Those Emerald Eyes

Chapter 7 - Veronica's P.O.V.

“Come on, Ronnie!” Mel shouted, pulling my arm as I teetered in the high stilettos she had insisted I wear. I could feel their uncomfortable height while struggling to keep my balance, the sound of my shoes clattering against the pavement.

I became acutely aware of my exposed skin and a chill coursing through me as I shivered in the crisp air. The hem of my dress clung uncomfortably high above my knees, making me feel vulnerable and self-conscious, as if the cold were a constant reminder of my insecurity.

Cringing, I clutched the hem, anxious that a strong breeze would expose my thong. How did she manage to convince me to wear that as well? She must have some mind control powers.

“Wow, girl, where on earth did you get these shoes? ‘Death to All Feet Couture’ must be the brand, right?” I said, my tone a mix of disbelief and humor as I stumbled once behind her.

“You do realize those are yours, not mine,” she chuckled with a mischievous shimmer in her eyes. Then, she tugged me to the front of a long line of disgruntled faces.

It was my first time at this place, and the vibrant atmosphere buzzed with excitement. How could she think we could just cut in front of everyone waiting patiently? We weren’t rich or famous, so I pulled back on her hand.

“What are you doing? The back of the line is over there,” I hissed in embarrassment.

The anticipation in the air felt electric, making our sudden boldness even more nerve-wracking. She clicked her tongue at me.

“Stay here,” she instructed.

Determined, she hurried over to the bouncer, her voice barely a whisper amidst the pulsating music streaming from the club every time the door opened. Animated chatter from the people outside surrounded us, drowning out her words when I strained to hear what she said. The bouncer listened intently, nodded, and then flashed a welcoming smile.

After a brief exchange, she beckoned me forward with her hand, and the bouncer flicked his wrist, unclicking the velvet rope, allowing us to enter the lively scene beyond.

“What on earth did you just say to him?” I said, bewildered, my disbelief unmistakable. He grinned at us both as we passed him, and I thanked him with a shy smile.

“Oh, I promised him a BJ if he let us in,” she said, not unblinking.

My jaw dropped in disbelief, and a sharp gasp escaped my lips. She grasped her stomach and laughed at my reaction. She grabbed my hand again and dragged me toward the bar.

“I’m not that big of a slut, I asked to be let in, batted my eyes, and my ... uh...brother works here part-time,” she said over her shoulder with a slight stammer.

“Why wouldn’t you mention...You are a terrible liar, surprisingly.” I sighed in exasperation with a huff at the crazy redhead.

We cozied up to the warm, polished surface of the mahogany bar. Its rich color reflected the soft overhead lights, which flashed other colors occasionally from the dance floor strobe lights. Mel leaned in, her deep-cut top accentuating her figure, and angled herself to capture the bartender’s attention with her cleavage.

After a few minutes of teasing the staff, a tall, muscular man behind the bar approached with two pre-made drinks, sliding them across to us before walking away. Huh? And Cosmos? It feels a bit ‘s*x and the City’ for me, but whatever.

“We didn’t order these!” I shouted at the bartender, my voice barely cutting through the pulsating beat of the pulsing music. Frustration brewed as I waved my hand toward the unrequested drinks, hoping to catch his attention amidst the chaos.

He turned to speak, but warm breath heated my neck, sending a thrilling shiver down my arms and tingling my scalp.

“No, I did, V,” a deep, masculine voice whispered into my ear. His huskiness excited me, but the new nickname ignited my anger.

Confusion and desire swirled within me as I clenched my fists, feeling heat rise to my face.

No more Green Eyes? I narrowed my eyes at my so-called friend, who was grinning at the person behind me. I lightly kicked her shin to grab her attention. When our eyes met, I shot her a glare she had earned. Of course, she told him my name, prompting him to come up with his ‘pet’ name for me.

“Could you tell me again how you heard about this place?” I asked, in slight annoyance, raising an eyebrow. She shrugged, a smile playing on her lips. b***h. If I didn’t love her, I might slap her right now.

As I turned to glance at the arrogant jerk who made my body betray me, I muttered a curse under my breath. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and a familiar smirk curved his lips. He had his arms caged around me from behind, both arms resting on the bar, leaving me with little space to maneuver.

“And you. V?” I asked, scowling. “That is not my name. And I can buy my drinks, thank you very much!” I snapped, but my heart raced, his scent overwhelming my senses.

He lifted his arms in an exaggerated gesture of surrender, a deep, gruff chuckle rumbling from his chest as he pressed his solid frame against my back, sending a shiver down my spine.

“The drink serves as a temporary truce. I said some things I might regret, and you said hurtful things I know you don’t regret. By the way, it hurt right here,” he said, pouting as he pointed to his heart. I struggled to suppress a smile.

