Page 6 of The Forbidden Note

Smart Grey says slow down.

But Reckless Grey is in the driver’s seat.

He extends a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

I slide my hand against his palm. Warm, rough fingers close around mine. I feel the callouses on the inside of his knuckles, probably from years of playing the drums. I imagine what those rough hands would feel like on my skin, skating over my shoulders, slipping up my legs.

Embarrassed, I drop his hand and reach for my drink. It’s empty.

He motions to his and I take it, knocking it back.

My best friend was better at this. Flirting. Talking to guys. They gravitated to her. Maybe that’s why things ended up the way they did.

No.

That’s not why.

She was innocent. The people who hurt her deserve all the blame.

“Are you okay?”

I let out a deep breath. “Fine.”

“I’ll buy that.” He studies me. “But if you want to talk…”

“You’ll be a gentleman and listen?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“That you’ll listen?”

“That I’ll be a gentleman.”

I can feel the alcohol sloshing through my veins. Liquid courage. It unravels my inhibitions.

Have fun, Grey. You’re going back to hell. Might as well let a hot, mysterious stranger take you to heaven first.

I reach for another drink.

He pulls it back.

I shoot him a playful look. “Can’t keep up?”

“Can I at least know why we’re getting wasted tonight?”

I purse my lips.

“Post breakup? Relationship drama?” A possessive glint in his eyes, he growls, “You’re not taken, are you?”

“No.”

“Good.”

“Good?”

“You looked upset when you walked in tonight,” he says. “I thought I’d have to pummel someone on your behalf.”

“You saw me when I got here?”