Page 63 of Finding Redemption

“You know full well why that’s tormenting me. Stop being an ass.”

“Wait, I’m not an ass. I thought it was reserved for Studly Dudley.” He rolls his eyes.

“First, fuck you.” I flip him off. His eyes bug out as he fakes shock. “Second, I’m an equal opportunity asshole expert. And third, I can’t see him. I can’t.” I pull my hair in a fit of frustration.

“How dare you.” He points a finger at me. “Seriously, it’s been weeks. He’s avoided you at work. He’s had you faxing the proposal, instead of meeting with you about it. I think you’re safe from harm.”

“Whatever. To top it all off, my father wants me to meet him this week.”

“Well, we’ll deal with him later. Let’s pick a killer outfit for you to wear to the party. I’ll dress to match.” He’s the most amazing friend.

“If only you were gay, you’d be perfect.” I sigh.

“Tell me about it. The pickins’ out there are slim to none. I would be a gorgeous woman.” He stands, swaying to my bedroom.

“How bad is it that your wiggle is better than mine?”

“Honey, don’t be hatin’.” He snaps his fingers and walks away.

“Dear, lawd. These men will be the death of me.” I follow him into the bedroom where we spend the next two hours. We order pizza and have a fashion show. By the end of the night, I have the perfect thing to wear to the party.

Alden heads out after midnight, and I fall asleep fast and hard. The rest of the week plays out as it has been. Walker avoids me, and I fax him when needed. I haven’t decided if I’m going to go to this party he’s helping host.

Against my better judgment, later Saturday night, I get dressed and drive down to The Club. Apparently, it’s where Riley and Ava wanted it. Sentimental reasons or something like that. I feel like there’s a story there.

Walking in, I tiptoe, scanning the room for someone I’ll know.

“Stop. You look damn fine.” Alden tugs at my shirt.

I swat at his hand. “I’m nervous. Oh, there’s Ava.” I grab his hand, dragging him through the crowd.

“Yay! Reese! I’m so happy you made it,” Ava exclaims, pulling me into a hug. “Damn, you look amazing.”

“Thank you. You too but you always do.” I check myself in the mirror across from the dance floor. I wore my ripped, faded jeans with knee-high black suede boots. Black cropped top with a black and white flannel shirt tied around my waist.

“Hit up the bar. It’s open. Walker’s paying for everything.” She giggles, her cheeks already flushed. I assume she’s already been visiting the drinks.

“Sounds great. I’m gonna drag him to dance first.”

“Let’s hit it, hottie.” Alden wraps his hand around mine, leading me to the floor.

“Strip That Down” is on blast. Alden grabs my hips, swaying behind me. We move like we did in high school—dirty as hell, bumping and grinding to the point where someone should end up pregnant. By the time I face him, all eyes are on us.

Until I feel him. His piercing glare burns into me, but I don’t know where he is. I search for him. It’s as if he calls to me. I can’t resist finding him, wanting him. When I find him in the crowd, he watches me with an intensity bordering on uncomfortable. But hell, if I don’t like it.

“Drinks?” I yell over the music.

“Sounds good.” He wraps his arm around me, helping me from the floor.

We belly up to the bar. “Give me a Blue Kamikaze and Adios Motherfucker.”

“I’ll have a Jack and Coke.” Alden smiles at me before raising his brows to greet someone behind me.

“We’re not here two minutes and you’re already hitting on some poor, innocent girl,” I say, twisting to check out his intended. I lose my balance, tipping, only to be caught in more ways than one. I’m in Walker’s grasp, surprised to say the least. My stomach flips.

“He’s not really my type but with my luck with women, I’ll give him a go.” He winks at Alden as he helps me find my footing.

“Eh, why not? That’s if you don’t mind?” Alden raises his brows at me.