“So, how about it? How about we call a truce?” His words suggested a peace offering, but the smug glint in his eyes indicated that the game was still on—one he intended to win. My stomach flipped at his challenge, but I groaned and downed my cocktail, earning him a chuckle. Argh!

“You’re being utterly ridiculous,” I rolled my eyes as I turned my head back to him.

“Or devastatingly handsome and irresistibly charming?” he teased as he stared down at me.

“Please, just stop,” I said, exasperated. Everything you say makes my eyes want to roll back into my head. I don’t have the energy for that every time.” I scoffed, a forced laugh slipping from my lips.

“There are better ways to make those eyes roll---” I interrupted him with a shout to the bartender.

“Two shots of tequila, please!” I was shocked that the bartender remained in front of us but relieved. Is he for real? It’s like his flirt button has no off switch. Maybe a punch in the gut would do the trick, I wondered.

“One for me too?” Colton c****d his head, amusement dancing on his lips.

“Nope. If I’m going to be civil, I need to be buzzed,” I said in defeat, as a sigh escaped.

Still not having room to turn, I decided to use my own form of revenge, and I pushed my rear right into his crotch to push him away so I could turn and face him finally.

I heard a groan before he swore under his breath. If you want to play, that’s fine. Let’s play.

His eyes roamed my body with reckless abandon, lust filling his eyes, and his smirk now wiped clean. Good. Though now I wished I had brought a sweater or a jacket to hide myself from his heated stare while he stripped me bare with a simple glance. Mel watched on like a tennis match, fully immersed and entertained. I’m surprised she hadn’t sought out popcorn to watch the show.

I can’t lie; my gaze drifted, too, after the liquor kicked in. His hazel eyes were illuminated by the dark, long eyelashes that women envied. His dark locks were in a messy bedhead tousle but styled that way on purpose. However, the hair product he must have used betrayed his secrets. His words, appearance, and charisma captivated anyone in his path.

The sleeves of his white button-up shirt rolled to his elbows. His broad chest stretched the fabric, and the buttons held on for dear life against the string of muscles. The dress shirt was tucked into snug-fitting blue slacks with a stylish brown belt. Okay, stop there—or don’t.

The moment my eyes lowered, I tore my eyes away immediately. Impossible not to spot the bulge, he smirked, aware of my admiration. As usual, pride, not embarrassment, on his face. A face I simultaneously wanted to smack and kiss. Ugh! And once more, the heat crept up my neck.

Fuck my life. The Blush: 20 million; My Dignity: 0

He trapped me in with his muscled arms again and leaned in so close I held my breath.

“Just let me know if you want to see more; I’m more than happy to show you,” he whispered as chills raced up my spine.

His head dipped down my neck, and his lips brushed against my flesh. My breath hitched at the new sensation.

“It defies all logic how stunning you look,” he murmured, his lips grazing my ear with a feathery touch. f**k! I closed my eyes and shivered.

This close to me, his fragrance buckled my knees, almost as it wrapped around me, shutting down the logic center of my brain. My blood thrummed in my veins, and I fought the urge to lean into him. His aroma traveled straight from my nose to my underwear. No, no..this is not gonna happen. Not with him, Ronnie. Think. I became speechless. No witty comeback, nothing.

“How does this resemble a truce? It sounds very much like a ... a ...” I sputtered. My confidence waned as the words I rooted out disappeared in my throat.

“A seduction?” he arched an eyebrow, his full lips an inch from mine as he finished my sentence. I gulped when the escape I sought only came in the form of drinks.

“Shots are up...Veronica,” the bartender bellowed, handing my credit card back to me. Oh, thank God! I spun around, hastily scribbled my signature, leaving a generous tip for the rescue, then slammed them down one right after the other. My throat burned, and my face puckered at the horrid taste. My whole body shuddered. I likely resembled Anderson Cooper on New Year’s Eve. Without alerting Colton, I grabbed Mel’s hand.

“Let’s dance.” I shimmied between us, our pelvises sweeping each other. Another groan escaped his chest, and when I briefly met his gaze, his eyes darkened. I strolled fast but feigned calmness. My body vibrated with desire and panic. My palms dampened with nervous sweat.

Once out there, the beat pulsed, shaking the floor. I expressed my irritation to my best friend by gesturing at my neck with my pointer finger dragging across the front of it. She wouldn’t hear me say I wanted to kill her, so charades will have to do.

The tequila reached my blood, flowing through my veins and heating me from the inside. The rhythm of the melody moved my body of its own volition. We danced together, oozing sensuality that didn’t last long as every so often, we laughed at our own playful antics.

Losing my self-control, I glanced at his position on the stool. Each time I did, Colton’s gaze locked onto mine. A burning hunger was evident in his eyes, as if he were a predator instinctively stalking his prey.

