She smiled. “You’re absolutely right. I feel the same way. It might have taken us longer to realize that than most people, but at least we’re doing it now. You know, Holly, I’m glad we’re together now. We were always stronger as a team.”
“Come on, let’s go and have a party!”
She grinned. “Hell yeah.”
My father told us that we looked amazing, although I was sure I saw a slight look of panic when he saw me wearing the dress. Thankfully it wasn’t too short, and I could imagine him mentally telling himself that it was just the way youngsters dressed nowadays. He liked Andrea though, so at least that put him at ease. He gave me a kiss and told me to have a good night.
“Your father must be so happy to have you home,” Andrea said as we made our way to the club.
“He sure is. I’m happy to see him too. It’s good for the soul to be home. So, is this a club or a pub that we’re going to?”
“A bit of both really. It’s a nice little place, great vibe.”
We made our way inside, and I could tell immediately that it was the sort of place I would enjoy. It wasn’t a huge club, nor was it a dingy pub. She was right; it was somewhere in between. We walked over to the bar to order a drink, and the barman flirted with us. As we walked away, Andrea linked arms with me, and we giggled like school girls.
“That was a nice start to the evening. Nothing like getting hit on by a hot barman to start the night off right. Maybe we’ll even get free drinks from it.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, that was a good feeling,” I admitted. “And he was very cute.”
“Oh, the first band is already playing. Let’s go take a look.”
I gasped when I saw Silas on stage. I pointed him out to Andrea.
“No way! He looks great too. Wow, I haven’t seen him in ages.”
I waved at him when he looked my way. For a brief second, I saw a look of confusion cross his face, and then he beamed when he recognized me. When the song was finished, the band took a break and Silas jumped off stage and enveloped me in a huge hug.
“Holly! It’s so good to see you.”
I chuckled. “You and Xavier both call me that. It brings me back to my youth.”
He smiled. “Well, you don’t look anything like the Holly I remember. You look incredible. Not that you didn’t look good before,” he stuttered, and I laughed.
“It’s okay. I was a dork. I still am really, it’s just a bit more hidden now.”
“Very hidden,” he said, and I found myself blushing.
“You were incredible up there. I had no idea you were even playing tonight. Such a good surprise.”
“It was even more of a surprise to see you. I didn’t recognize you at first. I heard that you were back in town. Oh, and Xavier is coming too. It’s going to be quite the reunion tonight.”
My heart skipped a beat. Xavier was coming? So much for going out to get my mind off him. Having him around was exactly what I was trying to avoid. I smiled and acted nonchalant about it all. I didn’t want Silas to know I was nervous. And anyway, Xavier and I were just friends. He was my big brother, as was Silas. There was nothing to be nervous about. We would have a drink together and have a good night, and I would stop thinking of him in that way.
“Oh, look, there he is,” Silas said.
I turned my head and saw Xavier. My heart immediately started thumping out of control at the sight of him. Why was he so damn good looking? I took a sip of my drink and forced myself to act natural.
Chapter Fifteen
Xavier
The club was nice. Better than I had expected it to be. There was a nice vibe and I had to admit that it felt good to get out again. Part of me felt desperate to let loose again. I wanted to experience another full night of drinking and dancing and having fun, but I had to keep reminding myself not to. I had already messed up big time before, and I couldn’t let myself get into that downward spiral. It wasn’t going to be easy, though. It was always so much harder to be in an environment like this and not get swept up in having fun. I had to learn how to have fun without alcohol being involved. I couldn’t allow myself to lose Norman just because I couldn’t control my drinking. I made my way over to the bar to order myself a beer. It would be my one beer for the night, and I was going to have to drink it slowly.
It took me longer to get to the bar than expected. I kept bumping into people that I knew. A lot of them were already drunk, and the moment someone mentioned that I was a firefighter, I was getting high fives from everyone. Everyone wanted to know what it was like, and if it really was as glamorous as the movies made it out to be.
