That evening, as I was preparing to paint the town with Taylor and Sasha, my thoughts kept circling around a mesmerizing man with piercing blue-green eyes. Stepping back to admire my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. Tonight, I had chosen a full black ensemble that screamed sophistication and allure. My figure-hugging black skinny jeans paired perfectly with a sleek black tank top. I added a pop of color with my blood-red heels and a hint of pink lip-gloss, while my eyes were adorned with smoky eyeliner and dark, seductive eyeshadow. My hair, elegantly tousled and blow-dried to a silky finish, framed my face in a cascade of lustrous waves.
Giving myself a sly wink of approval, I reached for my tantalizing red clutch bag, my heart racing with excitement. Just as I was about to grab my car keys, my phone rang.
"Sky, we're outside," Taylor's voice crackled with mischief when I picked up.
"Alright, let me just grab my car keys," I replied, my gaze scanning my room.
Laughter and giggles filled the background before Taylor returned to the phone. "No, dummy. Leave your car. We're here to pick you up. We want to see you with your hair down tonight."
"Are you sure?" I asked, twirling my keys in my hand, tempted by the prospect of carefree fun without the worries of driving or parking.
"Yes!" a chorus of voices chimed in, a blend of Taylor's and Sasha's, along with what sounded like Travis and Landon.
"Okay, fine! I don't want to go deaf from your chorus. Let me lock up, and I'll be down in a sec," I disconnected the call and stashed my car keys in a hidden spot behind my bathroom mirror. A friend had suggested it as a safe hiding place, even though my neighborhood was generally safe. I'd grown up in the same place for the past four years without hearing about a break-in, but I heeded my foster mother's advice that you could never be too cautious. Yes, I was a foster child; my parents had passed away when I was young. My dad succumbed to a heart attack, and my mom followed a year later, unable to cope with his loss. I was fortunate to be placed in a loving home that provided me with every opportunity to better myself. I thanked God daily for what Mrs. Shaw had done for me, hoping she was in heaven where she belonged.
After snatching my red crop jacket and setting the alarm, I stepped out and locked my door. Across my driveway sat the same Jeep from which I'd seen Taylor emerge earlier in the day. Suppressing an eye roll, I urged my legs to move, knowing that this was an intricately planned, if not particularly subtle, maneuver between Taylor and Sasha to get me closer to Jayden. And speaking of Jayden, his intense gaze followed me as I approached the car, making my knees wobble.
"Sit in the front with Jayden," Sasha instructed as I reached the door, snuggling with Landon. "We'll be making out in the back, so you keep Jayden company in the front seat."
With a roll of my eyes, I opened the door and hopped in. "Hi," I greeted Jayden, my heart fluttering. In a mere two seconds, I took in his appearance and nearly drooled. Clad in black denim and a snug gray shirt that accentuated his chiseled muscles, he looked like he belonged on the cover of a romance novel. I couldn't even see his shoes. Collecting myself, I met his intense gaze, and my cheeks flushed as I quickly looked away.
Jayden tilted his head and arched an eyebrow. "Impressed?"
I smiled, gazing out the window, and nodded, my voice breathless. "Very." My heart raced, and I closed my eyes.
We arrived at a trendy, up-and-coming club, a favorite among young people. The venue boasted VIP sections and a restaurant on the top floor. After stashing our jackets and bags with the guys, the ladies and I headed to the restroom to freshen up.
"You'll pay for this, you bitches," I playfully growled.
They erupted in laughter, enveloping me in hugs from both sides. "You'll thank us tomorrow when you wake up, all sore and happy after a night of passion in those strong arms," Taylor said, placing a kiss on my hair and turning to the mirrors for makeup touch-ups.
"You might even skip your morning jog after the workout you're about to have tonight," Sasha teased, tickling me. "Seriously, doll, you'll be exercising muscles that have been dormant for how long?"
"A year," Taylor added, emphasizing my year-long dry spell.
Rolling my eyes, I conceded, "Alright, fine. I won't make any predictions for tonight. I'll let spontaneity be my guide." A small giggle escaped me. "But damn, that man is fine! I need to dance off some of this s****l tension."
When we returned to the club floor, we headed to the table the guys had chosen. We enjoyed VIP treatment, with a good view of the action on the dance floor. After a few rounds of dancing, Taylor and Sasha decided to get cozy with their men, leaving me to observe the dance floor. Jayden was conspicuously absent.
After downing my drink, I returned to the dance floor, leaving the smitten couples behind. When my favorite song began to play, I couldn't resist the urge to jump up and dance. Closing my eyes, I surrendered to the music's rhythm, losing myself in its hypnotic beats. So engrossed was I that I gasped when I felt someone's hands on my hips, attempting to pull away. I was quickly drawn back into a sensuous sway.
"Relax, it's just me," Jayden's voice whispered into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My skin tingled with anticipation, and I felt the fabric of my lacy bra brush against my hardening n*****s. I closed my eyes and leaned into him, sculpting my body to his. He felt so solid, so masculine. With a sigh of surrender, I let him lead the dance. The music had shifted to a slow, sensual rhythm, and there was barely an inch between us.
Grateful for the dim lighting that concealed my flushed face, I began to realize that my friends might be onto something. Maybe a night of passion with this irresistible man would help me finally shake him from my system. Summoning my courage, I turned to face him, his arms never releasing their grip, and I wrapped mine around him. I rested my head on his chest, savoring the rhythmic throb of his heartbeat.
When I moved back to meet his eyes, I could see the unmistakable desire in those piercing blue-green orbs. Tonight, I was certain I wouldn't be leaving without satisfaction.
As the music came to an end, Jayden took my hand and led me off the dance floor.
"We're heading out," he announced to the group. I looked at him and knew I had no power to refuse, nor did I want to. He continued to hold my hand, as though afraid to let it go. "I'll talk to the guys outside to arrange taxis."
Taylor and Sasha both turned their attention towards me, seeking confirmation. My cheeks betrayed me as they noticed my blush, leading to a shared chuckle between them.
"See you tomorrow, Sky," Sasha playfully pulled me closer. "You go do all those naughty things you dreamt of doing to him last night," she whispered with a knowing smile. I rolled my eyes in response and planted a kiss on her lips. Our connection ran deep; there was no need to question how she knew about my dreams.
I strolled over to grab my jacket while Jayden arranged transportation for another couple inside. Leaving a club after just thirty minutes was a first for me. Standing just outside the doors, I gazed up at the stars, feeling an inexplicable sense of excitement, like a teenager on her first date with her crush.
An arm wrapped around my waist and drew me close. Warm lips pressed against my neck, and I fought to suppress a shiver. "Ready?" he whispered.
Speechless, I nodded and allowed him to take my hand, leading me to the car. As we arrived, he guided me to the still-closed back door and enclosed me with his arms. His closeness was palpable as he peered into my eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this?" His voice was low and husky.
I looped my arms around his neck and bridged the remaining distance, initiating a kiss that quickly escalated into sweet, passionate torture. His arms enveloped me, and he seized control, running his fingers through my hair while holding me firmly in place. His lips expertly explored mine, causing my legs to quiver, my n*****s to harden against my bra, and an intense longing to build between my legs. I wanted him right there and then.
Moving from my lips to the side of my jaw, he traced a path down to my neck. A moan escaped my lips as his lips worked their enchantment. His hands abandoned my hair for my hips, pulling me closer to feel his undeniable arousal. I reveled in the sensation.
When I gasped with desire, his lips reluctantly left mine, and he smirked. "Alright, I got the answer. Let's get out of here." He helped me into the car, as my legs had temporarily turned to jelly, before making his way to the driver's seat and setting our course.