Withstanding the Enemy

Seven Chance

Chance…

I roll my shoulders in an attempt to ease the tension as I walk into the club—which is my last choice of somewhere to go since I don’t like large crowds, but I need a distraction. I need to block the image of Emma curled up on the floor. And after ignoring James the first-three times he called, I finally gave in.

Fuck, let it go before you do something stupid—like take Rick out.

I immediately spot James with three women surrounding him at the bar. I instantly recognize one of the girls from the coffee shop. Damn, I wish I could remember her name now. I should remember it with the dozen times she wrote it and her number on my coffee cup.

As I make my way over to the group, I began assessing my surroundings—a habit that carried over from all of my training in the military. James is wearing dark denim pants and a steel grey button up shirt—much like how I am dressed for the night. The woman to the right of James has short black hair set just above her shoulders with a dark purple dress hugging her slender body. The next woman to her right and directly in front of James is tall and built like a super model with a black skin-tight, see-through dress with a neon pink bra and panty set. Her long, curly brown hair reaches all the way to the middle of her back. She is obviously digging on James and by the look of it, she is every bit his type with the way he is leaning into her.

The last woman is the one I recognize from the coffee shop. She is shorter than the others and her curves are barely covered by a tight midnight dress. Out of the three women she is more my type, other than her hair color. She has the long hair that I like to wrap around my wrist, but the color is an odd shade of pink.

Her steely blue eyes glance over to me as I stroll up. I give her a smile before James breaks out of the circle and stretches to throw his arm over my shoulders. He slaps my chest and gives the ladies his full attention. “See, what did I say? I knew I could get him out tonight. Am I the man or what?”

“Yeah, okay whatever makes you feel better about yourself,” I laugh and shrug him off.

I look for a bartender and wave him down. “What will it be? I got this round.”

His lip curls. “Hell yeah, man! I will take a Bud Light. And these beautiful ladies have been drinking vodka-cranberries.” He winks at the ladies. “By the way, this is Jenny, Stephanie, and I think you know Bridget. She works at the coffee shop.”

“Hello, ladies. I hope you are enjoying your night hanging around this guy…” I say pointing in James’ direction.

Jenny, the one digging on James says, “Oh, he is a charmer.” She gives him a flirty giggle.

James walks around the group and slides his arm over her shoulders tucking her into his side. Just than the bartender asks for our order and breaks the awkwardness.

I quickly rattle off our order and watch as the bartender starts to prepare our drinks. I feel Bridget come to stand closer to me. I steal a look over to James who nods his head eagerly.

I did tell myself I needed a distraction tonight…

“So, Bridget, you come to the club much?” I meet her eyes.

She leans closer and I feel her breast against my chest as she slides her hand up my chest. She flutters her fake eyelashes as she makes her intentions evident.

“I came to see you.”

Her directness is not a turn on for me, but I take the bait anyway and turn on full male pursuer. I need a distraction, I remind myself. I cover her tiny hand with mine and give her my award-winning smile. “Well, it's a good thing I'm here.”

She practically buckles at the knees. And the thrill of the chase dissipates with the knowledge that this wasn't even going to be a challenge.

Bridget and I quickly find ourselves in a private little cream-colored booth on the upper balcony.

I watch as the different colored lights dance, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. Bridget pushes into my arm as she closes any gap between us. “Would you like to dance?” she runs her hand up my leg.

I look down as she glides her fingers in circular motions. I clear my throat. “No, I'm not much of a dancer.”

I feel as if I have a pit in my stomach that grows with every circular motion of her fingers. I close my eyes to stop the spinning in my head. Emma’s warm smile floods into my mind’s eye.

“Maybe, if you want, we could leave…” Bridget brings me back to the loud club as her fingers glide dangerously higher.

My manhood having its own mind—hardens. Damn. It’s been longer than I care to admit since I’ve had a woman in my bed. But it isn’t the woman next to me that I picture underneath me. No, that isn’t the odd shade of pink hair I see laying across my pillow… Only Emma’s golden blonde…

I shake my head. “How about I get you another drink?”

I look up but my eyes don’t focus on Bridget. They lock with the one person I did want my lips on—Emma.

Our eyes remain locked for what feels like an eternity.

Bridget nudges me, breaking the connection. “Chance!”

I pull away from her. “I'm sorry, I can't do this.”

I don't give her time to respond and I get up to leave.

Nearing the exit, I hear the music come to a stop.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a big announcement for you tonight,” the DJ rings out, stopping me in my tracks.

My gut hits the floor. I know—for whatever reason—I am not going to like this. Frozen in place, I silently hope.

“I want to give a shout out to my man Rick and congratulate him on his engagement to Emma Andrews. I want to see those drinks up, cheering the happy couple!” he echoes.

FUCK! I ball my hands in fists.

Time to purchase a punching bag and gear.