Rocky cowered, doing her best to hide the pink tint of her cheeks. “Really, guys? We’re going to talk about this here?”

“Technically a virgin.” Stephanie clarified, looking as if she would keel over with delight. She always loved teasing Rocky and heck, I couldn’t really blame her. If we could guarantee one thing in this life, it would be how easy it was to get under our best friend’s skin.

“How can someone technically be a virgin unless…” I eyed her apple shaped ass, cringing at the thought that somebody could have done some unspeakable things to it.

“Ew! No, you disgusting pervert,” Rocky growled, hitting me hard.

Oh, thank God!

Now that that was out of the question, I found it ample opportunity to throw my own jabs at her. “Okay, so tell me how one can technically be a virgin. I am really dying to know.”

“It was just the tip.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Okay, maybe I didn’t want to know that.

“What was that?” I asked, pretending to cup my ear.

“It was just the tip!” she snapped in annoyance.

Before I could reply, Mrs. Rossi made a surprise appearance, further adding to our group discomfort. To my relief Stephanie saved the day by changing the subject and just in the nick of time too! As the girls went on to discuss their New Year’s Eve plans, I couldn’t help but feel a bit hurt that neither of them had thought to ask me to join in, let alone ask me what I was doing.

It’s not like you’re a part of their lives anymore. Get used to it.

I kept my mouth shut for the most part, listening closely as they plotted the details of their Girl’s Only Night Out. Once again pictures of strange men grasping Rocky’s arms…grazing her stomach…touching her lips…

No!

I was not going to let that happen. Stewing quietly, I made a decision I never thought I would.

I was going dancing at a night club.

Chapter 19

I’ve always thought montage scenes in movies were extremely stupid. You know the kind—the ones where the main character stands in front of the mirror showcasing different outfits while a weird pop song plays in the background. I would never have imagined myself partaking in such stupidity. Yet, there I was, glaring at my reflection. Granted it was minus the pop song, but still.

After changing about eight hundred times, I finally decided on a black long sleeved tee, black jeans, and black biker boots. What can I say? I liked black. Feeling content, I quickly headed toward the south end of town where Bethel Falls’ only collection of bars and nightclubs were located. It was bound to be crowded on any regular night, and I couldn’t bear to imagine what I’d be facing on the number one holiday for debauchery.

As expected, it took about twenty extra minutes for me to find parking, and that was after I opted to park about half a mile away. By the time I finally made it inside the club, the floor was already packed full of tipsy and well-dressed individuals. For a moment I began to regret my choice in attire, but based on the approving looks from a few scantily clad ladies, I quickly changed my mind.

I squeezed through the sweaty bodies, ignoring the scent of body odor mixed with liquor.

What am I doing here? This is so not my scene.

I was just about ready to turn around and walk out the door when I saw her. Curly hair, rosy cheeks, and legs that went on for miles. Rocky stood in the middle of the dance floor looking like a goddess. Though her outfit wasn’t as flashy or revealing as the women around her, she blew everyone else out of the water.

She was perfect.

I took a step forward only to freeze mid-way. What would I say to her?

Yes, I eavesdropped and decided to follow you here.

No, I’m not a stalker.

Really, I’m not!

Realizing that I needed to plan my move before I pounced, I diverted my course and headed toward the bar, taking a seat at the edge to give me a clear view of her. I was far enough away so the girls wouldn’t notice me, but close enough to jump in if they needed me.

You’re not stalking? You sure about that?

“She doesn’t need protection anymore. You’ve been gone for so long, I think she can handle herself,” I murmured to myself.

About an hour passed with me perched on the bar, and I was feeling more and more like a creeper. To make matters worse I wasn’t drinking anything, further adding to my Peeping Tom appeal.

You really like being the weird one, don’t you, Jesse? I shook my head and sighed. Maybe you haven’t grown up as much as you’d like to think.

“Hey, wanna dance?” a voice slurred, interrupting my thoughts.

I turned to find a flushed-faced woman with a sprinkling of freckles on her nose. She wore a bright fuchsia number with a neckline that plunged all the way to her belly button. I was surprised she could even walk around without flashing the whole club her areolas; then again she probably used that magic fashion know-how that women seemed to be born with. This stranger was beautiful, no doubt about that, but I was at that club for one specific person and unfortunately it wasn’t her.

My lips curled into a forced smile. “Ah, no. It’s okay.”

The brightness of her eyes darkened as her lips jutted forward into an angry pout. “Why not?”

I shrugged, shifting away from her touch. “I just don’t feel like it.”

“You don’t feel like dancing with a hot woman?” She wagged her eyebrows up and down, exhaling slightly. Her breath was tinged in alcohol, which only turned me off a bit more.

“Um, I’m actually here with a friend,” I shot back, my voice losing its initial kindness.

“A friend?” she repeated, sounding unconvinced. “I’ve seen you sitting here for a bit. You look pretty alone to me.”

“I…uh…” I glanced toward the floor and noticed that Stephanie was now air humping Enrique Iglesias. Where the heck was Rocky?

Just as quickly as the question flew through my mind, I felt her warmth nearing me. It was as if my body could detect her before my eyes even tracked her. I glanced up and spotted her petite figure pushing its way toward the bar. Grinning smugly, I looked back at Miss Hot Woman and said, “There she is right now.”

With a humph, Mistress in Fuchsia whipped around and approached another poor chap at the opposite end of the bar. She must have been really “thirsty,” if you know what I mean.

“Good luck to you, sir,” I mumbled, never taking my eyes off Rocky.

Here goes nothing.

Taking a deep breath, I silently pushed my way toward her like a puma stalking its prey. My eyes blazed as I took in the way the lights reflected off her slick body, an iridescent glow extending between her breasts. I licked my lips, imagining what it would be like to lick her cleavage, trailing my path up and down her body.

I bet she tastes like cherries and feels like heaven.

Once I reached her, I placed my hand on her bare shoulder, which felt warm and slippery under my palm.

I wonder what else is warm and slippery.

“Get a hold of yourself, scumbag,” I whispered in disgust. “This is about connecting with a friend.”

Even though you want to connect in some other way.

I grunted and shook my head guiltily. I was as much a douche as I imagined Ethan and Dwight to be, and at least those guys were open about their intentions.

Head in the game, Tyler. Head in the game.

Shaking off my nerves, I squeezed my fingers against her slim frame.

“If you want to walk out of here with that hand intact, you better get it off me right now,” she snapped angrily.

“Wow! You have changed since high school,” I exclaimed in both surprise and amusement.

She spun around and widened her eyes. “Jesse! What are you doing here?”

Following you. Stalking you.