23. Chelsi
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
chelsi
Stilettos weren’t meant to climb the Bridgestone Arena stairs.
Neither was the long-sleeved minidress I’m wearing that fits my body like a glove and causes a sheen of perspiration to drip down my back as I attempt to move.
Definitely didn’t think about what it’s going to be like to sit in this dress, either.
This must be my punishment for being completely irrational and jumping at the opportunity to attend the ACM Awards with the rest of Jake’s team.
Completely ignoring all logical thought, only caring about looking hot, even though I’ll be sitting in the nosebleed seats with God only knows who, considering Kate’s in the front row with Jake; the band’s backstage, preparing to perform at some point during the show; Anna’s running around trying to manage her numerous clients; Max is likely having a coronary over something; and Jason is doing whatever the fuck Jason does at these things.
That leaves…
My breath hitches when I see Alex sitting a couple of rows up from where I’m standing with an empty seat next to him.
He’s here.
I knew there was a chance he could come, but I was too nervous to ask Kate about it or bring it up to Alex at the gym. I didn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression. We’re just friends, no matter how hard Jake may want it to turn into something more.
Or how much I might be curious about what it could be like to be with Alex.
Heat builds in my core, causing me to stop walking and briefly clench my thighs.
The last thing I need is to be turned on for the next three or four hours while I sit next to him.
This dress is very unforgiving when it comes to undergarments, so I mistakenly decided to go commando for the evening.
Probably going to regret that decision very quickly.
Alex’s sultry gaze feels like a weight on my chest, holding me down yet somehow also pulling me toward him. Like a moth to a flame. The rest of the room disappears as I make my way up the stairs.
He stands up when I approach my seat. “You look… You look breathtaking.”
I can feel the heat of his eyes raking over my body. Examining every inch of me, almost like he’s cataloging this moment to store in the back of his mind forever.
It’s overwhelming. Exhilarating. And slightly terrifying.
No one has ever elicited this reaction from me, and he’s able to do it with a single look. One glance and I’m ready to tear down every single wall I’ve built up over the past couple of months. Ready to give him a chance if he wants one. Prepared to be devastated if he doesn’t.
He holds out his hand. “Do you need help getting into your seat?”
I nod, placing my hand in his. Immediately, the sensations from the other night at dinner come racing back. The electric tingle where his skin touches mine. The heat of his skin and how it spreads throughout my body. The way my heart races from his touch.
What is wrong with me?
I blink rapidly, trying to clear my mind as I contort my body to make it possible to sit in this dress. He continues to hold my hand, bracing my weight until I’m finally in the chair, then he takes the one next to me.
“Should’ve worn another dress,” I mutter, regretting everything about my outfit tonight. “That’s what I get for choosing form over function.”
Alex chuckles, then leans toward me until his lips are barely brushing my ear. “I’m glad you didn’t. Every man in here is staring at you. Hoping you’ll look their way. Wishing you were on their arm.”
My mouth slightly opens as a shiver runs down my spine.
“But I’m the lucky bastard who gets to sit next to you.”
Yep. Totally should’ve worn underwear. Really hoping they clean these seats after the show because I’m not going to be able to control what I leave behind if he keeps talking like this.
Alex adjusts himself, changing his position so he’s facing the stage. A chill spreads throughout me with the absence of his hot breath on my skin.
What is happening?
One minute, I’m practically sweating while climbing the stairs. The next, I want a blanket—an Alex-sized one, preferably draped all over me and naked.
Oh my God. I need to stop this.
Squeezing my thighs together, I focus on my breathing, hoping to control whatever irrational hormones have decided to take over my body without warning. That’s the only explanation. There’s no way a man can have this much power over me when I barely know him.
We haven’t even had sex, and it’s like he already has a roadmap to Orgasm Town.
Population: Me.
“Excited for tonight?” Alex asks, gripping his muscular thighs. Ones I’ve stared at way too much when he uses the leg press machine and fantasized about how they could prop me up while he fucked me against a wall.
Yep. Definitely got myself off to that image last night. This is becoming a real problem.
“Yeah. It’s my first awards show. I love all of the glitz and glamour,” I reply, gesturing to the packed, boisterous arena. “Plus, who doesn’t love the opportunity to get all dolled up for the evening. Beats lounging on the couch in sweatpants and eating my body weight in ice cream.”
He smirks. “Sweats and ice cream are more my scene. Very few things can surpass the sweetness of Moose Tracks. Makes you want to lap them up.” He turns his head, eyeing me up and down before meeting my gaze. “Desperate to lick every last drop.”
Holy fuck.
Did he? Is he? He couldn’t be…
I gulp hard. “So, you’re a fan of ice cream, I take it.”
“Among other things.” He runs his tongue across his lower lip, sending a goddamn bolt of lightning straight to my pussy.
Is he trying to make me come in my seat?
At this point, it’s not going to take much.
The lights in the arena dim, flashing a few times to indicate the show’s about to start.
“Probably should be quiet now,” he murmurs as his fingertips graze my bare thigh, making it impossible for me to know whether it’s an accident or intentional.
“Yeah,” I pant, clasping my hands in my lap, trying to gain control of my body.
He leans toward me again, his warm breath cascading down my neck. “Well, if you need anything…I’m right here.”
“Oh…okay,” I whisper, unable to form any other words.
“Enjoy the show,” he replies before sitting straight, his eyes focused on the stage.
Normally, I’d be enthralled by every aspect of the awards show. Completely immersed in the performances. Critiquing everything the presenters and host said. Evaluating what people wore.
But none of those things happen.
Instead, I struggle to breathe, thanks to the hot, incredibly sexy man next to me. Attempting to convince myself I’m merely horny for something that isn’t battery-operated.
Crafting a goddamn pro-con list in my head about sleeping with Jimmy. That’s how unhinged I’m getting from Alex’s presence.
He’s making me feel things I don’t understand. Want things I can’t have. Starting to believe there might be someone out there who finds me as captivating as Jake finds Kate.
And wondering if it could be Alex.