7. Serena
7
SERENA
E verything feels different.
Logan gave me his virginity.
I was the first woman he ever slept with.
But damn, if he hadn’t told me that, I never would have known it. He knew exactly what he was doing.
I didn’t get much sleep last night because I couldn’t think of anything but Logan.
I need more of him.
The power has been restored, and the power company never stated there was an outage.
I half hoped to have a good morning or something from Logan, but there’s nothing.
My phone rings, and I jump, looking down to see Lila’s face flash across the screen.
“Girl, why couldn’t I get a hold of you last night?”
“My phone died while I was at the shop, and then the power went out, soooooo…”
“You’re the only person I know who forgets to charge their phone.”
“It’s more of a paperweight than anything.” I laugh. “I do all of my work on the tablet, and the phone is really just for you and my sister to call me.”
“How are things going with the hottie next door?”
“Ummm,” I hesitate.
“Oh my God,” she breathes. “You slept with him?”
“How did you get that from that?” I giggle.
“Because I know you, Serena. You don’t hesitate unless there’s a reason. Spill it now.”
“The power went out, and he came to check on me. It just kind of happened.”
“So you tripped on some boxes and fell on his dick? Is that how it just kind of happened?”
“No,” I laugh. “There was so much tension between us after he kissed me and…we took care of that.”
“And you’re going to see him again, I hope.”
“Considering I’m planning his niece’s birthday party, yes. As far as any other capacity, I don’t know.”
“Don’t stress. That man would be crazy not to call you, text you, be obsessed with you.”
“I don’t want any other dudes obsessed with me,” I sigh.
“Girl, Chad was a freak and not mentally stable. That won’t happen again.”
“I want to believe that. But I don’t have the best track record.”
“If you think about it, no one does if they’re single. You’ve done a lot of work on yourself, and you can’t keep saying things like that. This new you doesn’t have a track record.”
“You’re right. I didn’t think of it that way.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” she giggles.
“So, was it amazing? I bet he’s so good in bed. He’s so damn hot. Oh, my goodness, wouldn’t it be horrible if a man that hot had the tiniest of dicks or worse…didn’t want to go down on you or know what to do with his cock.”
“The worst,” I laugh. “I’ve heard stories.”
“Me too,” she laughs.
“It was good. It was…not awkward or weird like other first times with a guy.”
“That’s good. Any messages today?”
“No, but that’s not abnormal. He will randomly show up at the store, though.”
“Give him time. Contrary to popular belief, guys are insecure after sex, too. Few of them want to break the mold and be seen as weak or too clingy by texting first thing in the morning after sex. Or just…”
“Maybe.”
The power outage and the encounter with Logan are still fresh in my mind, a mix of confusion and new emotions swirling around. I’m at the candy store, trying to focus on tidying up the mess left from the previous night.
“I’m serious. Just stay busy and focus on what you need to do. He’ll call or text or show up bearing gifts of love.”
“Stop with that word,” I giggle. “You’re incorrigible.”
“But it got you out of your head.”
“That it did.”
I’m adjusting a shelf when the bell above the door jingles. I look up to see Logan entering, looking both casual and guarded. An undercurrent of awkwardness tempers his usual confident demeanor. I feel it, too.
“Oh hey, Lila, I have to call you back.”
“Is he there?” she gasps before I hang up on her.
“Good morning, Serena,” he smiles. “How’s the shop?”
“Hey,” I reply, forcing a smile. “It’s getting back to normal. What brings you by today?”
“I thought I’d bring you coffee. I’m going to set it down here and then back away, so I don’t end up wearing it again.”
“Ha ha,” I tease. “But thank you, this is really sweet.”
“I have my moments,” he shrugs.
“How was your building? Was it a break-in?”
“No, ma’am. Well, if it was, they were thwarted by my amazing security and technological advances,” he shrugs with a laugh.
“Oh,” I make a face.
“Did you hope that I had another answer?”
“No,” I chuckle. “I guess I had already told myself that there was a nefarious plot to take important spy gadgets by the Russians or something.”
“Sorry to disappoint.”
“I should back away from the Russian Spy thriller books,” I giggle as I climb down from the ladder I’m on.
“Is that what you’re reading? I figured you for a romance girl?”
“Meh,” I smile. “Every nonfiction book has some sort of romance in it when you think about it. Despite who your target audience is, everyone loves a little romance. It’s what keeps readers engaged.”
“You seem to know a lot about it.”
“My creativity knows no bounds. I’m a reader, a writer, a drawer, you name it.”
“That’s pretty impressive.”
“I’m certain you have just as many skills in different areas.”
He shrugs and walks around the store. “Your creative brain makes sense.”
“How so?”
“Creatives are notoriously disorganized.”
“I’m not disorganized.”
He shoots me a look and I want to smack it off his face.
