum. Kel turns me around so now he’s the one closest to Troy as we move away from the bar.
“No you didn’t,” Kel says emphatically to Troy, and moves me through the crowd back to the table. He pulls out my chair and releases his grip on my hip so I can sit down. My boys are pissed. Troy was a dick when I ended things, he was ushered away unceremoniously by them eighteen months ago. It was brave of him, not only to show up here, but to approach me.
“I’m fine,” I implore. “Whoa it down boys. I had it under control. Thanks for comin’ in for the assist though Kel.” I tip my glass at him. He returns the gesture.
“No more solo adventures, Kid,” Sully leans into my ear. “I think it’s a full moon or somethin’. Shit’s weird tonight.” He’s so right, so I don’t fight him. I nod and grin.
We’re in the top half for the quiz so we make it to the second round. I’m done drinking while at the pub, pacing is the name of my game. I can drink any of my boys, and
most men under the table. A handy skill to have during college when the boys wanted to hustle someone. I’m older and wiser now, slow and steady wins the race and maintains the buzz, without the hangover and crazy drama.
The evening moves on without further incident. We get second place in the quiz, a bottle of whiskey as our prize. Once we collect, Kavy calls Rodger and we make our way to the door.
“Where’s your coat?” Kel yells over the now deafening music in my ear.
“No coat,” I yell back. “Where’s your car?” He shakes his head.
“I didn’t drive. Took a cab since I figured I’d be drinking.” Hot and responsible. Be still my beating heart.
“You comin’ to Bar with us?”
“What bar?” He looks at me like I’m nuts.
“No…Bar.” I make a straight line with my hand and forearm. “It’s a new club in Power and Light. Sully got us bottle service.” I shrug not wanting to seem desperate. I’m not desperate, just…intrigued.
“Yeah I’ll grab a cab and meet you there,” he smiles at me.
“Just ride with us, we have a driver for the night.” Kavy whistles to get my attention and waves me toward the door. Car’s here. I grab Kel’s rough hand and pull him behind me. The guys are all piling in the back of the SUV. Rodger sees me and eyeballs Kel for a brief moment before opening the passenger door for me. He takes my hand and again shields my body from any prying eyes.
“Thank you Rodger.” I nod in Kel’s direction. “That’s my friend Dylan Kellerman. He’ll be riding with us.” Kellerman smiles his eye crinkle smile at me and ducks into the seat behind me. Rodger shuts us in and off we go to Bar.
“The seat warmers are on, Shannon,” Rodger informs me. “Would you like more heat?”
“No thank you Rodger. I’m good.” I beam at him. He’s getting hired on Monday.
“Where’s your coat, Kid?” Cally is sitting in the captain’s chair behind Rodger.
“Didn’t bring one, Cally.”
“Why not? It’s cold and you’re barely wearing clothes.”
“Because Kavy woulda made me wear it all night like a robe.”
“Damn straight. Maybe we should head home so you can change,” Kavy bellows from the third row.
“Nope. We’ve got reservations in ten minutes,” Sully interjects. I knew this already. Perfect timing!
“Do you want my jacket, Kid?” Finn offers. “Until we get inside?”
“No thanks, Finn,” I roll my eyes. Anything to cover me up. “I’ll be fine. Rodger will drop us off curbside and we’ll line jump so I’ll only be outside for thirty seconds. I think I can manage.” I look back at him. He’s smirking and shaking his head. I knew his game.
We pull up at Bar and the line is down the block to get in. I’m beyond glad we don’t have to wait in that. Rodger hops out and opens the back door for the guys and stands in front of my door. The guys make their way to the doorman while I’m still sitting in the SUV, guarded by Rodger. Sully and the doorman do some manly handshake thing and he lifts the velvet rope. Rodger sees this and opens my door, again, blocking the view for mishaps. I start to walk around him to get inside because it’s fucking cold.
“Be safe, Shannon,” Rodger implores, looking me directly in the eyes and gripping my hands tightly. I nod and squeeze back. I love you Uncle Mick (my brain says it before I’m aware). Kel notices me standing with Rodger and makes his way back as Rodger releases me. He holds his hand out to me and I take it, they’re so rough and warm, yet soft somehow. He interlaces his fingers with mine and leads me into the club.
Bar was an old warehouse or factory before it was a club. Inside, it’s massive and open. There are two levels. The second level has a complete wraparound balcony looking down on the main dance floor. There is also a rooftop bar outside. There has to be well over five hundred people in here. The music is making my whole body pulse, and all I can see in front of us is a sea of moving bodies. It’s entrancing. Kel still has a hold of my hand and starts pulling me forward. I take in the lights, the smell of sweat, booze, and clean air from the giant vents; this is a good club. We make a hard left and head up an open staircase. Sully is at the front of our group and meets the guy guarding the velvet rope at the top of the stairs. In we go.