“Glamorous?” I said in surprise. “Where do you get that impression from? Trust me; there is nothing glamorous about going out and fighting a fire. It’s heavy work. And a lot of the time it’s pretty devastating. It doesn’t always end well, unfortunately.”
“That’s so sad,” one of the girls said. I forgot her name but recognized her from the area. We’d probably gone to school together, although she looked like she might’ve been a few years younger than me. She touched my arm. “So, any chance you’re going to be in one of those calendars?” she asked, and the girl next to her giggled.
“Calendars? What do you mean?”
“You know. With your shirt off? The firemen are always doing those calendars. It’s for charity I think, but it’s also great for eye candy. Sometimes the guys are completely naked, just a little something covering them where it counts.”
I shook my head and laughed. “I definitely won’t be doing one of those.”
“That’s such a disappointment. You really should. Trust me; I’d buy it.”
I thanked her and laughed uncomfortably. No wonder Kenny was always sleeping with girls he met at clubs. I hadn’t expected it to be so easy to find someone to flirt with. But the more I talked to these girls, the more I realized they were not what I wanted. They seemed to have no interest in me at all. They were just excited by the fact that they were talking to a fireman. No matter how many times I tried to explain that there was nothing glamorous about the job, they didn’t seem to believe me. I was desperate to get away and to get a beer. I would have to be careful, though. The thought of just downing a few beers seemed more and more tempting to me. I was sure that a few beers would make the girls seem a lot more appealing to me. They would be easy to take home, I was sure of it. But right now I wasn’t finding the thought an attractive one. I finally excused myself and made my way to the bar. I was grateful to see that they weren’t following me. When I turned back around, they had already turned their attentions to someone else.
In the short span of time that I had been at the club, I had already lost Kenny. I made my way to the bar and ordered a beer, looking around for him. He was nowhere to be seen. I got my beer, took a grateful sip, and then laughed when I saw him on the dance floor. He looked like he’d already had a bit to drink, and he was having the time of his life practically dry humping some poor girl on the dance floor. I couldn’t figure out if she was happy with it or not, but she didn’t seem to be moving away so she must’ve been enjoying it. I shook my head at the sight of him.
I saw Silas in the distance and walked over to him, but I almost stopped in my tracks when I recognized the girl that was standing beside him. It was Holly. I gulped. Holly was wearing a small black dress. It was the first time I had seen her in anything as sexy as that. I immediately thought back to the thoughts I’d had of her in bed and realized that I hadn’t been imagining her figure. She was gorgeous. I smiled at her.
“Look at you! You look amazing, Holly. I see you found my brother.”
She beamed at me. “I sure did. He was incredible up there. Talented family.”
“Well, just me, really. I mean, there is no talent in fighting fires and Xavier can’t sing or play an instrument to save his life.”
I groaned. “It’s true. I can’t. But fighting a fire is definitely more interesting. Just ask that group of girls over there. They were just
asking me if I was going to pose in calendars.”
Silas snorted. “Calendars? Don’t tell me you’re doing those!”
I laughed. “I’m not.”
“Good. It’s fine telling people that my brother is a fireman, but to tell him that he’s a nude model would not sit well with me. Anyway, I better get up there again. We’re about to finish the second half of the gig. It was so good to see you again, Holly.”
“It was good to see you too,” she beamed. “Break a leg, or whatever it is they say.”
I chuckled and smiled at her. “Wow, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Yeah, I’m not much of a club goer, to be honest. I came with Andrea, and I figured it would be good to get out a bit. This place is a lot better than I expected it to be too. I haven’t been out in ages. I was expecting to be the oldest person here, but I’m glad to see that I’m not,” she said and grinned at me.
“Oh yeah? Are you calling me old?”
“You’ll always be older than me.”
“That’s true. So, where’s Andrea?”
She shrugged. “I have no idea. She was with me and then she suddenly disappeared. What about you? Did you come with anyone?”