“Okay.”
“Do you insult everyone like this, or am I just special?”
“I wasn’t insulting you,” he chuckles. “It’s your fault if you took it that way. I was merely understanding you.”
I inwardly growl.
Yep, I do still have a type. Always the sucker for the asshole.
“Is there anything else that you need?”
“I thought we could talk about Abby’s party. I want to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.”
“I do this for a living. Do you always micromanage like this?”
Is that why you came by? Or can you not stop thinking about me either?
“I don’t micromanage. I simply make sure things get done correctly and on time.”
“That explains why you’re so uptight. You think you have to control everything, or it won’t get done.”
“Excuse me?”
“I bet there’s not a day that’s gone by that you haven’t questioned people fifty times or checked in on their progress since you started your company.”
“It’s my company. I have to make sure it’s run right, or thousands of people will be without a job.”
“I’m not saying that it’s wrong. Besides, you offered me constructive criticism but don’t handle it so well when it’s turned toward you.”
“You know nothing about running a company.”
“I’m a small business owner. While it’s not the same scale as yours, I still know what it’s like to have everything riding on the work of others. Don’t treat me like a child.”
“I’m not…”
He stops mid-sentence before he blows out a long breath and then walks over to the fudge section. As he stares at the different confections behind the glass border, he inhales slowly. I notice that he instantly relaxes.
“I can show you what I have for the party so far. It’s a lot of the same things from when Abby was here. I did tweak the superhero unicorns a bit, though.”
W e sit down at the small table in the corner of the shop. Last night hangs between us, thick with tension, an undercurrent that makes every interaction charged with awkward intimacy.
“You’ll need to finalize the decorations, the cake, and the entertainment.”
“I’ve already done that. I think Abby’s going to be really excited about everything.”
Logan starts swiping and tapping on his phone.
“We should also make sure the magician is confirmed and check the details for the bounce house.”
“Already on it. I’ve spoken to both, and everything is set.”
He leans forward, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “You seem to have everything under control. Impressive.”
I meet his gaze, feeling a spark of the same attraction I experienced last night. “Thanks. I like to be prepared. Even if the shop sometimes looks like a disaster zone.”
“Disaster zone? I thought it had a certain... charm.”
I raise an eyebrow, unable to hide my amusement. “Charm? Or just methodical madness?”
“Definitely charm, and I’ve got to say, it’s not just the shop that has charm.”
I feel a blush rise to my cheeks, and I quickly look away, focusing on the notepad. “Well, I guess it’s good that you’ve changed your mind about that.”
His gaze lingers on me. I can feel the sexual tension between us, a distinct energy that makes it hard to focus on anything else.
“What about the guest list? Do we need to add or change anything?”
“I think we’re good with the current list. I’ll double-check to make sure there are no last-minute additions. Your sister has been great with keeping me up to date.”
“My sister? How do you…?”
“I left my card in the basket I sent. She texted me to say thank you for taking on the party and that Abby couldn’t stop raving about how much fun she had.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that. It was a really nice thing that you did by sending her that basket.”
“It’s not a big deal,” I shrug as I look down awkwardly.
We continue discussing the party plans, the conversation mostly professional, but every now and then, he slips into something flirtatious. Every time our eyes meet, I can feel the lingering intensity from last night, making it hard to stay focused.
“When do you think we can finalize everything? I’d like to make sure we’re ahead of schedule.”
“Let’s aim for tomorrow,” I suggest, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment that the meeting is ending. “I’ll confirm all the details and let you know.”
He stands up, and I notice how his demeanor shifts back to his usual guarded self. “Sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Hey!” I’m surprised by my volume.
Get your shit together, Serena! Don’t seem so needy!
He turns around and looks at me expectantly.
“What’s up?”
“Thanks for the coffee. I…um, would you like to get dinner tomorrow night?”
“Are you asking me on a date, Serena?”
“I mean…if you are opposed to that, I guess it could be a business dinner.”
He chuckles. “This is a first.”
“That a woman has asked you on a date.”
“Yes, and then immediately tried to categorize it as business.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, only now realizing how that might have sounded. I blow out a breath and do something incredibly scary.
“Last night... it was intense, and I feel like we need to address it. We can’t just pretend it didn’t happen.”
“I agree. It was... a lot to process.”
“Yeah,” I say, feeling vulnerable and frustrated. “I need to know where we stand. Are we just going to pretend it was a one-time thing, or is there something more?”
“I’m not sure what to say.” He swipes a hand across his jaw. “It was meaningful, but it’s also complicated. I don’t want to rush into anything.”
I nod, trying to keep my emotions in check.
You lost your virginity to me, and you don’t want to rush into anything?
Boy, who do you think you’re kidding?
