loud as usual. A couple of the girls in our group catch my interest but my reputation precedes me, because I’m not having a lot of luck with them. Oh well. I scan the bar for suitable alternatives.
An altercation takes place at the end of the bar and Matt’s head is in the midst of a group of girls. I sigh. His big mouth and alcohol are a lethal combination. He’s either hitting on someone who isn’t interested, or a past conquest caught up with him.
Abby pushes out of the group, towards me, but stalks straight by . Oka y . I twist around to watch her go and someone else bumps into me from behind.
“Sorry.”
Ness passes me, following her friend. Neither girl registered me, so I’m either on their avoid list or they didn’t notice. The way Abby pushes through people and slops her drink, I doubt she’s paying any attention.
And Ness.
Holy cra p .
Her dress hugs the curves I caught glimpses of in the times we were together. Mentally I kick myself at not getting my hands on her body, because I can now see how goddamn hot she is. Watching her rear as she walks away, a memory of Ness leaning into her car the first morning skips happily into my mind. I search again for the reason I haven’t bothered contacting her.
Lucy’s the reason. Taking up too much space in my life again. Interrupting me. Well, not tonight. Ness is here, I’m here, so it makes sense we should pick up where we left off. To my alcohol-fueled brain the decision makes sense, anyway. I follow and, just in case, I switch off my phone and tuck it away.
I weave in and out of the bodies and finally spot the two friends sitting at a round metal table in a quieter corner, at the opposite end of the Union. Ness rubs her friend’s back, leaning into her face and cajoling the tearful girl. As Ness leans forward, the tops of her breasts push free from the thin material and bunch together. And there it is. Instant hard-on . Crap . I can’t saunter over like this.
As if she has some kind of sixth sense for guys perving her, Ness looks up and catches sight of me. I walk over; standing here and staring would be way creepier.
“Where’s your bastard friend?” snaps Abby, “which of those girls is he screwing?”
Woa h . “I don’t know.”
Ness shoots me a look. I think I just made one of those ‘men don’t understand women’ mistakes.
“Oh!” Abby shrieks, “so h e i s screwing one of them.”
Ness pokes her tongue into her cheek as she watches me. Okay, I get what I said wrong now.
“Um,” I glance to Ness for guidance and she imperceptibly shakes her head. “None. I don’t think.”
“What about you? Which one are you screwing?” she continues.
“What?” Ness and I say in unison.
“Well, it’s your fault! He’s only copying you!” She hiccups.
“He’s a big boy, makes his own decisions.”
“Abby, let’s go home.” Ness touches her friend on the shoulder and Abby shrugs her hand off.
“No, I want to watch. See what he’s doing . Wh o he’s doing.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” says Ness, and I voice my agreement.
“No! We came for a night out! He’s not spoiling it!” She knocks back the contents of the half empty glass. “What do you want? I’ll get them,” she says to Ness.
“I’m okay for a drink. Maybe I should go to the bar…”
“Or I’ll get you one?” I offer. The look on Abby’s face indicates my association with Matt has dragged me into the depths of hell. “Or not.”
Ness covers her mouth and I can see amusement in her eyes. Pushing back her stool, Abby stands and walks to the bar. A different bar to the one Matt is at, thank god.
“Why are you laughing?” I ask Ness.
“The situation.”
I hover, focusing my eyes away from any body part which could earn me a slap if I linger my gaze there. Her eyes meet mine, they’re swimming a little.
She sips her drink. “Are you staying or loitering?”
“I wasn’t sure I’d be welcome.” I pull out the stool
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