8. Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Kaitlyn
This has been the longest Uber ride of my life, although it’s given me time to check my makeup one last time. “Jesus, Kait. You’d think you’d never been out on a date in your life.”
“This is not a date. It’s just people who know each other having dinner, or whatever, to get to know each other better. That’s it. That’s all.”
“That’s bullshit. Mika doesn’t clear your schedule an hour early so you can get a mani and waxed on a Friday or any damn day, for that matter. You’re not fussy like that.”
“Look who’s talking. You changed clothes like four times then went with your favorite little black dress anyway.”
“Hey, if it works, it works. I did my homework. Tobias Carter is notorious for going out in black. If I’m going to play ball, I’m playing ball.”
I wrinkle my nose. “That felt more like innuendo to me.”
“I’m in this for a home run my friend. If you feel comfortable as a wingman, I’m all good. Just know, you might be taking this ride home alone at the end of the night.”
I shake my head and make eye contact with the Uber driver in the rearview mirror. “Don’t mind her,” I tell him and he just chuckles.
The last thing I’m going to admit out loud is I’m nervous, and I’m annoyed at myself for that fact. This isn’t a date. I’ve told myself that one hundred times. I didn’t even want it to be one, but I have the same butterflies in my stomach as if it was. I still wanted to look my best. I still wanted to impress him.
“Which place are we going again?”
“It’s that whiskey bar in SoHo. Nocturne, I think it’s called.” I look at my phone and check our ETA. We are only five minutes out.
Great. Here comes the nerves again.
I’m wearing my good luck necklace. It’s a simple diamond pendant my father gave my mother when I was born. When she got sick, she put it around my neck and told me when I was happy, lonely, sad, nervous, or any emotion in between, just take the gem between my fingers and rub across it. It will not only center me, but it will let me know my mom is always right there.
The driver pulls up to the curb and the sidewalk is packed. I knew it would be a madhouse, but I also knew it was a place they enjoy. That’s what this is about. They want us to tag along with them on one of their last weekends in the city. Katarina is right. This is a place we’d never go. This whole night will be a new adventure. I just need to get over myself and have a good time. I shouldn’t put any connotations or expectations on it…both things I’m not good at doing.
We thank the driver and climb out when he opens the door for us. It takes me a moment to catch my bearings, but Katarina takes my hand, centering me a little.
“Where are they meeting us?”
“He said they’d be…” I look toward the building that houses Nocturne and sure enough, Griffin and Tobias are standing on the sidewalk, dressed to the nines in their tailored suits. “Holy shit, Kat. We’re out of our league.”
“Huh?” She follows my gaze, spotting our companions for the evening. I try to ignore the many camera phones pointed their way. “Holy shit is right, but out of our league? Babe, they’re the ones who should be nervous. Look at us. We’re hot as fuck.”
They seem lost in conversation until slowly Griffin’s head turns and we lock eyes. Even through the crowd of people, I can clearly read his lips. Mate, they’re here. He smiles as I gently tug on Katarina’s wrist to have her follow me. It doesn’t take much. Tobias and Kat connect with their eyes, and I swear to God I heard fireworks somewhere. I’ve never seen such a visceral reaction from two people in my life.
“Hello, Kaitlyn. I’d like to introduce you formally to my friend and partner, Tobias Carter. Tobias, this is Kaitlyn Logan.”
“Hi. It’s nice to meet you. This is Katarina Everett.”
“It’s a pleasure, Katarina.”
Tobias takes a half step in front of Griffin to take Kat’s hand. He leans forward just slightly before pulling the back of her hand to his lips. “The pleasure is certainly mine.”
Kat makes this weird giggle noise she tries to cover by clearing her throat. “I hope you weren’t waiting too long. That was my fault. Kait and I have been dying to get over here to Nocturne. Glad our first time will be with you.”
Griffin smirks. “Who would I be to get in between you and a first experience?” He gestures toward the door. “After you, ladies.”
Kat loops her arm through mine so she can get a whisper in before we even make the doorway. “I’m dead.”
I raise my eyebrows in response, in a way only other girls can understand. The way that says “Uh, yeah, I know. I told you there was no preparing for this.”
