Why was I yelling?
I glared at the drink that was mostly gone now. “You’re dangerous,” I muttered to it.
Daphne let out a small twinkling laugh. “Did you just talk to your drink?”
“I did.” I pushed it away. “No more of that. I have to go to work.”
“What’s up with you and Caelan?” She asked and interest sparkled in her eyes.
Why did everyone have to keep bringing up Caelan? Didn’t they know there was nothing to tell?
“Nothing,” I answered honestly.
“Oh, please,” she rolled her eyes. “You’re the only person he ever seems to speak to.”
“He yells actually. Yelling doesn’t qualify as speaking,” I reasoned. “And he also yells at Cyrus,” I nudged the guy beside me.
“Hell yeah he does,” Cyrus finally tore his eyes away from the woman’s legs and ass to join the conversation. “He’s always so grumpy for someone that’s constantly got a different girl leaving his apartment every morning.”
“You’re one to talk,” Daphne snorted. “I’ve lost count of how many girls I’ve seen leaving your apartment, and sometimes two at once.” She shivered in disgust, her lips pursed.
My eyes threatened to pop out of my head as I turned to look at Cyrus. “What?” I gasped. What female in their right mind would want to fuck Cyrus? And a threesome?
He smiled innocently. “Variety is the spice of life.”
“You’re disgusting.” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them.
Cyrus chuckled. “I’ve heard that before. It doesn’t offend me, darlin’,” he said in a southern drawl, his eyes twinkling. He was clearly amused by me.
Frankie and Jen chose that moment to return. I was forced to scoot closer against Cyrus once more. Jen’s eyes were red and puffy and I wanted to kick Frankie in the shin for being so dumb with his words. Some girls—most, actually—were sensitive and took everything personally. Guys were too dumb to see that.
???
After getting the stink eye from Jen I decided it was time to part ways and head back home to get ready for work.
I felt Memphis’ eyes on me as I shimmied my way past tables and bodies to get to the exit. I was suddenly glad I’d chosen the dress I wore. I knew it hugged my curves in all the right places.
He’d have to keep dreaming though.
The streetlights were just coming on as I made my way back to the apartment. The air was still warm with the heat of the late summer day. I looked up, watching as the last orange glow of the sunset disappeared behind a building and darkness set in.
“Nice dress.”
I jumped about ten feet in the air at the sound of the voice.
Placing a hand over my racing heart, I turned to face Caelan sulking in shadows beside the building.
“W-what are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sounded breathless with fright.
“I was watching the sunset.” His eyes lingered on my bare legs before they eventually rose to meet mine.
I was surprised he gave me an answer.
With his hands stuffed in his paint stained jeans, he pulled away from the wall. The movement brought him closer to me so that our breaths mingled together. I couldn’t miss the tang of alcohol on his breath. I’m sure he could smell it on mine too, but while I only drank occasionally—rarely at that—I got the impression that Caelan was almost always in a state of drunkenness.
“I find some of my best inspiration while watching the sunset,” he murmured, his eyes flicking down to my lips and I couldn’t help but remember our kiss, “but you, you’re an even better muse.”
My eyes closed as I sucked in a surprised breath.