28
Good Friends
It was past midnight and Sky was already full of clubbers.
The music pulsed through Sky vibrations unhindered by the muggy air, hypnotic lights synchronised to the deejay’s chosen beats.
The atmosphere was a heady combination, teasing all the senses, intoxicating everyone with the highly charged vibe.
Jerome took up his favourite hidden spot, leaning his forearms on the chrome railing along the walkway leading from his office, allowing him to oversee the club.
It was good to be back at work after the two days he’d stayed away from the club.
He’d cherished his time with his children, but he was itching to get back into the highly charged surroundings of Sky.
He loved the buzz; it gave him a thrill and put him on a high.
Here he could forget his personal problems and immerse himself into work.
His eyes scanned the far corners of the club observing his staff charming the customers, tending to their every need, stroking their inflated egos.
All part and parcel of the nightclub business.
Gino his manager did a first class job of running the club.
The staff they’d hired were smooth, efficient, well groomed and skilled.
It was one of the reasons Sky was the top club in the city, that and its unique location.
It didn’t take long for Jerome to spot the La Casa staff table.
Arsenio was already sitting with them talking to Carmen and Nicole.
Jerome searched the club, allowing his eyes to drift from each of the bars on the many levels, down and across the three dance floors.
His heart jolted, unprepared for his reaction to seeing Dani dancing with Kuch, the ultraviolet lights that periodically flashed onto the dance floor, illuminating them as they moved provocatively against each other.
Jerome stood upright, his whole body tensing under his pristine dark blue suit.
Jerome stared on, his eyes riveted as Kuch’s hands pressed on Dani’s hips and they moved to the throbbing rhythm.
They were both clearly enjoying themselves and Jerome realised that maybe Kuch was more than a little interested in her.
He’d definitely upped his game. The idea had Jerome tightly clenching his jaw.
After a few more minutes Kuch made his way back to the table, leaving Dani to head off to one of the bars.
Dani was thankfully very easy to spot wearing a white silk jumpsuit in a sea of predominantly darkly dressed clubbers.
He watched her take a drink and then head out to the terrace with Jamie, Silvanna and Franco.
Jerome waited for a minute, then headed towards the terrace convincing himself he needed a cigarette.
“Any chance we can get our secret Santa shopping done next week?” whispered Silvanna to Dani.
“Sure, how about Tuesday afternoon, between three and five, I’m not working.”
Silvanna dragged on her cigarette. “Cool, any ideas what to get him?”
“Um, yes, actually…”
Silvanna’s eyes widened and she shook her head, indicating Dani should stop talking. Dani furrowed her brow confused at her sudden change of heart until she heard the familiar raspy voice of Jerome greeting Jamie and Franco.
“Hey boss, where have you been hiding?” Franco joked as he shook Jerome’s hand.
Jerome gave a soft laugh. “Nice to know you missed me.”
Dani had twisted around to see him and he caught her eye. He nodded at both Silvanna and Dani. “Ladies.”
“Hey, Jerome.” Silvanna grinned at him, then stubbed out her cigarette. “I’m off inside,” she said, shivering to Dani, then stepped towards the door, leaving Dani standing awkwardly by the heater.
The men started talking about some football match that had been on that afternoon so Dani sat down on one of the nearby couches not wanting to look out of place.
She rolled her glass between her hands nervously, thinking she wished it was something a lot stronger than water.
Well, at least she’d managed to see Jerome tonight, even if it was somewhat awkward.
Dani was just about to get up when Jerome came from around the couch and stood in front of her.
“Hi.” Dani looked up at him, unsure of what else to say.
“Hi. Mind if I sit?” he waved at the space next to her.
“Sure. It’s all yours.” Then she stifled a grin, realising her comment had a double meaning.
“Yes, it is actually,” Jerome joked as he lowered himself onto the couch.
Dani chuckled, glad that the tension had been slightly defused.
“Enjoying yourself?” he looked at her sideways leaning a little forward.
“Yes, very much. It’s nice to get out and I love dancing.” Dani instantly blushed, thinking back to the charity dinner, three nights ago.
Jerome licked his lips and smirked obviously remembering it too, leaning closer he lowered his voice. “I know.”
Dani laughed softly and shifted a little towards him, allowing herself to get a good look at him. The dark blue suit jacket, tight around is muscular arms and his open necked, matching shirt revealing a light dusting of chest hair. He was always so well dressed, so well put together.
