I don’t. Stop, that is.
Ten seconds never felt so long…or so short, as I wait for him to make good on his promise, as he always does.
But this time he falls a little short. He doesn’t quite make it to ten.
Hot anticipation. It leads to damn good things.
Chapter 29
Alyse
“I think I’m ready to go home,” Livia announces loudly, trying to be heard over the thrum of the music. We have a reserved booth toward the back of this upscale dance club, courtesy of Kamryn, who seems to have connections all over town from what I’ve heard, but it’s still very loud.
“Oh hell no! It’s only ten o’clock,” Addy quips, throwing back another shot of tequila. Kamryn said she nearly single-handedly keeps Patron in business. I’m not sure I disagree at this point. I’ve never seen a woman drink as much as Addy and not be falling-down drunk. “This is your bachelorette party, babe. You’re staying out until the bars close.”
“I’m pregnant, Addy. With twins.”
“Yes. You’re pregnant, not dead. And you’re not even waddling yet.”
“Ugh. I can’t even drink.”
Addy reaches across the table, grabbing Livia’s hand. “But you can dance and spend quality time with your friends and sister, which, by the way, you don’t do anymore because you’re too damn busy getting laid every single night. And I’m not begrudging you for it, because if I had a Gray I’d do the same thing, but damn girl…give your vajay-jay a break. Besides, Gray is out at his bachelor party tonight too, so it’s not like he’s waiting for you to mount him the second you step in the door.”
“Jesus, Addy,” Livia retorts.
I laugh hysterically. Addy is one of the funniest, most fiery people I’ve ever met. I swear she doesn’t give a rip what anyone thinks. I love it. The more time I spend with her, the more I like her. She is witty without alcohol, but with alcohol…watch the hell out. She’s off the rails. It will take a very strong man to tame her and I wish him luck. He’ll need it.
“Please,” Addy whines, sticking out her lower lip so far you could set a drink on it.
“Fine. Midnight. That’s it.”
“I’ll take it!” Addy beams like she’s won the lottery. “So, babe, how are you liking the city so far?” she turns, asking me.
“I love it.” I smile, genuinely meaning it. I absolutely love this vibrant city that’s so different from Detroit. Everyone I love is here. I’m beginning to stress about going back to Detroit after I’m done with the audit, because I can’t fathom being separated from Asher all week, week after week. After yesterday, I know I’m getting close to finding the culprit, so I may be done with the audit by mid-January at this rate. Sadness tries to settle around me, but a question lobbed my way pulls me back.
“Anyone special showing you around?” Kamryn asks.
Without meaning to, I look at Livia before answering and see the glitter in her eyes. She picks up her water, trying to smother the tugging smile. Of course, Addy latches onto that like a dog with a damn bone.
“Oh my God, there is, isn’t there? Who? Who?” She bounces up and down like a five-year-old who’s about to be handed a brand spanking new Barbie doll.
“I’m not sure I should say. I don’t even know where it’s going.” It’s not really a lie. I know exactly where I want this to go. Asher’s made it very clear he’s taking this seriously, even hinting at marriage for heaven’s sake, but he doesn’t know everything about me yet. I’m still doing the protect-the-heart dance, trying to convince myself not to get fully invested before all of my secrets are out in the open. I’ve failed at that task miserably.
“Is it someone at CFC? I mean, you probably don’t know many other people and Livia says you’re working yourself into the ground with that audit.”
Yep, dog with a bone.
“Addy, really, I don’t want to jinx it.”
“Asher runs CFC, right?” Addy looks to Livia for confirmation. She nods, not even trying to hide her smile this time. I throw her a sisterly glare that she’s all too familiar with. “Have you met him yet? He’s smoking hot, like every other Colloway. Daaauumm, I don’t know what their parents did to make such perfect masculine specimens, but I need to get me some of that.”
At the mention of Asher’s name, my poker face must fail me miserably, which doesn’t go unnoticed by the woman to my left who could easily make a living as an FBI or CIA agent.
“Fuck me. It’s Asher isn’t it? Oh. My. God. You have a Colloway brother too?” she screeches.