Falling Awake by T.A Richards Neville Page A

flirtatiously. “Think you can take me?” The alcohol had already gone to my head but I didn’t care. I finally felt relaxed and ready to have some fun.
      “I would definitely like to try,” he said mischievously, drawing his lower lip in between his teeth.
      “She means at pool, Casanova,” Drake said to him.
    “She’s pretty good mind you,” Mellissa contributed, stroking Drake’s hands that hung from her shoulder.
    She looked happy.
    “Oh yeah? Is that right, you’re pretty good?” I leaned into him with my most seductive smile. “No I’m not. I’m amazing.” My voice was full of promise, and his eyes blazed. “I’ll go get some pool cues then.”
      I watched him rush off to the bar. He was definitely cute.
    His brown hair was combed back off his face in an untidy quiff, and held with just enough product that it was barely noticeable, and his eyes were deep brown tunnels I could happily get lost in. I stole a glance to where Caleb sat and he was staring at me intensely, once again looking annoyed. He could get a degree in brooding. Well screw him I thought. I don’t care what he thinks. It seems no matter what I do, I’m destined to get on his nerves.
      “Here.” Ressler handed me a long brown pool cue and I began arranging the balls on the table. “Go ahead, you brake,” I said, taking a step back.
      “Ladies first. I insist.”
      “Okay fine.” I took my place at the table leaning over, and aimed my cue at the centre of the triangle and took a shot. I potted the purple striped ball into the far right corner.
      “Hmm okay.” Ressler rubbed his mouth with his hand. “First time lucky.”
    I laughed. “Yeah right. You keep telling yourself that.” I walked around to the other side of the table, took aim and potted the red striped ball, and then the green.  
      “Still think its luck?” I asked teasingly. Our eyes locked and he came over stopping so close in front of me; I was pinned up against the pool table. He spread his hands on the felt table either side of me and I felt a pounding against the inside of my ribcage.
      “I think I’m the one who got lucky tonight.” He was staring at me greedily, with the slightest trace of a smile, then he stepped back gesturing for me to take my turn.
      God he was sexy, and I felt a little put off my game. I somehow managed to pot most of the balls as Mellissa and Drake watched with fascination. I set my cue down on the table and Ressler came up beside me, defeated.
      “Okay you’re alright,” he said, setting his own cue down beside mine.
      I was starting to feel a little worse for wear. “Oh I’m alright am I?” There was definitely flirtation in my voice and his lustful eyes watched me intently. I could see heads from over at the card game angle towards us but I didn’t dare look to see if any of them were Caleb. I convinced myself that I didn’t care.
      “I’ll get us a drink,” Ressler said as I sat down. Shortly after, he came back with two vodkas and he sipped his carefully, watching me over the rim of his glass. I couldn’t deny I was definitely attracted to him, and I already knew he liked me. The way he watched me was intense, like I was the only one in the room. 
      “What, no drinks for us?” Drake asked, alerting to me the fact that him and Mellissa were actually still here.
      “Get your own,” said Ressler.
      “Charming.” Mellissa rolled her eyes and held her empty glass out to Drake. He took it without argument and stood up tipping her chin upwards, and he kissed her. I smiled at the sentiment. Mellissa shuffled her chair over closer to me when he left.
      “Isn’t he great?” she gushed, keeping her eyes on him the whole time.
      “Yeah he’s the best,” said Ressler, his voice full of sarcasm.
      “Ha.” Mellissa shot him a dirty look.
    “He is great,” I said to her, Kicking Ressler under the table. I liked Drake, and I could tell Mellissa was in deep. It was so