Jerome took a deep breath, turning himself so that he was almost facing her. “You looked like you were really enjoying the last dance.” He jerked his head towards the door leading back into the club.
Dani’s face dropped, knowing what he was implying. His eyes fixed on her face. “Yes, um, Kuch, he’s a good dancer.”
“Mmm.” Jerome pulled on his bottom lip with his thumb and fore finger thoughtfully.
“He’s just a friend,” Dani muttered, looking down at her glass, feeling an inexplicable need to explain.
“Do you dance with all your friends like that?” there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone and the minute he’d asked the question, he’d regretted it. He was behaving like a jealous school boy, acting on impulse again. Jeez, he really needed to think before he opened his mouth.
Dani looked up sharply at him, her expression clearly stunned. What? What on earth was it to him with whom she danced with and how? What was his problem? Dani put down her glass on the table and stood up. Well screw him, how dare he! What was it to him anyway?
“Only if they’re good friends and if they actually bothered to ask me.“ She tried hard to keep her tone measured, but it was obvious she was on the defensive.
Jerome immediately stood up, his expression betraying how mortified he was that he’d offended her. “I didn’t mean…”
Dani waved her hand in front of her interrupting him.
“You don’t need to worry, Jerome. Kuch and I are just friends.
I know you don’t like staff being involved.
Believe me, it’s the last thing on my mind right now.
I’m just getting over a very difficult and sticky relationship and I seriously don’t need any more grief right now.
” Dani glared at him as she stood stock still, squaring up to him.
“I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I apologise.” He smiled almost sheepishly.
Dani narrowed her eyes at him, unsure of what to say. Then she sighed and nodded, appeased by his apology.
“Friends?” he coaxed as he held out his hand for her to shake.
“Friends.” Dani took his hand and shook it firmly, allowing a smile to curl over her lips.
“Just friends, though,” Dani added. Jerome cocked his head to one side, confused.
“We’re not good friends yet, so I won’t be dancing with you like that.
“ She jerked her head towards the door leading back into the club.
Jerome laughed huskily, delighted by her witty comeback. She really was a breath of fresh air. “I deserved that.”
Dani grinned back at him, pleased she’d managed to make him laugh. She pulled her hand out of his realising she was still holding it and immediately left the loss of its warmth.
“But you’ll dance with me again, then?” his eyes sparkled mischievously.
Dani twisted her mouth pretending she was contemplating his question. “Maybe I will, if you bother to ask me.”
He laughed louder, causing the wrinkles around his eyes to meet up with the ones around his glorious mouth.
“I deserved that too. Still biting I see.”
Dani pursed her lips together to stifle her grin and nodded. Jeez, he was just so damn sexy! How could she be mad at him?
“I’m going back in.” Dani wrapped her arms around herself suddenly feeling the cold air and the need to get away from him.
“Of course.” Jerome’s eyes softened.
“I might see you tomorrow though?” she added as they walked towards the door.
“Tomorrow?”
“At The Lodge opening, Joseph’s hotel?”
Jerome had totally forgotten about the opening. What with Liz having her meltdown and her trip to Spain, it had gone clean out of his head.
“You’re going?”
Dani nodded. She reached for the door handle but Jerome got to it first and pulled it open.
“Well then, I probably will see you there.” He looked straight into her eyes, invading her space again, knowing damn well he’d make sure to be there if she was.
“Um, sure I’ll see you later, then?”
“Domani.”
“Si domani.“ She grinned.
It was almost one o’clock by the time Dani made her way back to the table. She knew she’d need to leave soon if she was going to be any fit state to be supportive of Gia tomorrow.
Dani felt a hand gently touch her waist and she turned around sharply, only to be confronted by a smirking Arsenio.
“Well hello, you. I didn’t realise you were here tonight.” He leaned up close to speak into her ear, so that she could hear him over the music.
“Hello, Seni.” Dani couldn’t hide her surprise. “I was dancing and then went to cool off.”
“Well, I have to say my evening just got decidedly more interesting.” He took hold of her hand and lifted it to his lips kissing it softly. “Dance with me?”
“I was just about to leave.” Dani felt her face flush.
“It’s too early to leave and I know you’re not working tomorrow. Come on, it’s already past midnight Cinderella, so dance with me. You owe me anyway.”
“Owe you?”