Shadow Play

16

“Do you work here?” Leave it to Ash to come right out with the questions, she was never afraid to talk to anyone or ask any question. “My boss owns the place so I’m here most days. You ladies look stunning tonight by the way.” Although he addressed both of us, his eyes held mine while he spoke. I dropped my gaze but quickly peered back up through my lashes, I wasn’t sure if it was just him or the alcohol affecting me but I was feeling good and I knew my cheeks were growing more flushed. Ronan’s attention was snagged by someone near the bar and he waved them over. “Rebecca and Ashley, these are my friends, Liam and Michael.” “Evenin’ ladies,” said Liam, who was a lanky strawberry blond with laugh lines creasing the corners of his eyes. The other man was stocky, not quite as tall, and had deep green eyes. He was considerably more stoic and merely nodded in our direction. The guys stepped aside to allow the waitress to serve our drinks and Ronan lifted his glass in a toast. “For every wound, a balm. For every sorrow, cheer. For every storm, a calm. For every thirst, a beer.” We all threw back our shots with a laugh and Ronan extracted himself from the booth. He turned back to where I sat, holding out his hand to help me up. “Come on Rebecca, let’s hit the dance floor.” I peered at Ashley in question but her eyes were glued to Liam who flashed a mischievous grin and held out his hand on the other side of the booth to help her out. We danced as a group for some time among the throng of gyrating bodies. Every couple of songs, we’d head back to the booth to have a drink and cool down. We had such a great time that I was able to completely relax and just enjoy the night out. Liam was hilarious, regaling us with embarrassing stories about his friends, including Ronan, and he was particularly well versed at dirty jokes, so we laughed more than I had in weeks. After a couple hours, the guys subtly paired us off and I found myself wrapped in Ronan’s arms dancing slowly, despite the pulsing clubmix song blaring around us. My three-inch heels lifted me nearly to Ronan's height and while I had my hands wrapped around the back of his neck there was still an inch or so of space between us. I was enjoying the perfect buzz from the alcohol as a sensual techno beat began to pulse from the speakers and that’s when Ronan’s hands slid from my lower back down until they were firmly gripping my ass. Before I could even decide if I was comfortable with his hand placement, he squeezed while pulling me forward, rubbing his hard erection into my lower belly. I was no prude, and I understood that we were at a packed club where others were getting their freak on. However, at that point in time I had not given Ronan any indication that I was ready to ride his d**k and I was taken aback that he had been so presumptive as to take that liberty. I pulled back sharply and attempted to holler over the music that I needed to use the restroom. Hurrying from the dance floor I followed the sign down a back hallway to the ladies’ room. I was frustrated with myself for bailing rather than confronting him, but I didn't know him that well and I was a bit intimidated with the whole situation. I needed a moment to regroup and hoped Ash would be okay on her own for a few minutes. Before I made it to the restroom door, someone took hold of my hand and firmly tugged me around. Ronan stood with his head bowed and his bottom lip stuck out in contrition as he leaned back against the wall and drew me to him. “Don’t be upset, you’re just too gorgeous and I got carried away.” His words sounded genuine but I was off-kilter and I wasn’t sure I was comfortable off in a dark hallway alone with him. “Um, I’ve had a great time tonight, I appreciate you inviting us out.” I stepped back a bit and tried to pull my hand free but he held tight. “But … ” “But we just met and I’ve had more to drink than I probably should have so I think this might be a good time for me to call it a night.” I trailed off, hoping his earlier gentlemanly behavior would resurface and he would not press me for more. “I’m not going to force you into anything, Rebecca, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. At least give me another chance, give me your number before you disappear tonight.” I searched his chocolate brown eyes and felt a tug to give in and relax, but I was also wary after his unexpected advance. I wasn’t ready to take this guy home but also wasn't sure how to respond to his request. Maybe it was the alcohol, but I couldn’t seem to think straight when I was around him. I wasn’t uptight and he hadn’t given me any real reason to not trust him, aside from getting a little handsy, so why was I still feeling wary around him? Why not give into the pull and give him my number? My gut was telling me to walk away and it had never served me wrong before, so as much as it frustrated me, I took another step back. “You know where you can find me, how about we keep it at that for now.” His eyes flashed for a moment in what I thought was anger, but his words were understanding. “I’ll have to stop by for lunch again, so that we can get to know each other better." He placed a small kiss on the back of my hand. “Goodnight, Rebecca.” His warm eyes held mine intently before he turned to walk back into the club. I took in a lungful of air, not realizing that I had been holding my breath during the last part of the exchange and headed into the bathroom. Following in the theme of the rest of the club, the restroom was decked out like a retro Hollywood dressing room with feather boas and bare-bulb vanity lighting. I did my business and then took a wet paper towel and dabbed my face to clear my head from the last fifteen minutes. I had definitely had enough for one night. I exited the restroom with the intent to round up Ashley but I only made it a few steps before I slammed into a hard body and flew backwards. About to fall on my ass, large hands grasped my arms and in a swift motion pulled me forward to press firmly against the hard chest I had first collided with. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see … it’s you!” I found myself face-to-face with Mr. Gorgeous, the bully who had peppered me with questions on the street a few nights earlier. I was reminded just how frighteningly tall he was when I realized that even wearing heels my head just grazed his chin. Had I not spent the previous four hours drinking, I’m pretty sure I would have been terrified, but between the alcohol and my frustrations over Ronan, I found myself without my usual filter. Jabbing my finger into his chest, I went on.