Nocturne is very crowded but it’s laid out in a way that doesn’t feel overly packed in. I’ve been in many bars in my life, and most of the time, I feel like a sardine in a can.
The decor is stylish, blending classic charm with industrial chic. There are exposed brick walls, rich leather booths, and armchairs perfectly placed around the space. The warm lighting casts a glow over the shelves that are stocked with an impressive collection of rare bottles from all across the world.
The bar itself is like a statement piece in the center of the room. It’s large and made of reclaimed wood with brass accents. It feels expensive.
We’re waved to a more secluded area next to the bar. A velvet rope is moved and boom, just like that we’re in VIP. We find a booth in the back corner and slide in—Katarina and I on one side, Griffin and Tobias on the other. I can’t ignore that being face-to-face with him is making my skin tingle.
“Hello, Mr. Shaw. Thank you for stopping in tonight. I trust this table is to your liking?” the host asks politely.
“It is, thank you. Tell your boss we’re grateful for the invitation.”
“There’s a button on the table in the middle. That will go straight into our paging system. Please call for me if I haven’t checked in enough. What would you like me to start you with?” they ask.
“Please bring us a bottle of the Macallan thirty-year double cask and four glasses. We’ll also take all three of your light bite offers to start. Thank you.”
As the host leaves, all I can think of is, Holy shit, he orders whiskey like I order soda. “I don’t think I’ve ever had whiskey older than I am.” I laugh. My lame attempt at humor seems to break the nervous tension I think we all feel.
“Trust me, it’s going to blow you away,” Griffin says, staring directly at me. Jesus.
“Ah,” Tobias interjects. “Griff, here, is just trying to impress you. Don’t let that fool you. He’s as down-to-earth as they come, even if he drinks six-thousand-dollar whiskey.”
“You just spent six grand like it was chump change,” Katarina says because her filter is absolutely nonexistent. “Kait.” She nudges me with her shoulder. “Flirt harder with him.”
“Kat!” My jaw is on the floor, but Griffin and Tobias toss their heads back and laugh.
“This one is fiery,” Tobias says. “I like her.”
I can feel a flush run into my cheeks and I know it’s not from anything other than sheer embarrassment. While Tobias and Kat fall into flirtatious, if not borderline complete innuendo, filled conversation, I feel Griffin’s fingers slide quickly over the top of mine. “Breathe, Kaitlyn.”
Finally, I exhale. “I’m sorry. When I said let’s hang out, I’m sort of used to hair pulled up on top of my head in a sweatshirt and flannel shorts, sitting on the floor eating pizza, and listening to music. This is all very…”
“Unexpected? Adventurous?”
“To be honest, try overwhelming.”
“I like nice things. I can afford to show those I want to spend time with those same nice things. Take tonight as it’s intended. I thought we could all use time to unwind and spend more time getting to know one another in your city. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming at all.”
I stare at him for a moment and really take him in. It’s easy to see he takes very good care of himself. His skin is beautifully clear and he’s clean-cut and well put together, but there is something so rugged about the lines of his face, and the scruff of his facial hair that is just starting to come in. He must not have shaved in a day or two. I like it that way.
“Thank you for saying that. I think I needed to hear it.”
“We aren’t scary blokes. Just relax, enjoy this life-changing whiskey, and have a good time with some new friends.”
Before I can even blink, two hours have passed in a blur of whiskey, snacks, laughter, and very pleasant conversation. It’s like we’ve all known each other for much longer than a few hours.
Kat moves to slide from the booth, announcing she needs to run to the restroom. Before I can offer to go with her, Tobias takes her hand, stating he will escort her to make sure she makes it safely. It’s clearly just an excuse to be alone with her. I give her a knowing look to make sure she’s okay with it, and she nods with a smile.
Just like that, I’m alone with Griffin Shaw… again.
“I have a feeling we may have created a monster with those two,” I declare.
Griffin chuckles. “I knew that the minute they were introduced, likely even before.”
I look over toward the bar and watch as the bartender fills glass after glass with different liquors, and I can’t help but notice every few seconds, someone in the room tries to sneak a peek of our table.
“Does that happen often?”
“What?” he asks.
“People staring. I have to admit, I don’t think they are trying to look at me.”
