The following week passed way too fast due to the work load from studying and my job, and at the same time at the most dragging pace as I was anxiously anticipating hearing from Jake.
I got a cute message from him on Monday morning, asking me if I want to meet up later and wishing me a nice day. The goofy smile I wore on my face the entire day was just ridiculous. But I couldn't help it, how things happened on Friday night and Saturday morning, left me tingly every time I thought about it. There was a bitter-sweet taste to our conversation, later on, deciding to keep it casual, but since it was my idea and on some level, I probably did want this, I guess I should be alright with it. It's not like I want to jump in another relationship right after the Scott fiasco.
We didn't meet on Monday because I had plans in the evening, and the rest of the week he was busy at his club, so I actually haven't seen him since the weekend.
Hanna was enjoying my restlessness a bit too much and didn't lose any opportunity to tell me I'm so falling for him. I wasn't, I really wasn't. It was just sex and mind-blowing at that, so this was what I was missing the whole week. Yep, exactly this.
We finally managed to arrange our schedules and were planning on meeting on Saturday afternoon at his place, again.
However, Hanna wasn't having it. She decided, since it's Friday night, we can go and have some fun. As in having fun outside, drinking, dancing. In a club. The X to be precise.
I was firmly against the idea; I don't want to look like some desperate chic, stalking her fuck buddy at his work, instead of sticking to the plans they did. But I still couldn't deny the craving I felt for seeing him. And even though I was fighting it, Hanna convinced me and almost forcibly made me change my clothes and prep me for "a girl's night out".
I mean, there will be hundreds of people in the club, probably we won't even see each other. And if we do, I can just say I'm there with my girl and wish him a good night. Maybe give him a small peck on the lips. Hm ...
Either way, it was decided. We left my apartment a few minutes before midnight and took a cab to the club, leaving the option for both of us drinking openly.
As expected the club was already full and it took us a good 20 minutes of waiting outside in the cold in our too short and way too thin dresses for this time of the year.
I loved the place, he really did a good job. Everything looked sleek and new, but it didn't give out too much of a posh feeling, so you could easily relax and blend in with the crowd. People were already having a blast and the night haven't even properly started yet.
Hanna grabbed my hand and led me towards the bar, surely trying to start our night with alcohol so I would loosen up and stop having panic attacks if he sees me.
Even though my mission was to avoid him seeing me at all, because I really didn't want to ruin everything with looking like I'm an obsessed stalker, I couldn't help but strain my neck looking around the club in hope of getting a glimpse of his sexy wavy hair or even catch the swift of his cologne. Pathetic. What the hell am I doing, I should have waited till tomorrow.
But before I could answer to that thought, a shot of tequila was pushed in my hand with lemon on top. Oh, so not good, I shouldn't be drinking tequilas today.
"Just get that sour expression off your face, and drink the damn shot with me. You'll be a fine crazy stalker, relax."
"Oh, nice one Han. I really feel so much better now that even you called me a stalker." I couldn't even help the roll of my eyes that followed.
She started laughing like a hyena, while putting salt on her hand and then reaching out, waiting to do the same for me.
"You'll thank me later, slut. Now drink up."
I snorted at her response, but we clinked our glasses and downed the shot, cringing while sucking on the lemon.
What the hell, I'm already here. It is what it is. I ordered another round, and after the second shot I started to feel my body coming alive. It will be fine; I won't even look for him. If I see him by mistake, so be it.
It wasn't long until a couple of guys stopped next to us, eyeing us appreciatively and asking if they can buy another round.
"Well, of course, you can boys. We are drinking tequilas today, and if you are buying, you need to do the shot with us."
Hanna fluttered with her eyes at the guys, her charms in full force. I mouth 'flirt' to her and she just laughed and winked. Well, it's free booze, might as well.
After the fourth shot, we've had a good buzz going and since I started to really enjoy myself, I dragged Hanna to the dance floor. We left the guys at our spot next to the bar, telling will join them later, and then fought our way to the middle of the dance floor. The beat was insane, the music was pumping through my body and we really did a small show of our dancing. Hanna, with her crazy ginger hair and killer moves, was always in the center of attention anyway.
I haven't seen Jake once in the past 2 hours we've spent in the club and regardless of the disappointment that tried to claw itself in the back of mind, I was genuinely having a good time and it was exactly what I needed after the long tiring week.
After a couple of more songs, I had to pee badly and Hanna decided to join me, needing to take break herself. The line was long and we end up standing in front of the door, waiting for our turn. We were chatting animatedly and swaying to the beat of the music when Hanna's eyes went wide all of a sudden, looking somewhere behind my back.