My heart raced as I realized the terrifying truth: he was hunting ME. Anxiety twisted in my stomach at the thought of being his prey. I shook my head at him and mouthed, “Don’t even think about it.” He narrowed his eyes and mouthed back, “Too late.” Damn. I tried to refocus on my dance partner and play it cool, but my eyes were already scanning for the nearest exit. His desire was palpable from across the room and only intensified my longing for his touch.

Sweat formed on my back from the fear of my feelings that he evoked. It felt meaningless. He wanted one thing, and I didn’t want to be his next successful conquest. Panic was rising inside me. I couldn’t feel like this—overwhelmed with emotions I had pushed aside for far too long. I rushed to face Mel, grabbed her hand, and leaned over to yell that I had to leave.

Concern crossed her eyes when she looked into mine and saw the panic reflected there. I said nothing; she simply nodded before another guy spun her around. As she turned to look at me, I silently signaled for her to stay.

The heady, woodsy musk enthralled me, that familiar, intoxicating, and irritating scent. His hands slid to my waist, then squeezed. Fingers dug into my flesh, firm with purpose, preventing me from running, but with his touch, he pulled me back in, clouding my head once again. The music blared, and the music flashed, and a cacophony of the chattering patrons rose up, but everything began to blur as he pushed himself into me, swaying us sensually.

Uncontrollable desire surged through me. The combination of chemistry and alcohol overwhelmed my reasoning. Perhaps Mel is right, and I should consider a fling.

His front pressed against my back as we continued to sway to the beat of the music. I reached behind me and pushed my fingers through his hair, easily entangling my hands in his silky locks. That gel must be expensive. I pursed my lips to suppress the moan that threatened to escape into the hot, sweaty air of the nightclub.

We continued to move, my rear pressed to his groin, and then his hard length pushed into my back. Oh God...and wow! Good for you, Colton. Dammit! To whom it may concern, please send help.

His hands wrapped around my waist, and feather-light kisses grazed my shoulder. My legs went weak, and my face flushed. The thong I hated wearing didn’t provide enough coverage to absorb the mess he created. I cursed under my breath. I needed to stay away from him. Yet, whenever I turned around, he was there, invading my space and shattering my control.

When the song ended, I sighed, and relief washed over me. This gave me a chance to gain some much-needed distance and clarity.

When his grip relaxed, I turned to thank him, but he held me tightly and leaned down to plant gentle kisses on my lips. The kiss started soft but quickly became more intense, sending shockwaves of tingles and excitement throughout my body.

He licked my lower lip as he squeezed my waist closer to him, and once again, the growing bulge in his pants prodded my hip. I gasped, and he seized the opportunity to dive his warm, sweet tongue into my mouth. Holy crap, he is so delicious.

Our tongues fought, tangling for dominance. Then I sucked his lower lip, and he moaned. Now pressed flush to him, he had one hand in my hair and another pressing the middle of my back, holding me to his hard body. When I thought I couldn’t take anymore, we finally pulled apart, both of us panting for air. My face matched my red dress when the arousal cloud lifted, and we returned to earth, or at least I did.

I was grateful that the dance floor was packed with sweaty dancers; no one seemed bothered by our public display of affection. As I stepped back to find my way to the bar, I took a deep breath in and out to steady myself. But he grasped my wrist, pulling me back. I placed my hand on his chest, trying to resist, but feeling all that muscle under my fingertips did nothing to quash the hunger raging inside.

What the hell? Damn, all this hard muscle I want to explore with my mouth. No, Ronnie...please don’t do this. I want to, man, do I want to, but we are neighbors.

Future visions of awkward hellos in the hallway, glares by the mailboxes, and even tears in the parking lot as he kisses the next person take residence in my mind.

“You’re a good dancer. Um, this was fun. I appreciate it,” I stammered, my hands lingering on his muscles. Before dragging my hands away, my fingers stroked his biceps.

Where is a wall to pound my head into right now? Quit touching him!

I ran my hands through my hair before forcing them to fall to my sides while he once again had his arms wrapped around my waist. To avoid his gaze, I focused on his mouth instead, which was red from our thorough kissing. Yeah, this is not less arousing. Crap!

“I need to use the ladies’ room,” my voice trembled and squeaked. I hesitated as he flashed his signature smirk, and I felt my body fused to his once more. He managed to pull me closer while his swollen lips distracted me.

“Don’t take too long. I will come looking for you, V,” he said, brushing his lips against mine before pressing another soft kiss onto them. A whimper escaped from me. How much embarrassment must I endure in one night? I’ll never live this down with him. Why am I still here?

On unsteady legs, I made my way to the hallway where the bathrooms were located. The patio door was also around that corner. I turned from the bathroom toward the patio and saw Colton, who had his back to me as he talked to the guy who had been dancing with Mel. I never realized he was here with someone. Seizing the opportunity, I slipped outside and requested a ride through my phone. I also texted Mel to let her know I was okay and getting a rideshare.

I’ll wrap my legs around him if I don’t leave now. Where is the f*****g car?