Chapter 4
Aaron
The place was jumping off the walls. Aura Lounge was completely swarming with people, the heavy bass of the music vibing perfectly off the high-end, high-energy atmosphere.
The ambient lighting was dim, cutting through the haze with sharp neon blues and deep purples that reflected off the sleek, polished surfaces of the venue.
Jalen, Cal, and I had the back VIP section roped off.
As we arrived, Cal and I dapped up a few familiar faces in the crowd while Jalen stopped to chat up the massive security guard standing right before the velvet rope.
Jalen was talking low, his expression serious, almost certainly telling the guard not to let anyone near our section.
He was extremely protective over Mars, and he had a strict, no-nonsense rule about her space when they were out in public.
The security guard nodded in silent approval, dropping the rope to let us through.
We stepped up into the elevated area, where expensive leather couches lined the dim perimeter and massive marble tables sat ready, stacked with ice buckets.
I leaned back against the plush frame of the couch, scanning the main floor.
There were plenty of good-looking women out there, but they were just your average club-goers.
Nothing out of sight. Nothing that made me take a second look.
I love women, and I dated frequently, but my grueling production schedule rarely allowed for anything consistent.
Honestly, I was still surprised my boys were as locked down as they were, but truth be told, it looked good on them.
They were genuinely happy. I had watched Cal go into a deep depression a while back when he was trying to avoid his love for Nia, and I was incredibly grateful he had finally come to his senses.
Because the reality was, when you find that absolute one, you can't let her slip away.
I had yet to feel that kind of spark.
Just as my mind began to wander, the crowd near the VIP entrance parted, and the most enticing, beautiful woman stepped into the light.
My breath caught in my throat. I felt like I had seen her before, but the sheer impact of her presence made me freeze.
She was stellar. I mean, just sexy as all hell.
Her natural ginger hair flowed beautifully over her bare shoulders, a dusting of freckles spread across her rich caramel skin, and big, magnetic hazel eyes shined brightly under the club's neon lights.
She wore a daring mini skirt that showcased her long, flawless legs, and a pair of killer high heels that accentuated her curves with every intoxicating step.
She looked exclusive. Expensive. My God, I was completely captivated, unable to tear my eyes away.
Then, the puzzle pieces clicked.
Nia, Mars, and Stormy came into sight right behind her.
Pepper.
She was the wild-card friend from Mars and Jalen’s wedding. I remembered her instantly now. She had looked absolutely godly in that silk dress back then, and seeing her now, in her element, was doing dangerous things to my heart rate.
The security guard immediately drew back the velvet rope, stepping aside as the ladies filled the VIP space with a burst of laughter and perfume. Everyone erupted into greetings, pulling each other into tight hugs over the roar of the music.
"Aaron, you remember Pepper from the wedding, don't you?" Mars called out, leaning over Jalen's arm with a bright smile.
"I definitely remember," I said eagerly. I stepped forward, extending my hand. The moment our skin met, my hand lingered in hers. She felt soft, dainty, and completely electric.
She smiled up at me, revealing beautiful white teeth and full, plump lips. Now that she was standing less than a foot away, I noticed the sharp green specks dancing in her hazel eyes.
"Do you?" she countered, her voice smooth as her eyes slowly scanned over my face and shoulders. A sudden, intense wave of heat rushed straight through my body.
"Who's ready to party?!" she gleamed over the thumping music, a wicked, playful smile spreading across her face. Her eyes never left mine, locking me in place.
"I am!" Nia shouted back, raising a hand in the air.
Stormy was already flagging down the VIP waitress passing by our table. The waitress immediately stepped into the enclosure, pulling out her digital ordering pad, looking excited, and understandably so, considering the astronomical tab we were about to run up.
"What can I start you guys with tonight?" she asked loudly over the bass.
"Do you have any food specials?" Mars blurted out before anyone else could speak.
We all burst out laughing because that girl absolutely loved to eat, regardless of the venue.
The waitress grinned.
"We have a great wing and lamb chop special tonight."
"We’ll take that. With truffle fries," Mars ordered smoothly, nodding in satisfaction.
"Let’s get a bottle of your best tequila, some fresh limes, a large club soda, and extra ice," Nia told the waitress, stepping up to manage the bar setup.
Pepper leaned over the marble table, her heels shifting her weight beautifully.
"That sounds good. Can you also bring a pitcher of French 75s?"
"Oh, you guys are really celebrating tonight," Cal laughed, a massive grin on his face as he reached out and pulled Nia down onto his lap. Nia melted against him seamlessly. Beside them, Mars and Jalen were already engaged in a private conversation, completely lost in each other’s space.
Pepper and Stormy turned toward the edge of the riser, their bodies instantly swaying back and forth as they flowed effortlessly with the rhythm of the music.
I sat down on the edge of the leather sofa, picking up a fresh glass of ice.
The club was loud, the drinks were on the way, and the celebration was in full swing, but my world had suddenly narrowed down to one single point of focus.
My eyes couldn't stop glancing over at Pepper, watching the way the light caught her skin, completely blind to the fact that this was the woman who was about to turn my perfectly structured life upside down in less than thirty-six hours.