He cocks his head slightly and tilts the glass in his hand, letting the amber liquid swirl a bit. “Kaitlyn, have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? Anyone with a pulse stares at you.”
I let the back of my hand absorb the warmth I feel rushing through my face. “Why would they do that?”
“Because you’re beautiful,” he states those words like he is quoting facts from a contract. They were certain and matter of fact. I’m floored honestly. “Was that too forward of me to say?”
“Oh. No. I’m sorry. Didn’t I say thank you?”
Griffin chuckles quietly. “You’re not used to compliments, are you?”
“Unless they’re coming from my father or my sister, not really. It’s not a normal occurrence for me.”
“That’s quite unfortunate. I’ll have to give you twice as many to make up for others’ clear lack of vision.”
Griffin
Drinks easily morphed into comfortable conversation which bled into talks of dinner, and that led to Kaitlyn sitting next to me in the front seat of my rented Aston Martin. Tobias and Katarina insisted they’d like to sit in the back seat together because they were enjoying each other’s company quite a lot.
Traffic moves slowly throughout the city, so I’m not even sure why I opted to rent a car I wouldn’t even be able to drive at its full potential.
“This car is beautiful,” she says, sliding her hands over the plush leather seats. “Is it a V-8 or V-12?”
I glance over at her in surprise. “V-12. You know about cars?”
“My father always wanted my sister and I to be hands-on with things. I paid attention. I’ve always loved Aston Martins. I had a crush on James Bond because he drove them. Is it yours?”
I shake my head. “Only for the time I’m here. Have you ever driven one before?”
“I have never been given the chance. This is too rich for my blood, and I’m not the greatest driver in the world. I’d be too nervous.”
Suddenly, the thought of sitting in the passenger seat and watching Kaitlyn handle this car is all I can think about. “Then I guess a trip to the country will have to come to fruition before I turn this in. It would be rude of me to ask you to take the stick with an audience.”
Yes, that’s right. I just asked you out again with innuendo so rich, if Tobias was paying attention to anything other than the scent of Katarina’s neck, I would have had the highest of fives from the back seat.
“Another offer of a date before this one is even over?” she asks.
“Did we say this was a date?” I turn to her with a smirk on my face that would be the utter envy of any Cheshire cat.
“I…” she stutters. “No, it’s…”
I laugh and reach over to pat her leg, just for a moment. “Relax, Kait. I’m teasing you.” I place my hand back on the stick shift and slide it into the next gear, causing the engine to roar and vibrate in the hood. “And just for the record, this is absolutely a date.”
It doesn’t take long until I’ve pulled up to the valet stand outside of a restaurant called Sapphire. I climb out first and hand the attendant my keys, but raise my hand before the other can open the door for Kaitlyn.
“Allow me, please,” I say to him as I round the car to the passenger door, pulling it open, and extending my hand to her.
“Thank you,” she says softly as she lays her hand in mine.
“Look at you two getting cozy,” Katarina jokes when she and Tobias come to our side.
“Where is my mate and what have you done with him? He’s become a perfect gentleman. I’m not sure I can handle it.” Tobias laughs.
Before I can come up with a comeback for the ages, Kaitlyn beats me to the punch. “Would you know what a gentleman looks like? Maybe you’ve been looking in the mirror too long. I can see how that might become confusing.”
Without so much as permission, I wrap my hand around her slender hip, leading her from our stunned friends on the sidewalk. Once clear of them, I lean into her ear. “Forgive me, but I think I just fell in love with you a little. That was outstanding.”
“Well, you’re welcome, kind sir.” She laughs, tipping her head onto my shoulder briefly before I woefully break our hold to allow her entry into the restaurant first.
The lighting inside is muted, relying mostly on candles, warm overhead lights here and there, and the glow from the city shining through the large windows.
The chairs are covered in lush, cobalt-blue velvet with black, wooden tables.
“Care to sit next to me?” I ask and Kaitlyn smiles.
“Yes, please.”
The meal sails by easily and I find myself doing everything I can to make her smile during any given topic of conversation. Wine is flowing and the alcohol is causing her cheeks to flush the most attractive rosy-red color I’ve ever seen.
“Kait,” Katarina says, reaching over to take her friend’s hands in hers. “You have to tell them about the time you saved that man’s life at Elliot’s.”
