It’s going to be harder than ever to keep my emotions in check and my hands off the guy I’m falling for like a lead ball.
I finally discover Adam leaning against one of the leather chairs, wearing something casual that’s similar to the night we met. Arms crossed, he watches the people come and go, a curious expression lighting his eyes. Why would someone like him choose to stay single for so long? He obviously enjoys having a good time, although he has a habit of shutting down the minute any conversations turn serious. I’m swaying on my cork wedges, gaping at him, when his head turns around.
“Jewels.” He says my name in a mere whisper, his eyes spreading wide. It’s way better than the annoyed look he gave me at the sight of my low-dipping bikini top, because I can see the heat of desire burning in his eyes. The way he adjusts his lips it’s obvious that he wants me, regardless of whatever he keeps telling me. “You look...” He blinks in languid movements.
“Hey,” I cut in, letting him off the hook. I finger the white wristlet containing my ID, phone and cash, trying to ground my thoughts. To forget the way he’s leering at me.
“Ready?”
His throat bobs as he swallows hard before nodding. “The woman at the desk said there’s a great seafood place nearby. Want to check it out?”
“What about you? I thought you weren’t a big fan of stuff that crawls on the ocean floor.”
“If it’s something that’s been in the freezer for a few months, not so much. A high end restaurant with professional chefs, definitely.” He tips his head to the doors. “You okay to walk a few blocks in those heels?”
I nod, stepping close and looping my arm through his. Because that’s something I would’ve done before things became complicated. If nothing else, maybe I can curb my sexual appetite by allowing myself to touch him in some way.
We break out onto the sidewalk, finding the early night air pleasantly warm. Traffic looks to be a nightmare this time of day with everyone getting off work. Although the sidewalks in downtown Chicago aren’t quite as busy as the streets of New York, our causal stroll is passed up every few seconds by someone appearing to be on a mission.
Adam’s hands return to his pockets. “Are you going to at least give me some kind of hint of who we’re seeing tonight?”
I giggle. “And spoil all the fun? I’d rather see you squirm. Just know it’s going to knock your socks off.”
“Then I’m buying your dinner. You did most of the planning for this trip. It’s the least I could do. Unless, of course, you want to give in and tell me.”
“Not a chance.”
Adam’s face lights up when the members of Coldplay take the stage among the glowing props, blowing us away with their first song. So he does know good music when he hears it . We both gasp when the wrist bands they handed out at the entrance begin to glow in the dark. The LED lights in various colors blink to the beat along with the thousands of other fans in the audience, making for the most beautiful visual I’ve ever seen in my life. Everyone around us grows wild with applause, so we join in.
There’s always been something magical about seeing my favorite bands in person that leaves me breathless, and even a little teary-eyed. Watching Chris Martin hop around the stage with infinite energy, I’m rendered speechless. The audio and visual displays are completely off the charts, trumping any concert I’ve attended in the past.
I’m as still as a statue, watching the band with tears filling my eyes when Adam brushes my hair away from my face, smiling so widely it’s as if his cheeks will split in two. Our eyes lock, and I feel something inside of me click.
My feelings for Adam have gone so far beyond friendship, it’s terrifying.
“Holy shit, that was amazing!” Adam gushes as we wait in line for a taxi. He stands by my side, the most animated he’s been since we met. “And I’ve never seen anyone play the piano or dance around with so much emotion. The confetti, the beach balls...god, it was brilliant! You really know how to pick ‘em, Jewels.”
“I knew it’d be good.” I break into a wide grin. “I’ve always liked them, but that was probably my favorite concert. Like ever.” I look down and cough a little, fighting the overwhelming need to kiss him, to feel the result of the energy coursing through him.
“What now? Are you ready to head back?”
“No. Not at all. I feel... alive.”
I giggle. He’s so giddy it’s adorable. “Me too. I know of a fun place we can stop.”
A taxi pulls up and we slide in. Adam’s delighted smile drops as he watches me instructing the driver where to take us. For a minute I think he’s going to lean in for a kiss. Then he turns away to look out his window.