“Yeah, I came with Kenny. But he’s grinding up against some poor girl on the dance floor. Although, I’m starting to think the girl is really enjoying it.”
We turned to look at Kenny on the dance floor, and Holly gasped.
“That’s Andrea. He’s grinding up against Andrea.”
“No way! That’s hilarious. Does she like him?”
Holly shrugged. “I have no idea. She always goes for the wrong guys, though. Tell me that Kenny is at least one of the good ones. I know the guy, but I don’t know him very well.”
“He’s a great guy. Uh, but he is a bit of a player. I mean, he’s not looking for anything serious. But he’s honest about it, and he won’t lead a girl on. Looks like they’re having fun.”
She laughed. “Tell me about it. They’ve both clearly forgotten about us too. Oh hey, there’s your brother. He’s really good.”
I smiled. “He is. Let’s go cheer him on.”
We stood in the front cheering for Silas. Every now and again he looked down and smiled at us, and I knew he was grateful for the chance to finally show off a bit. And why not? He certainly deserved the praise. He was excellent. After a few songs, we decided to head off to the bar. I had put my beer down on the counter somewhere and when I looked again, it was gone. I ordered myself a drink and then turned to Holly.
“Let me get you something. What would you like?”
“Oh, you don’t have to,” she said. “I don’t mind getting my own drink.”
“I know you don’t mind. But I’d like to get you one.”
She smiled. “Well, okay then. I’ll take a vodka and coke please.”
We walked over to the far corner of the bar and found a seat slightly away from the crowd.
“You really look great tonight, Holly,” I said.
She smiled. “I didn’t know what to wear. I’m not used to going out. Andrea came around and helped me, though. I would never have worn this if it wasn’t for her.”
“She made a great choice. It’s so strange to see you all grown up like this.”
She blushed. “Oh, stop it. I’m the same Holly. I don’t know why people keep telling me that I’ve changed.”
“You have. I mean you’re still the same sweetheart, but you’re just a lot more grown up. That’s all.” I gulped. I really needed to stop looking at her that way. “Let me get you a few shots.”
“Shots? Oh no. I better not. I’m not much of a drinker.”
“Oh, come on, you deserve to relax a little. And we should celebrate you being home. It’s been way too long since we’ve been able to sit and talk like this.”
She smiled. “Oh, why the hell not? Okay, let’s do it.”
I called over the barman and asked him to bring some shots. He poured four for us, and I grinned when I turned to look at Holly. I handed her one and laughed when I saw her throw it back and grimace.
“Oh wow. That’s strong. Aren’t you going to have one?”
I shook my head. “No can do. I’m driving tonight.”
“What? I can’t have all four of these myself.”
“Why not? Chicken?”
“Are you honestly daring me to finish the rest of the shots?”
“I am. Unless you’re too scared?”
“Scared? No way!” she said and downed the next three in quick succession. She looked drunk almost instantly, and I couldn’t help but laugh at her.
“That was amazing,” I said.
“I can’t believe I did that. Although, the last one was the best out of them all. They obviously get better the more you drink. I actually almost enjoyed that last one.” She giggled.
“You want another one?” Was I really trying to get her drunk? I couldn’t help myself. I wished I was getting drunk with her.
“No! You’re bad news, Xavier, you know that?” she said.
I laughed. “Want to dance?”
“Dance? Don’t you remember how hopeless I used to be at dancing?”
“I remember.”
“Hey, you’re supposed to tell me that I wasn’t that bad.”
“You were awful. But don’t worry, so was I. Come on, we can be awful together.”
“These shots must be working because I suddenly feel like it’s a great idea.”
I got off the chair and helped her to her feet. She was a little unsteady, and I couldn’t help but think how nice it felt to hold her hand. We walked to the dance floor, and the moment she started dancing, I wanted to laugh. She was just as bad as she had always been. It was good to see that some things hadn’t changed. She looked at me and smiled, and I felt body shiver. Get a grip, I told myself. But it wasn’t going to be easy. She was dancing with her eyes closed now, swaying to the music. Her head was down, and her hair was moving around her shoulders in soft waves. I looked up and down her body and found myself unable to look away. Why did she have to wear that dress?
