Page 108 of The Arrogant One

This was where we’d hung out for the last couple of hours, the club slowly getting busier, and now it was packed.

“I never thought I’d say this, given that I’m not a club girlie,” I voiced to Bryn, my shoulder pressed against hers—we were standing so close—“but the more crowded it gets in here, the more fun it feels.”

“I think that’s usually how clubs work, no?” She took a sip of her drink. “Not that I have a lot of experience. I can’t even remember the last time I was at a place like this—college maybe—but I assume the more people, the more …opportunities.” As she emphasized that word, she gave me an expression I recognized.

“Oh, yes, this has to be the mecca of one-night stands.”

“Followed by a shit ton of regret.” She snorted. “You’re one of the few I know whose night of romping turned into something amazing.”

I tilted my whole body toward my best friend. “And this is all his”—I quickly glanced around—“which is wild to me. A Weston—what are the chances? My God.”

“No kidding.” She pointed at the ceiling, her nails short and pink, like mine. “But it’s one gorgeous club. Whoever designed and decorated it deserves an award.”

She was right. Everywhere I looked was something beautiful—from the large oval domes that hung from the ceiling, caging the couples dancing within them, to the white scarves weaved above the cages in a pattern that looked like clouds. Everything from the cages down was mirrored and glass,painted or decorated in black or white. The only pop of color was their signature drink, a rich pink they were known for and was served at all their locations.

“Even this is pretty.” I held up my tumbler, the glass thick and concave, somewhat resembling the curves of a woman’s body.

“Right? And whatever it is, I can’t get enough of it.” She took a sip. “What do you think they put in here? Besides vodka, obviously.”

I filled my mouth with some to refresh my palate. “Fresh lime, fresh orange, muddled cranberries, simple syrup and”—I took another drink—“a splash of Cointreau.”

“So, you’re telling me it’s a fancy cosmo?”

“A cosmo-ish.”

My phone vibrated from my purse, which was pressed against my hip so I could feel it, and I pulled it out and read the screen. There was a text from Lockhart about getting on his knees the second I walked through his door—that was how badly he wanted me.

My God, that man.

He got sexier and more delicious by the day.

Me

I want THAT.

How am I supposed to survive the night with all this teasing?

“When’s the article on Musik due?” Bryn asked.

I slipped my phone away and folded my hands over the banister, taking a deep breath as the stress returned to my chest. “Immediately.”

“What are you going to say about the club?”

I could feel her eyes on me.

“You mean, what’s running through my head right now?” Ilooked at her. “A lot. In addition to a lot-lot-lot.” My head fell back, and my eyes closed as I whispered, “This is beyond messy, and it keeps getting messier,” just loud enough for her to hear me.

“I don’t envy you.”

My eyes opened, and I set my drink on top of the banister, looping my arm around hers. “Musik is going to get a good review. Even though it’s not our thing, that won’t affect my opinion. If I were a club-goer, I’d come here. And despite not being one, I’m still really enjoying myself, and our drinks have been delicious.”

“I figured. We’ve had too good of a time for you to rate this anything but stellar.” As she gazed at me, her eyes widened. “It’s Toro I’m freaking out about.”

“Me too.”

She was silent for a few seconds. “Subject change because I don’t want to make you more anxious than you already are.” She tucked a blonde curl behind her ear, revealing the hoops I’d bought her for Christmas. “I went on a date with Office Guy.”

I squeezed her arm, even shaking it. “What? Why didn’t you tell me? I want to spank you right now, woman!”