It’s quieter up here. There’s glass enclosing half of the balcony that muffles the sound so you can carry on a fairly normal conversation. There are light grey and cream fabric couches and chairs everywhere with black lacquered tables marked with numbers strategically placed where needed. We’re led to our table by a hostess wearing a black pencil skirt and black short sleeved fitted top. She looks professional, not slutty. I like that. Our area is the best seat in the place. Right up against the glass, with a view of the whole club. Before our asses hit the seats our waitress is upon us. Waitress uniforms are a little tight in the top and a little short in the shorts but it’s to be expected. They do live on tips.
Shots are first, Chambord Kamikazes, my favorite. Sully knows me well. I give him an appreciative smile and shimmy. I’m ready to get my dance on, and he’s my partner. I lay my clutch in Kavy’s lap and give his shoulder a knowing squeeze. He nods in response. He’d get to me before I’d need that gun and I know it. Sully grabs my hand, leading me to the stairs and massive dance floor. I hear Kel ask where we’re going. Cally tells him to just watch and see. Sully and I have been known to put on a show a time or two.
We make our way to the dance floor and Sully pushes us through to the middle and makes a little space. He spins me in one spot three times and rips me back into his chest, one arm around my waist, tight, and the other gripping my hand to his chest. We start to sway and move together. I’ll never get enough of dancing with him. The song changes to Pitbull’s “Get it Started” and boy does he. I’m flying around the floor, spinning and moving, I can feel the glow radiating off me. We keep going for a few songs before Sully calls time, giving me the universal “I need a drink” sign. Some guy stops us as we’re walking off the dance floor. Sully’s holding my hand and pulls me to a stop while he converses with whoever that guy is. A few moments later we’re on the move. Once back up to our area I find all my boys and even more girls. The gold diggers are out in force.
I stop Sully and yell over the music that seems much louder up here than it was earlier, “What did that guy want?”
Sully snickers in my ear, “He told me that I had the best woman in this club, hands down and to watch out for you all night because you had gained quite a bit of attention from other dudes.” I pull back from his ear so I can look him in the eye. He’s serious. I look around the VIP area and notice a few stares, moving over to the glass to look down, more stares and glances. It must be a full moon. He smiles at me an “I told you so” smile and joins the boys and their coochy squad.
I head to the VIP bar, clutch in hand, time for shots and another drink. I know I was instructed not to leave the boys but I’m thirty feet away, it shouldn’t be an issue. I order myself two shots, a tall drink, and a bottle of water. While I wait, I turn back around to check on my boys. Finn has a leggy brunette whispering in his ear, Kavy has two chicks, blondes (sisters?) in his lap, Cally has his tongue in a petite sandy blonde’s mouth (his back will hurt tomorrow), Sully has his arm around a redhead’s shoulder (hand brushing…maybe cupping her tit), and Kellerman has his arm stretched along the back of the couch he’s sitting on with a raven haired stunner cuddled up at his side. Everyone has laid claim but me. I start scanning the room when the bartender sets down my drinks.
“Allow me,” a smooth deep voice says from behind me. I turn to see a mountain of a man smiling and leaning around me, telling the bartender it’s on him. I beam my panty dropping smile at him, he’s yummy. He’ll do.
“Thank you.” I stick my hand out and he quickly grasps it gently.
“Jason Thompson.” He brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles.
“Shannon Kelly,” I smile coyly and retrieve my hand.
“It�
�s a pleasure, Miss Kelly. May I escort you back to your table?” I nod. He lightly grips my elbow and guides me back to the semi orgy that’s now raging at my table.
“Jason, man it’s good to see you.” Sully walks over to us, sans clinger.
“I see you’ve met, Shannon.” Sully smiles a shit eating grin at me. What the fuck? I eye him back.
“Just barely, but enough to be captivated.” He grins at Sully. I’m right here people.
“This is Jason’s place, Kid,” Sully finally addresses me.
“It’s a great place,” I yell over the louder music to Jason, who is now eyeing me up and down like he’s sizing me for my coffin.
“Wanna dance?” Kel catches me off guard when he yells over the music in my ear. His lady friend is gone. Huh? I throw back my shot and down my drink. Super ladylike I know. I toss my bottle of water and clutch to Sully and turn to Jason.
“Thanks for the drinks. It was really nice to meet you. Hope to see you around.” I pat his chest two times and turn toward Kel. Jason is forgotten as soon as I look back to Kel. Fuck he’s hot! He’s got a strange look in his eye but he turns too quickly for me to get a full view of what it is.
“Yeah you too,” I hear Jason stutter as Kel interlaces our fingers and leads me down to the dance floor. I hope that guy from earlier isn’t out here still. He’ll think I’m a merry-go-round and everyone gets a turn. Kel gets us to the middle of the floor and pulls me into his chest and then turns me around so my back is to his front. He slides his hands onto my hips and starts to move me how he wants and I follow willingly. He’s moving slow and deliberately letting me feel every flex of his hips. I reach my hands up and wrap them around his neck leaning my head back onto his shoulder. Lead away big boy. His hot breath is on my neck and is picking up pace. My two shots and chugged drink have solidly hit me and I’m relaxed.
Blackness Takes Over & Blackness Awaits Page 9