“I get that. But I’m not a woman who does one-night stands or is noncommittal. Say what you mean.”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not great at navigating these kinds of situations. I work too much.”
“Neither am I,” I admit, relieved at his honesty. “But we can’t ignore it. It happened, and it was incredible. If you do not want to do it again, that’s fine.”
“I didn’t say that I didn’t want to do it again,” he grins. “Can we focus on the party for now?”
“You did, actually. But sure, let’s focus on the party. Anyway, I have dinner plans right now, so I should get going.”
“Dinner plans?”
I nod. He starts to say something but stops and walks out of the store instead. I let out a long sigh as I watch him go.
I’m not going to play games or wait around for a man to choose me.
If he’s not crazy about me after last night, well then good riddance.
As I lock up the shop and prepare to head home, I can’t shake the feeling that our encounter has opened a door to something new, something both thrilling and challenging. The tension between us is undeniable, but I can’t help wondering what our future holds. If a future there is…
The Local Bar, a cozy spot with dim lighting, a well-worn charm, and a clever name, is exactly what I need tonight. I walk in, shaking off the day’s stress, and scan the room for Lila. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the air, creating a welcoming backdrop for an evening of catching up.
I spot Lila at our usual corner table, waving enthusiastically. She’s a burst of energy, her vibrant red dress making her stand out in the dimly lit room. I smile as I make my way over, grateful for her company.
“Serena!” Lila calls out, standing to greet me with a hug. “You look like you could use a drink.”
“Very much so!”
We sit down, and I take a moment to appreciate the familiar surroundings. The bar’s vintage decor and relaxed atmosphere help soothe me.
“So, spill,” Lila says, leaning in with a mischievous grin. “What’s been going on with you? I haven’t seen you in ages.”
I take a deep breath, ready to unload. “Where do I even start? Work has been crazy. The candy store is busier than ever with the upcoming party for Abby.”
“I can’t believe you offered to do that for him to save the store. It’s genius, really. But it does sound hectic, too!” she sympathizes. “But I’m sure you’ve got it all under control. You always do.”
“Trying to,” I reply with a sigh. “But it’s been a bit overwhelming lately.”
“What’s been overwhelming?”
“The whole Logan thing. It’s pretty intense.”
Lila raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Do tell.”
I glance around, making sure no one is eavesdropping, then lean in closer.
“He kind of blew me off today. We had to go over party details, and he was all business—like nothing happened.”
“That’s confusing.”
“It is,” I admit, sipping my drink. “I don’t understand why he’s acting like it didn’t mean anything. I’m hurt and don’t know what to do next.”
“Did you tell him that?”
“I asked him what it meant,” I shrug.
“Oh Lord, Serena. You can’t have sex with a guy after knowing him for a few days and then confront him to define the relationship.”
“And was I supposed to stop him while he was slamming into me and ask him what it meant?” I groan.
She throws her head back and laughs. “No. I think in the instance that it happened, it’s safe to say that you both just scratched an itch.”
“What does that even mean?”
“Has he ever asked you on a date or made it seem like he’s interested in dating?”
“No, but he…”
“A man who wants more with you will ask you on a date. And if he doesn’t, he’s not the type of man you want in your life. You shouldn’t have to make all the moves or take the lead. I know that’s hard for you to grasp because you’re very alpha in everything you do, but it’s the truth.”
“But…I don’t…”
“Like not being in control of things? Scared of the alternative that you like this man and he may not like you? Welcome to the realm of dating, my love,” she teases. “It sucks, but the truth is, rejection is protection whether or not we can see it right now.”
“I told him that I wasn’t a one-night stand or a noncommittal girl. I asked him out tomorrow night and he didn’t answer.”
“He did, just not verbally. What did he say to that?”
“He said he wasn’t saying that he didn’t want us to sleep together again, and I told him that he did. I then told him I had dinner plans for the night and needed to leave.”
“And what was his reaction?”
“He started to say something and then just left.”
“Good. I’m certain that he has a thing for you, but he’s playing it cool. Don’t ask him out or even bring up the sex thing again. Treat him like a client and nothing else. Don’t be doing anything special for him.”
“I don’t…”
“You do. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. You pour so much into people because that’s who you are. You cannot do that with this man.”
“I’m already doing so by planning his niece’s birthday party.”
“That’s a business deal. Keep it there.”
“Okay,” I sigh. The last thing I am is a game player, and I hate to start now. I always just say what I think and go for what I want.
She laughs again. “Let’s focus on having some fun tonight. We deserve it.”
“You’re right. Let’s make the most of it.”
As we chat, the bar starts to fill up, and the atmosphere becomes livelier. We order another round of drinks, and Lila starts scanning the room, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Look at us,” she says, grinning. “Two single women ready to take on the night.”
“Wait, what about the guy you met that was texting you?”
“Turns out he has a wife.”