I quickly turned around and there he was, in all his glory and sexiness, Jake Adams. He was in dress pants and shirt this time, his sleeves rolled up revealing his masculine forearms, his hair a sexy messy that just reminded me how wonderful was feeling them between my fingers.
And he was conversing with a woman. Of course.
She was smiling up at him, stroking his chest and he didn't mind at all. In fact, by the look on his face, he was rather enjoying himself. Ugh.
At least the fact his hands were tucked in the pockets of his pants, not touching her back, made me feel a bit better.
Something dangerously close to jealousy crept out on me and I had to look away before it would overtake my rational mind. Hanna was still looking at them and then landing her eyes on me, concern feeling her expression.
"Ok, it's our turn, let's go inside."
I pulled her behind me, leading us to the bathroom without looking back and then quickly locking myself in the toilet before Hanna can bombard me with her questions.
We said casually. I said casually. So this is it, this is what I wanted. Casual means he can flirt with whomever he wants. It's not a big deal. We are not in love and we are not in a relationship, so he can do whatever he pleases. And so can I. I hated the feeling that I wanted to rip her hands away from him and telling her to never touch him again, but I couldn't dwell on it for too long. I shouldn't. I'm a grown-up woman, and I can handle it.
When we are not together, he can do whatever he wants. And tomorrow I'll see him at his place, get a couple of unbelievable orgasms and then go home and continue where I finished. Piece of cake.
With that small pep talk, I exited the booth and went to wash my hands and retouch my makeup. Hanna was waiting there, looking at me curiously, probably waiting if I will start crying or yelling.
"What, Hanna?" I snapped a bit too harshly. "I'm fine. It's no big deal. He can do whatever he wants. We are casual. It's not like I don't talk with other guys."
"Are you sure?"
I calmed my voice somewhat. I know she was just worried.
"Yes, I am. Don't worry. Let's go out and continue where we finished. Another tequila wouldn't be bad either."
I smiled her way, a little forced but still, and when she finally nodded we returned to the club. Jake and the slutty girl who was touching him, were still there, in the same spot, with her reaching on her toes, touching his shoulders and saying something in his ear. I couldn't help but notice a small smile playing on his lips.
Hanna was flirting big time with one of them and the other started dancing with me, probably hoping to be as lucky. Well, he wasn't, because I really wasn't in the mood. I danced with him, but kept my distance; another repetition of Halloween is not happening.
At one point I looked around and from the corner of my eye saw Jake standing on the edge of the dance floor, leaning on the wall, looking my way. There was a different woman standing next to him, saying something, but his eyes never left mine. His brows were drawn together, his expression clearly displeased.
So he can flirt with all the women here and I can't dance with another guy? Like hell.
Our eyes locked and I felt my skin tingling at how hot he was looking at me, devouring me with his eyes from across the room. My knees became a bit weak and I think the sweet guy I was dancing with thought I lean into him, which he clearly took as a sign to drape his arm firmly around my waist, pulling me much closer than before.
At the same moment, Jake's facial expression became deadly and he pushed himself off the wall, looking like he was about to move in my direction, his lips set in a thin line. But truly I didn't want to talk to him and I had to stop looking at him like I want to have him all for myself.
I pushed away from the guy, informing him I'm leaving and leaned closer to Hanna to tell her I'm going home and that she should really stay here. She complained and tried protesting, but I wasn't having it. I'm not ruining her night, especially if she gets some action. After the last guy that she was seeing and he kind of disappeared on her I wanted her to have a good time. In the end she nodded, kissed my cheeks, and promise to call me tomorrow.
I turned around before taking off, but Jake wasn't there anymore, so I sighed and headed to the exit. It's for the better, I'm drunk, he is obviously busy, we'll just meet up in a few hours, have some mind-blowing sex and then continue to our routines.
I waited outside, trying to hail a cab when a sleek black BMW stopped in front of me. A tall bulky guy stepped out that I recognized as Jonathan, Jake's driver, or something.
"Good evening, Miss Cavanaugh. Mr. Adams asked me to give you a ride home." He was already opening the doors, while I tried to protest.
"That's really not necessary. Say thank you to Mr. Adams, but I will find my way home."
"Miss, I have to insist. He said not to let you leave with anyone else."
I internally groaned with irritation. What does he want now?
"Ahh, fine Jonathan. Don't want to get you in trouble. Thank you." I sat in the car that smelled like my favorite cologne and let him drive me home.
Before I managed to climb in bed and sleep away the rest of the night, I unlocked my phone and typed a quick text to Jake.
*You didn't have to do this. But thank you.*
The reply came a few seconds after.
* I wanted to.*
And before I could reply, a few seconds later another one.
*I wish I was the one taking you home.*
I didn't know what to say to his confusing ways, so I didn't say anything. I put the phone on my night desk and tried to sleep off my drunkenness.
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