Chapter Sixteen
Holly
I bumped into Andrea in the bathroom, and the two of us were so tipsy that we dissolved into giggles for absolutely no reason.
“Stop making me laugh. I have to pee. Wait for me,” I said as I ran into the bathroom. When I got out, I thought that she had left, but she called out to say she’d be out in a second.
“Wow. I have been holding that in for ages,” she said. “So, looks like you’re having a nice time with Xavier. Dang, I forgot how good looking he was.”
“Tell me about it. But it’s not like that. I don’t see him in that way.”
“Why not? He’s beautiful.”
I chuckled. “He is. But he’s like a brother to me.”
“From the way he’s been looking at you all night I’m not sure if he feels the same way.”
I blushed. “What do you mean?”
“He looks at you like he wants to eat you.”
“Andrea! No, he doesn’t.”
“He does. I swear. Anyway, are you having a good time? I’m sorry I haven’t spent much time with you.”
“I’m having a great time. I haven’t danced like that in ages. I forgot how good it feels to just let go. I wish I did this more often. Thanks for asking me out. And I don’t mind at all. You look like you’re having a great time too. I didn’t know you were into Kenny.”
“I’m not. But . . . oh, he’s just so much fun. I’m not used to being around guys like him. I always go for the serious types. But he’s just a ball of fun. And what you see is what you get. I like that. It's refreshing!”
“Yeah, that’s what Xavier said about him. He said he’s a bit of a player, but he doesn’t mess girls around. You’ll know what you’re getting with him.”
“It’s a welcome change, and I’m just here to have a good time. Listen, uh, do you think Xavier will mind taking you home?”
My eyes widened. “Andrea Damon! Are you telling me that you’re ditching me to go home with Kenny?”
“Only if you don’t mind. Otherwise, I don’t mind staying. Or else we can just drop you off on the way. Oh no. I sound bad, don’t I? Maybe I shouldn’t.”
I laughed. “I’m just kidding. I don’t mind at all. I’m sure Xavier won’t mind either. I’m on his way home. And you have every right to have a bit of fun. You deserve it after everything you have been through.”
She gave me a big hug. “Thanks, my friend. Next time we’ll go out just the two of us and talk boys all night. But right now I’m going to lap that Kenny boy up for what he’s worth. Enjoy Xavier. Trust me; he thinks you’re hot.”
I blushed and waved her away. I threw some water over my face and gulped down a glass of water. I was feeling very tipsy, but it was a pleasant sensation. Did Xavier really think I was hot? No, surely not. He didn’t think of me that way. I had always found him attractive, but he’d always considered me like a little sister that he needed to protect. Was that why he had spent so much time with me tonight? Because he wanted to protect me? Because he felt sorry for me?
I walked unsteadily back to the bar and saw him sitting there. He smiled when he saw me.
“Hey, you,” he said. His voice was low and husky, and I felt it run through me.
I shivered. “Hey, you. Listen, I was thinking, if you want to go out and mingle, you must. Don’t feel like you have to sit and talk to me all night. I just realized that I’m probably stopping you from going out there and meeting girls. I have seen many girls look your way.”
He laughed and seemed genuinely surprised. “What? Why would I want to do that? I happen to be having a very good night with you.”
I chuckled. “Well, so am I, actually. Oh, uh, I hope you don’t mind, but I sort of need a ride back home.”
“A ride? What happened to Andrea? Actually, what happened to Kenny?” he said and looked around.
“She left with him.”
He rolled his eyes. “Seriously? Wow, that guy gets girls easily. And he’s been bugging me to go out with him for months, and now that I do, he spends his whole evening chasing after your friend. He didn’t even tell me.”
Dirty Stepbrother - A Firefighter Romance (The Maxwell Family) Page 9
