24. Alex
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
alex
She’s trying to kill me in that goddamn dress. Give me a heart attack and put me out of my misery. It’s been nearly impossible to keep my hands to myself when her bare legs are pressed up against mine.
I’m itching to touch her. Claim her.
Show every other man in this goddamn arena that she’s mine.
Except she’s not.
The reality of my situation is the only thing that has stopped me from truly crossing the line. Turning all of my words from tonight into action. Because I’ve been incapable of keeping my mouth shut.
I had to express how gorgeous she looked.
Tell her how every person in this arena can’t keep their eyes off her.
It wouldn’t surprise me if men were salivating at the way the tight black dress hits her upper thigh, covering just enough to be appropriate while also leaving very little to the imagination.
Not to mention how the back of her dress is almost nonexistent, plunging to the top of her ass.
If I could envision the sexiest outfit she could wear, this one would top it tenfold.
God, how I wish circumstances were different.
We’ve only exchanged a few words since the show started, occasionally commenting on the performance. Nothing too in-depth. Never making eye contact.
That doesn’t mean I haven’t been looking at her. I do it every chance I get when she’s engrossed in what’s happening on stage. I can’t help myself. It’s like being close to a beautiful work of art and being told you can’t stare. Fucking impossible.
“Last award of the night,” she whispers, leaning closer to me. “Do you think he has a chance at winning?”
I tilt my head toward hers. “Yeah. Jake should win, based on the year he’s had. Chart-topping album for months. Record-breaking tour.”
Chelsi nods, biting the corner of her lower lip.
“I can’t imagine how nervous Kate is, knowing all the cameras are going to be pointed at them.
” She clenches her hands and shivers. “I want this night to go well for her. She deserves to celebrate after one of these events, not get caught up in online bullshit.”
Without thinking, I reach over and take her hand, intertwining our fingers. “She’ll be fine no matter what happens. Kate’s really lucky to have a friend like you.”
Chelsi turns her head, looking directly at me with the most jaw-dropping smile and her cheeks stained with a blush.
In that moment, everything disappears. I allow myself to get lost in her eyes. Memorizing every inch of her face. How her lips part. The way her breathing becomes slightly ragged. The pounding of her pulse. I’m mesmerized by this woman.
When the crowd erupts around us, the spell is broken, zapping us back to reality.
Quickly realizing Jake has won Entertainer of the Year, as the cameras pan to him and Kate in the audience.
Wide grins grow across both our faces as we remain silent, holding hands like it’s the most normal thing for us to do.
And I don’t want to let go.
Standing in the corner with a cold beer in my hand, I scan the room, my eyes searching for her.
The past hour was a blur, trying to exit Bridgestone Arena and making our way to the chartered buses Jake hired to transport everyone this evening.
Although we arrived at the afterparty together, Kate quickly whisked Chelsi off to introduce her to a few other people.
Meanwhile, I’ve kept to myself like usual. Nursing my drink, I’ve tried to keep my eyes locked on her. Watching the countless men who flock to her side, wanting to learn her name. Seeing how she smiles and laughs at their jokes. Praying none of them are worthy of her time and attention.
“Whatcha doing?” Zac asks, showing up out of nowhere and smacking my back. “Surprised to see you at one of these things.”
“Jake insisted I come. Something about wanting the entire team to be together.”
Zac stares at me. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”
“Yep.”
He shakes his head. “Don’t buy it. You’ve been watching her all night. Haven’t been able to take your eyes off her.” He pauses, taking a sip of his whiskey. “I believe she’s in the bathroom with a few other girls. Saw them head in that direction when I was coming your way.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lie, forcing myself to take a long drink.
“Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that. Won’t change how you feel about her.
” Zac moves until he’s in front of me, making direct eye contact.
“You can try to pretend you’re not interested in Chelsi, but your face tells another story.
After more than ten years of working with you, I’ve never seen you act like this about anyone. Ever.”
“It’s not what you—”
He holds his hand up. “Don’t bother lying to yourself or me. Man up and tell her how you feel. If you don’t, you’re going to watch another guy win her heart. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s someone you know.”
I swallow hard. “I don’t know if I can let someone else in again.”
Zac’s face relaxes slightly. “I get it. Trust me, I do. But from what I know about Chelsi, she’s worth it.
” He clasps his hand on my shoulder. “You can’t keep letting your past haunt you.
It’s time for you to open up again. I’d hate to see you miss your chance because you’re still punishing yourself. ”
Fuck. Is that what I’ve been doing all this time?
“What if… What if she wants more than I can give her?” I ask with a slight tremble in my voice.
Zac chews on the inside of his cheek and scrunches his brow.
“You cross that bridge when you get to it. I think—I know—she’ll understand whenever you tell her about what happened.
Why you’ve made the decisions you have. Anyone who knows you and loves you will get it.
It’s why you’re one of the few good ones left in the world. ”
His words hit me square in the chest, cracking open the vault where I’ve kept all my feelings buried for so long. Reaffirming I was right to tell Zac about my past many years ago, instinctively knowing he’d understand, given the time he spent in the Navy after he graduated high school.
I nod, gripping his other shoulder and squeezing. A silent thank-you for the kick in the ass I needed.
“Looks like I need to go find someone,” I say, preparing to walk in the direction of where I last saw Chelsi.
