Bound by Radiant Shadows

Chapter 3: Shade

Once inside the bar, the mix of alcohol and the rhythm of the bass put me in a trance. I followed Tyler blindly. We weaved through the crowded bar and exited the front door. Once I stepped through the door, the cool night air hit me, breaking the spell I was under.

I released myself from Tyler's grip. He turned his hazel eyes at me looking at me confused. "I'm sorry. I can't leave my friend without saying goodbye and ensuring she's okay." Why am I apologizing? I had just met this man. "Okay, I'll help you look." He agreed. I was surprised at his understanding.

d

I went back to the bar. I found the bartender who was flirting with Tammy before and asked if he'd seen where she had been. He said that he thought he saw her go into the bathroom but hadn't seen her since. Tyler waited at the bar while I slipped through the crowd towards the bathroom. It was near closing time, so the line was long. I attempted to squeeze past the other women dancing around waiting for their chance to relieve themselves. Dodging some nasty looks, I was able to make it into the restroom. There were only a few stalls I looked underneath to see if I could see Tammy's feet. On the last stall my heart fell into my stomach. I saw what looked like a woman sitting on the ground in a sparkling black skirt. I knew it had to be Tammy. I knocked on the door, "Tammy, are you okay!?" No answer. Luckily, they were the kind of locks with locks on the outside, and I was able to use my card to slip in the slot and turn the lock. I opened the door and Tammy passed out on the floor in front of the toilet. She had sick. On the corner of her mouth, so I could tell she'd been throwing up "Good, I thought to myself, get it out of your stomach". I shook her, and she woke up mumbling nonsense, "Tammy, wake up we need to go," I said, getting worried.

She had drunk the same amount that I had. It was a lot, but I'd known her to drink me under the table. Something was wrong. I tried to wake her up and get her off the floor. With some assistance, she was able to pull herself up, but she couldn't quite keep her balance. I let her lean on me and pulled her out of the stall.

When we emerged from the stall, the girl first in line gasped. "How much did she have to drink," the girl asked, looking worried. I told her she was the same as me. "Take her home", the girl said with concern in her voice. "I'm already on it," I said without hesitation. We left the bathroom and made our way to my car.

Tyler must have seen us leave, and he followed us to my car. "Is she okay?" he asked, nodding toward Tammy. "I'm not sure," I said honestly. "I'm sorry I need to take her home". He looked at me worried, "You cannot drive like that. You've had way too much to drink." He said while pointing at me. I tried to convince him that my house wasn't far out of town and told him I would take the backroads. He insisted on taking us home. I knew Tammy needed to get somewhere safe, so I hesitantly agreed. I walked Tammy over to his truck and helped her in the backseat. She leaned over and threw up on the ground in front of me before I shut the door. I jumped in the passenger seat and closed the door. He had a nice truck. It was a newer black extended cab.

He turned on his truck and put it in gear. He reached over and grabbed my hand, surprising me and making me flinch. Once I realized her intent, I extended my hand to him, and he interlaced his fingers with mine. Even though he was staring out towards the road, I saw a smile creep across his face. He had soft hands but based on his stature I could tell he worked a physical job. He was muscular and there was an edge to him. I felt comforted by his touch, but I also felt like I had to control myself, which was unnerving to me. I never felt so attracted to someone before. I desperately wanted to crawl over to his lap. I wanted to feel him underneath me, in me. I wanted to make him beg.

I heard Tammy moan in the backseat. Luckily, she was sleeping. God, I hope she doesn't throw up. Tyler looked worried too. I laughed inwardly; he may regret insisting we ride with him. We made it home in silence. Tyler pulled my hand to his lips and left a lingering kiss. I closed my eyes and bit my lips as sparks traveled from my arm to my core. He gave me another charming, crooked smile. He went around to the side of the truck and helped me get Tammy out of the back.

"So, this is your place? He said surprised. Yes, I confirmed confused at his surprise. I could tell he wanted to come in. I wanted him to come in too, but I stifled the thought and appealed to the more rational side of my mind. I thanked him for the ride and told him I needed to look after my friend. He nodded and kissed my forehead. Is this how everyone feels when they are attracted to someone? I don't recall ever feeling this way before. I've had boyfriends that I was attracted to and that I said I loved, and at the time I felt it. This is different, this was stronger than anything that I have felt before. I took a breath and pulled myself away.

I walked Tammy to my door. When we were inside, I made her drink some water and eat crackers. "What's wrong with me," she muttered, slurring her speech. I don't know babe," I answered, sounding like a concerned mother. I walked her to the spare bedroom and set up a bucket for her to get sick in. I put her glass of water on the bedside table and tucked her into bed. "Get some rest, we'll talk more in the morning," I told her. She smiled, "You're the best Lyne" and she fell asleep hugging my old stuffed doggie.

After taking care of Tammy, I jumped into the shower to wash up, dried off, and changed into my nightgown. Tonight was strange. I usually don't get attention from men, especially not ones that I'm also attracted to. Tyler put everyone I've met to shame. I'm not inexperienced intimacy-wise, but the thoughts that ran through my head tonight were unlike me. In the past, my attraction had grown slowly, but with Tyler, it was instant and overwhelming. I felt my lust palpable in the air.