Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22540 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Things were natural and easy with Hayes. It felt as if I’d known him for ages, and when we were together, I didn’t even notice our age difference. We were just two people who enjoyed each other’s company. I was happier and more relaxed than I could ever remember being.
“Are you ready to go check out the club?” Hayes asked once all of our food was gone.
Honestly, I was stuffed full of steak and chocolate, and all I wanted to do was sit in a lounge chair beneath the stars and unbutton my shorts for a while, but I’d promised Hayes to accompany him, and I had no intention of going back on my word. So, I answered, “Let’s go.”
Chapter Four
Hayes and I made our way to the main deck and followed a long hallway of windows, which looked out over the dark water and clear night sky. It was a peaceful view, but all peacefulness was driven away by a thumping beat as we neared the Surfside Dance Club.
I followed Hayes through a glass door into the club, and the noise intensified ten fold. Music blasted over speakers in every corner, and conversations were screamed between small groups of people all around the room.
The club was dark, but colorful laser lights shone from the ceiling, spinning and blasting me right in the corneas every few seconds. It was hot, crowded, and disorienting inside, but I stayed the course, following Hayes across the floor to a bar in the back.
He leaned in closer to my ear to say, “I thought we could get a drink before we jumped in.”
“Good idea.” It was going to take some liquid encouragement for me to settle down.
The bartender appeared before us, and Hayes and I each ordered a screwdriver, just like on the airplane. However, these drinks came pre-mixed, and tasted quite a bit stronger when I downed mine in one sip. Hayes chuckled at me before shrugging and tossing his drink back as well.
“Would you like another?” I asked him, but Hayes shook his head.
“Maybe in a few minutes. Will you dance with me?”
I looked over the crowd and my stomach dropped. There were dozens if not a hundred or more people packed in the club. Everyone was young, toned, and talented on the dance floor, bumping and grinding like it was their job. I didn’t belong; if I tried to join in, I’d look like a crusty old Weeble-Wobble just tottering back and forth.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
He nodded and gave me a half-smile, but I could tell he was disappointed. His grin didn’t make his eyes sparkle the way it normally did. I hated seeing him upset, and decided that maybe another screwdriver might give me the motivation to make an ass of myself. Hell, I’d drink a whole tool box if it meant making Hayes happy.
But before I could order another one, my attention was caught by a familiar face approaching us. That familiar face was attached to a sculpted body, dressed in nothing but skimpy shorts and glitter.
“Hey, you,” the former Speedo wearer greeted Hayes as he stepped toe to toe with him. “I’ve been watching for you to arrive.” Anger bubbled in my gut when the man grabbed both of Hayes’ hands. “Ready to dance?”
“Sure,” Hayes replied with a fully genuine smile, making me kick myself for turning him down. He looked over at me and added, “I’ll be back.”
“Oh, are you two…together?” the other man asked as he looked over at me, sounding skeptical and even a little disgusted. Sure, Hayes was way out of my league, but the guy didn’t have to make it so obvious.
“This is my friend Jesse,” Hayes answered, nodding at me, and sending my heart sinking into my stomach.
“Oh. Hi,” the man answered, obviously not wanting to give me the time of day, before pulling Hayes away and into the gyrating crowd.
My heart sank further with each step they took. It felt like this beautiful man was being ripped away from me, and it was all my fault. I couldn’t blame him for wanting to have fun; he’d even invited me into it and I declined. Instead of making my desires clear as I planned to do, I was probably sending mixed signals.
All I could do was watch the two of them. Their bodies fit together perfectly as they rocked to the beat, their chests grazing against one another. They laughed at something I couldn’t hear, and Hayes’ face was alight with happiness; happiness I didn’t give him.
I assumed that neither of them would pay me any attention as I creepily watched from across the room, but glitter-man proved me wrong when his eyes momentarily locked with mine. He shot me a smirk before wrapping his arms around Hayes’ hips and pulling him closer.