Cloud Riders(111)

Cassie didn’t have to be told as she had already noticed the girls were still dressed in formal dresses so she changed into a light blue cocktail dress with matching shoes.

The hotel was in the centre of Surfers Paradise. Looking out over the balcony, Cassie could see the beach to the right. The reflection of the full moon over the water and sand was not allowing the couples any privacy tonight. Soft light illuminated over the waves allowing her to pick out silhouette figures still surfing. Along the beach, lovers strolled hand-in-hand while others sat together in the sand.

Below in the mall, she could hear music that attracted her attention and she looked to the festivities below. The many restaurants spilled seating out onto the footpath where people dined and she watched as others wandered around window-shopping. Buskers were singing on each corner and attracting small crowds of onlookers. She could only just hear their music over the pub band below.

Kayden joined her, soaking in the view as she had done. ‘This is the real world, gorgeous. This is what we fight to protect.’

Everywhere they looked, lights gleamed and life and laughter surrounded them. ‘I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s beautiful and alive. I love it.’

‘Me too! All the cities have their own characteristics and charm. But I have to admit this is one of my favourites.’

Cassie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She could almost taste the sea, never mind smell it. That, mixed with the aroma from the kitchens below and the spirits and beer that were flowing, made her excited to go down there and experience every bit of it.

‘We can stay here and enjoy it from our room if you prefer, gorgeous.’ Kayden kissed her neck, running his hand down her spine. She opened her eyes to a cheeky grin.

‘As tempting as that is, below us is the famous

Cavil Avenue

that is beckoning me with its restaurants, night clubs and the waft of food and fun.’ She smiled. ‘Do you mind?’

‘Mind? I want to throw you down on the bed and love you to bits!’ he joked with her. ‘Really though I don’t mind at all. I want to be the one to show you what the nightlife here is all about.’ He slipped his arms around her waist and danced them inside.

‘With you in it, it’ll be perfect.’ She smiled at his good mood as her attentive husband waltzed them out of the door to the elevator.

The streets were lit up and the joy of being on the other side of the country with no responsibilities was putting them all on such a high that they could scarcely wait to begin enjoying it. The nightclubs and pubs were in full swing. The sound of the music and the noise of hotted-up cars filled the air. Some slowed down, checking out the single girls who stood in groups, giggling and enjoying the attention.

They picked out a reasonable-looking nightclub and went in to check it out. This one was clean, had good music, attentive bar staff and was full of loud and obnoxious drunks. They figured they would fit in here just nicely. Pleased with their choice, they parked their butts on some stools by a tall round table.

Jason attracted a following as soon as they arrived. He was the only one without a woman and being tall and well built, coupled with his adorable blue eyes and shoulder-length blond hair, he had the girls swooning all over him. Unfortunately, Jason had no time for most women, only wishing to taste, not buy. He much preferred his call girls, saying it was better than having to put up with tears and tantrums when he tossed them aside in the morning light.

The evening rolled on and so did the drinks. Cassie was having a blast, dancing and enjoying herself with Kayden. Woody and Ella were right there beside them putting any grievances aside as they too let their hair down. Cassie had to admit that Ella and Woody did make a stunning couple. Conor and Ethan’s girlfriends danced on their own during the night as the two boys hung out with Jason. They were true party animals and the girls had been around them long enough to know not to interfere with boy-time. They were both a couple of sweeties although she doubted they would have lasted as long as they had if they hadn’t been so ditsy and non-confrontational.

When the boys were inebriated to the point of holding each other up, Kayden and Cassie walked them back to the hotel. Jason made a call on the way and when they walked into the foyer there was a lovely, classically dressed blond waiting for him. He dropped his arm from around Kayden, gave Cassie a kiss on the head goodnight before he casually headed for the woman and seductively called her name. She turned and he put his arm out to her as he walked her to the elevator. When the elevator stopped on their floor, he gave them the biggest grin as he walked her to his room. Cassie giggled at him and he turned, winked and closed his door.