Page 17

17

The noise in the bar hits me before I even step through the door—music, laughter, the hum of voices layered on top of each other. I hesitate for a second, standing just outside, my hand on the handle. Part of me wonders why I’m even here. I could’ve gone back to the hotel, taken a long, hot shower, and called it a night. But there’s another part of me, the part that’s been buzzing ever since last night at the hotel, that’s hoping he will be here.

Ryan Pierce.

I can’t stop thinking about him. The way he came to my rescue, the way his molten brown eyes locked onto mine like he was seeing something no one else ever bothered to see. He’s a force. Tall, powerful, the kind of man who makes everyone stop and stare, and yet when he looked at me, I felt like I was the only person in the world. It was terrifying. It was intoxicating and alluring, and completely consuming my thoughts.

I push open the door and step inside, the heat from the crowd rushing over me. Half of UXW is already here, scattered around the place. It’s loud, filled with music, the thrum of bass vibrating through the floor beneath my heels. I scan the room, searching for a familiar face, but my heart isn’t pounding for anyone else.

I wonder if he’s here.

My fingers toy with the hem of my dress as I make my way to the bar. It’s a simple black dress, form-fitting with a deep V-neck that hugs my curves in all the right places. I wasn’t sure if I’d actually wear it, but here I am, thanking my lucky stars that I packed more than work clothes and pajamas. I tuck a lock of my blonde hair behind my ear, feeling the loose waves brush against my shoulders. I’m a little too aware of how I look tonight, but I can’t help it. Not when I might see him . He’s never seen me like this, I may have over did it a bit, but go big or go home.

I order a margarita, my voice almost drowned out by the noise. As I wait, someone slides up next to me, and I glance to my right. Travis Moreno leans against the bar, his smile bright and mischievous, eyes twinkling like he’s in on some secret I know nothing about.

“You came,” he says, his voice teasing. “I was starting to wonder if you’d skip out on all the fun.”

I shrug, trying to play it cool. “Figured I’d check it out.”

Travis lets out a low laugh, his arms resting casually on the bar. “Well, I think someone’s gonna be real happy you’re here.”

My heart stutters in my chest. “Oh?”

“Ryan,” he says, flashing me a grin. “He’ll be happy to see you.”

Before I can respond, Travis pushes off the bar and disappears into the crowd, leaving me standing there with a drink in my hand and a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. I glance around, scanning the room, feeling my pulse quicken.

And then I spot him.

Ryan’s at the back of the bar, sitting in a booth with Jason Bell and a couple of other guys I don’t recognize. He’s leaning back, one arm draped casually over the top of the booth, a small glass of amber-colored liquor in his hand. He looks... happy. Relaxed. He’s laughing at something Jason said, the sound deep and rumbling, and I feel my breath catch in my throat.

God, he’s handsome. More than handsome. He’s magnetic . I can’t take my eyes off him, the way his muscles fill out his shirt, the way he commands the space around him without even trying. I want to go over there, say something, but I can’t move. My feet are glued to the spot, my heart pounding in my chest. My eyes unable to leave him.

I take a sip of my drink, trying to calm myself down. It doesn’t work. I’m not usually like this—nervous, unsure. But something about Ryan throws me off balance. It’s like there’s this invisible pull between us, drawing me closer even when I’m trying to keep my distance.

I glance away, trying to focus on anything other than him, but it’s impossible. Every time I look around, my gaze finds its way back to him. I feel ridiculous standing here alone with a drink in my hand, waiting for something to happen, watching him.

“Hey, Natalie,” a voice says from behind me.

I turn to see Stephen Rodgers, the senior physician for UXW, smiling at me. I manage to smile back, grateful for the distraction. “Hey, Stephen.”

“You enjoying yourself?” he asks, leaning against the bar next to me.

“Yeah,” I say, even though my mind is elsewhere. “I just got here, but it’s nice to get out.”

Stephen nods, taking a sip of his beer. “You’ve been doing a great job, by the way. Everyone’s really happy to have you on board. If things keep going this well, I think you will absolutely be offered a permanent position,”

“Thanks. I would really love that.” I say, glancing over his shoulder to where Ryan is still sitting. He’s laughing again, his head thrown back, and I can’t stop watching him. My stomach twists. Why am I like this? It’s like I’m waiting for him to notice me, to acknowledge me in some way. It’s stupid. I don’t even know him, not really anyway. Plus, Stephen just gave me amazing news, news I should be lighting up over, but being this close to Ryan has me completely consumed.

Stephen continues talking, but I’m distracted, my attention constantly shifting back to Ryan. I sip my margarita, trying to focus on the conversation, but my heart isn’t in it. All I want is for Ryan to get up from that booth, so I catch him alone, so I can finally work up the courage to talk to him.

Why is this so hard?

I’ve never been the girl who gets flustered around guys, especially not ones like Ryan. But there's something about him, it’s like he sees right through me. And that scares the hell out of me.

I take another sip of my drink, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through my veins. Stephen is still talking, but his words blur together as my eyes drift back to Ryan. He’s still sitting there, his gaze sweeping over the room, and for a moment, just a brief second, his eyes meet mine.

I freeze.

His expression doesn’t change, but there’s something in the way he looks at me. It’s like a spark, something that ignites between us, and I feel it in the pit of my stomach.

I need to talk to him.

But I don’t know if I’m brave enough to make the first move.