“There’s no problem with designated drivers,” he explains. “We have the prospects, and Shark’s not drinking either.”
“Shark?”
“Ronan.”
“Oh,” I say, my eyes widening in realization. “Right, I keep forgetting.”
I know he’s not drinking because he’s paranoid something might happen, and it kind of makes me sad. I want him to have a good night and not have to be on guard all the time; he’s always expecting the worst. Then again, with what we’ve experienced, it’s a very valid feeling. This life isn’t all bad though, and nights like tonight, when you get to let loose with great people, it’s something to treasure.
“I just want you to have a good time,” I say, running my hand down his biceps. “I know this was our idea, and you didn’t even want to do it, but everyone is going to be together, and it’s going to be fun, like Faye’s birthday.”
“I know, babe,” he says, his eyes softening. “Tonight is for you though, to get dressed up and dance with the girls. . . . Like a girls’ night, but not, because we’ll all be there watching you like hawks.”
“It makes it even more fun that you’ll be there,” I say, heading into the bathroom to check my makeup once more. “I’m ready when you are.”
“Why don’t you message Bailey and Tia and see if they’re ready,” he suggests, sliding his feet in his shoes. “What’s the bet I end up sitting in the fuckin’ car while they ask you your opinion on shoes, or some shit?”
I send a quick text to the both of them, asking if we should leave now. Bailey replies straightaway, saying they’re both ready and having some wine.
“We can leave now,” I say, wondering how drunk they’ll be by the time we get there. “It was so nice of Rake to watch the three kids tonight. I had no idea he was such a nice guy.”
“He is to Bailey,” Vinnie says, standing and offering me his hand. “Let’s go.”
He waits for me to walk in front of him. I turn and flash him an amused, knowing look. “You just want to stare at my ass, don’t you?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you dressed in anything so short and tight. Fuck yeah, I want to watch your ass jiggle as you walk,” he says in a low husky tone.
“My ass doesn’t jiggle, thank you very much.”
At least it better not with all the squats that I do.
“Hmmmm,” he murmurs, not even paying attention to what I’m saying. “If you bend over tonight, I’m taking you to the VIP room and fucking you.”
I stop in my tracks. “Why the hell would I be bending over?”
“To do some dance move . . . or maybe you drop your little bag or something, I don’t know, but this is your warning.”
He slaps my ass, making me rub my right ass cheek. “Ouch. It’s different doing it in bed and in the daytime, you know. That hurt.”
He just grins and shakes his head.
I keep walking, swaying my hips exaggeratedly just to torture him.
* * *
Shots are lined up, and we throw them back, except Faye, who is sipping on some orange juice. Loud music is playing, and the only time we stop dancing is to drink, or go to the bathroom. I’m tipsy for the first time since I can remember, my head buzzing, but in a good way. I don’t worry about anything, just enjoying the moment, the music and the company. Tia grabs my arm and pulls me back to the dance floor. “Sorry Not Sorry” by Bryson Tiller plays. It’s so cool having basically your own DJ in a club, playing all of everyone’s requests, and I find myself wondering who chose this song. I dance in between Tia, Tina, and Bailey, closing my eyes and letting my body take control, chasing the rhythm of the music. I don’t know how long we stay like that, but song after song passes, and soon I need another drink. I’m return to the bar when Vinnie pulls me back against his chest, kissing my neck. “Watching you dance like that, dressed like this, is fuckin’ torture. Can we leave now? Faye is tired and leaving, so can we.”
Faye is pregnant and has an excuse to leave early, but I don’t bother to point that out.
“Are you going to dance with me?” I ask, spinning around and dancing against him. “Please?”
He kisses me, probably tasting the tequila on my lips, cupping the back of my neck and bringing me closer to him. I hold on to his T-shirt, touching my tongue with his, turning the kiss from something sensual to one filled with hunger and lust. I don’t think about everyone watching, because in this moment I don’t really care. All I can think about is Vinnie, how he tastes and how he makes me feel—which right now is pretty damn turned on. He’s the one who pulls away, the look in his eyes making my knees buckle.
“How drunk are you?” he asks me, lifting my chin up and turning my face from left to right.
“A little,” I say. “Why? I’m not drunk enough that my judgment is clouded. For example, if we have sex in the VIP room right now, it’s not like I’d regret it tomorrow morning.”
Vinnie’s eyes darken at that, and I know that I have him. He’s been stalking me with his eyes all night, like a wolf with its prey. I grin at the wolf pun and remind myself to tell him about it tomorrow. Apparently tipsy me is witty as fuck. With his hand in mine, he leads me to the VIP room.
The door pushes open and he ushers me inside. I don’t look behind me, because I don’t want to see any knowing glances, I’ll deal with those on the way out. Vinnie locks the door as I look around the room, then turn to face him. He takes a step forward, so I take one back, teasing him. He smirks and nods toward the red couch, silently commanding me. I shake my head and move in the opposite direction. The second I turn my back, he grips my waist and pulls me against his hard chest, then pushes my hair off my neck and starts to kiss me there. His hand reaches around and gently holds my throat as he kisses up to my ear, nibbling on the lobe. I reach my hand behind me and run it over his hardness, which I can feel straining against his jeans. I turn and lower myself to my knees, glancing up at him as I undo his button and try to tug his jeans down. With his assistance, they fall to his knees with his boxers, his thick cock springing free. I lick my lips and take it into my hand, stroking gently, then suck the head into my mouth. I lick him from tip to base and back up again, before taking him fully into my mouth, hollowing my cheeks with the suction I know drives him crazy. His hand tangles in my hair as he gently encourages me, and he starts to make those low growling noises that instantly make me wet. When he pulls his cock out of my mouth, lifts me off the ground, hikes my skirt up and pulls my panties down, all I can think about is having him inside of me. I kick my panties off so they’re not around my ankles, and squeal as he lifts me in the air.