Kaitlyn waves her off in response. “You’re making it sound so much cooler than it actually was.”
“Now I have to hear it,” I say.
She pulls her hair over one shoulder and rests her head on her hand and sighs. “This man, who was older, was very excitedly eating some shrimp scampi and he choked. His wife started yelling for help, so I panicked and rushed over. I’m not trained in the Heimlich maneuver, so I just did what I’d seen in television shows. Apparently, it was too aggressive. We both lost our balance and fell backward.” She starts to laugh. “And the shrimp came flying out of his mouth and landed in someone’s pasta across the dining room. It was straight out of Mrs. Doubtfire .”
The laugh that leaves my mouth is unlike anything I’ve experienced in a long time. Normally, I chuckle out of obligation while wining and dining clients. Occasionally, Tobias will get a true laugh out of me, but this is guttural and real. This woman is genuinely a ray of fucking sunshine.
“That can’t be true,” Tobias says, laughing as well. “There’s no way.”
Kaitlyn raises her hand. “Swear. Scout’s honor.”
I can tell the mixture of more time with me, the alcohol flowing, and the good company has made her infinitely more comfortable as time has progressed this evening. It pleases me deep in my chest. There’s nothing I want more than to make sure she feels safe and secure whenever she’s around me. I’m not sure where this feeling is coming from, considering I barely know her, but regardless, it’s there.
“Are we going dancing after this?” Katarina asks, clasping her hands together like she’s praying. “Please say we are. This dress looks too good not to show off under some strobe lights.”
I’d be lying if I said the idea of spinning Kaitlyn around a dance floor in that dress she’s wearing didn’t excite me on a primal level.
Kaitlyn looks to me for input, so I give it. “I think Tobias and I would like to take you anywhere else you’d like to go.”
Katarina and Kaitlyn picked a crowded club that looks like it’s been renovated from an old warehouse. The line extends from the door and all the way around the building. With Kaitlyn’s hand in mine, we follow Katarina as she leads us up to the front, where she apparently knows the bouncer.
Flash. Flash. Flash.
Someone is across the street snapping photos, using a large camera with a huge lens. Christ. It never ends.
Ignore them, I tell myself, and none of my mates for the evening seem to notice. Good.
We are led inside after Katarina places a kiss on the cheek of the large, bearded bouncer, and I’m shocked there are three times the number of bodies inside as there are outside.
There are three levels, all of which are packed to the brim with a true menagerie of different humans.
“This isn’t your usual scape, mate. You going to survive?” Tobias says.
I stuff my hands into my pockets and lean in so he can hear me. “The eye candy certainly helps.” I smile and nod toward our lovely companions for the evening.
We are barely inside the door before Katarina comes running back toward us and grabs Tobias by the hands. “Dance with me!” she commands excitedly.
“Pardon me, mate. I have an incredible woman to impress on the dance floor.” Tobias begins to roll up his sleeves as they weave through the crowd and toward the main dance floor.
In the blink of an eye, Kaitlyn and I are alone again… so I extend my hand to her. “Care for a drink? I am driving us back, so I’m stopping for the night, but I’ll gladly buy you another.”
“What? You don’t want to dance with me?” she asks with a grin.
I think the whiskey and drinks at dinner have loosened her up. I like it.
“Surely you can tell by looking at my face that all I’ve thought about since we walked into the establishment is being able to dance with you. It means unfettered access to a beautiful woman pressing herself against me.”
She places her hand in mine. “Then come on. Show me how those posh British boys do it.”
So I did.
We danced. We spent time by the bar and had some water and a couple of bites of food. We settled into an ease together, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
An hour into our time at the dance club, I point over to Katarina and Tobias, who are making out in a corner just off the main floor. “I have a feeling those two won’t be saying goodnight until the morning.”
Kaitlyn peers over my shoulder to see them. “Honestly, I’m not surprised. That girl could have chemistry with a statue.”
“We should probably get them out of here before they end up with an indecent exposure charge.”
She nods in agreement, so I settle the tab and take her hand while we make our way to our friends. I’m not sure where Kaitlyn will be going since our companions will be a little occupied… but I know I don’t want our night to end yet.