“And who is that someone? Is it anyone I might know?”
My mouth goes dry, knowing exactly who I’ll find when I turn around—the woman who drives me insane with want and need. The one I’m desperate to spend time with. The breathtaking beauty whose heart I’m determined to win.
With one long, deep breath, I take a second to center myself before facing her.
How did she get more gorgeous since the show ended?
She’s wearing the same exact outfit, but now there’s a deep blush to her face. Her lips appear plumper, like they’re begging to be kissed. And there’s a hint of mischief in her eyes.
It’s now or never. Time to see whether I can figure out how to make this woman mine.
“I was actually looking for you.”
“Oh really,” she replies, tugging her lower lip between her teeth and tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “Did you want me for any specific reason? Preferably something highly inappropriate.”
I blink rapidly, trying to wrap my head around what she’s suggesting and how to respond.
As much as I want Chelsi to end up in my bed, eventually, I’m determined not to let that happen anytime soon, no matter how much my cock may hate me for it.
She deserves to be properly wooed. Shown she’s worth so much more than sex.
“Because I’m dying to get out of these clothes,” she whispers, closing the distance between us.
I gulp and press my lips together tightly, preventing myself from saying the words my body is screaming at me to utter.
“Any chance you’d want to leave here with me?” She arches her eyebrows and grins.
Teetering on the edge of control, I take my fingertips and caress them down her covered arm, watching a shiver course through her body with my touch. “I’d be happy to take you anywhere, Chelsi. I’d do anything to spend more time with you.”
“Thank God!” she exclaims. “I’m dying for some actual food. Please tell me you know where the closest In-N-Out Burger is?”
I chuckle. “I do. Come with me. I’ll take care of you.”
Holding out my hand and staring intently into her eyes, I wait with bated breath, hoping that tonight is the start of something: a friendship that hopefully turns into more.
“I finally get why celebrities head here after an awards show. There’s something about a greasy burger and fries that hits the spot after spending hours getting ready and sitting in an uncomfortable dress.
” A soft moan escapes Chelsi as she takes another bite of her burger.
“So glad you encouraged me to get the milkshake.”
“Happy to be of assistance,” I reply, grinning at her from across the booth as I pop a french fry into my mouth.
“Thanks again for the piggyback ride to your truck and the restaurant. Probably going to need one when we leave, too. These shoes were not meant to be worn this long.” She winces.
“I might also need help unzipping my dress a tiny bit if I want to scarf down everything we ordered. I don’t think the designer envisioned people needed to eat, breathe, or pee in it. ”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Your request is my command, my lady,” I reply, taking another bite of my burger. There isn’t anything Chelsi could ask me to do that I wouldn’t seriously consider.
“Oh…my lady, how fancy. I did always envision myself as a potential princess.” She arches her eyebrows and lets out the most heartwarming giggle. “Assuming princesses have foul mouths, drawers filled with sex toys, and prefer tattoos to crowns.”
“Sounds exactly like the kind of princess I’d want in my life.
” My chest tightens the moment the words leave my mouth, terrified of how she might interpret my statement.
It dances along the line between telling her I’m interested and not being too direct.
It wasn’t planned by any means, but I’m not surprised it came out.
After spending more time with her and the swift kick in the ass Zac gave me tonight, my heart clearly knows what it wants.
My brain, on the other hand, is in the midst of a full-blown meltdown.
“Is that so?” she asks before taking a long sip of milkshake. Although the restaurant is packed, all I can hear is the slurping she’s making as my eyes intently watch her every move. “I guess it’s a good thing you met me, then.” She winks at me before pulling out her phone and beginning to scroll.
She has no idea how much my life has changed since she walked into it. How often she occupies my thoughts and dreams.
“Eek!” Chelsi gasps, quickly covering her mouth as multiple people in the restaurant turn in our direction.
“People love Kate’s dress. Her entire outfit.
The pictures of her and Jake are stunning.
Thank God the online reaction is better than last time.
” She clutches her phone to her chest with a dazed expression on her face.
“You seem overly excited for her. Is there more to it?” I ask, curious why she seems lost in her own little world.
Chelsi nods, then bites the corner of her lip.
“I helped Addison with Kate’s look for tonight.
Actually,” she pauses for a second, taking a deep breath before continuing, “I may have picked out everything Kate wore tonight. I knew she looked incredible, but I was worried about how the internet trolls might react, especially after what happened last year. I wanted her to have a great red-carpet experience—one she would remember forever.”
“You’re a really incredible friend and person, Chelsi,” I say, my voice full of sincerity. “Have you ever considered a career in fashion? I know it’s definitely not my forte, but you seem to know what you’re doing.”
Chelsi smiles wistfully at me. “I wish. I’d love nothing more than to talk clothes all day, but I don’t know if that’s the most responsible thing to do at my age.
” She sighs loudly, slouching slightly in the booth.
“I thought I’d have more of my life figured out by the time I was thirty-five.
Definitely didn’t envision being single, unemployed, and living at my best friend’s house. ”
I reach across the table. Her face softens as she places her hand on top of mine. “Maybe your luck is about to change. Maybe everything you’ve gone through was about getting you to this moment. Who knows, your dream career, man, and home might be just around the corner.”