“What the fuck?”
“Yeah, it’s great. I’m great. Whatever,” she waves dismissively.
“How did you find out?”
“I looked his name up on social media. He told me he was divorced, but just yesterday he had this big post about how she was the best wife in the world.”
“What a dog.”
“I may have sent our text screenshots in a DM.”
“You didn’t.”
“And then I blocked him,” she shrugs. “Play with fire, get burned. His wife deserves to know he’s a piece of shit.”
“You’re not wrong.”
A couple of guys approach our table, their intentions clear. One of them, a tall guy with dark hair and a charming smile, looks directly at me.
“Hey there,” he says, leaning on the table. “Mind if I join you?”
“Not at all,” Lila says, flashing him a flirtatious smile. “We were just talking about how much fun we’re going to have tonight.”
The guy grins, clearly pleased with the response. “I’m James, by the way.”
“I’m Lila, and this is Serena,” Lila interjects, her eyes locked on a black-haired guy behind James.
“Nice to meet you both,” James says. “This is Doug and Adrian. So, what’s the plan for tonight? Anything exciting?”
“Well, we were just planning on enjoying ourselves and seeing where the night takes us. What do you have in mind?”
He leans in, clearly eager to impress. “How about a round of shots to start things off? My treat.”
“Shots sound great,” Lila says enthusiastically. “Let’s do it.”
As the shots arrive, the conversation flows more easily. James and his friends are friendly and engaging. We talk about work and hobbies and get rowdier with each round of drinks
“Serena,” Adrian says, his tone playful, “you mentioned you own a candy store. That sounds pretty cool. What’s the best part about it?”
“Sweets bring joy to people’s lives. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
James raises his glass. “To candy and the people who make it.”
We clink glasses, and the next round of shots arrives. Lila and I laugh more freely, and the earlier tension from the day starts to fade away.
“So, Serena,” James says, leaning closer, “any other interesting stories from your candy store adventures?”
I hesitate for a moment, then decide to share a funny anecdote. “Well, just last week, I had a kid come in asking for a candy that doesn’t exist. He was convinced that if he found it, he’d gain superpowers.”
“That’s hilarious,” James says. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him we’re out of stock but that I’d keep an eye out for any magical candies,” I say, grinning. “He was so serious about it that I didn’t have the heart to tell him otherwise.”
The conversation continues, fun and flirtatious. Lila is clearly enjoying herself, and I’m starting to feel more relaxed.
As the night progresses, more guys come over to chat and flirt. It’s become sort of a fun party, and Lila’s even managed to get me on the dance floor a few times.
“You’re quite the attraction tonight,” Lila says, giving me a teasing look. “Looks like you’ve got a fan club.”
“We both do. It’s nice to have a distraction from everything else.”
“And speaking of distractions,” Lila says, her eyes narrowing playfully, “I think James is trying to get your attention again.”
I glance over to see James watching me with a hopeful expression. He raises his glass in a friendly toast, and I smile, feeling a twinge of excitement. The flirtation is a welcome distraction from the confusion with Logan.
The bass begins thumping through my chest again, a rhythmic pulse that syncs with the beat of my heart. Lila and I are deep in our own little world, spinning and swaying to the music. The lights flash in sync with the music, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room.
Lila throws her head back, her dark curls bouncing as she twirls around me. Her eyes are closed, and a blissful smile is on her lips as she loses herself in the rhythm. I laugh, the sound lost in the noise of the club, but it doesn’t matter. We’re in our zone, letting the music carry us away.
I feel someone’s eyes on me, a sensation that makes warmth pool between my legs. I can’t explain it, but I know when I’m being watched. And I feel that this stare is different. It pulls my attention from the dance floor to the bar.
There are two guys standing at the bar, clearly having a good time. But it’s not the guy with the beer in his hand that catches my attention. It’s the one next to him, the one with the striking blue eyes that seem to cut through the dim light of the club and pierce right into me.
Logan.
What in the hell is he doing here?
I freeze mid-motion, my breath catching in my throat. He’s here. Of all the places, of all the nights, he’s here. And he’s staring right at me. For a moment, I’m not sure what to do. The music fades into the background, my surroundings blurring as my focus narrows to just him.
The guy next to him, a tall, blond Adonis, leans in, saying something that makes Logan laugh. The sound is lost to me, but the sight of it hits me like a punch to the gut. The guy hands Logan a beer, and he takes it, his eyes still on me.
I swallow hard, suddenly feeling the urge to retreat, to get away from those eyes that bore into me with blazing heat.
I raise my hand in a small, hesitant wave. He turns around, dismissing me as if he doesn’t know me. The knot in my stomach tightens, anger bubbling up to the surface.
Asshole.
“Serena!” Lila’s voice pulls me back to reality.
She’s grinning, utterly oblivious to my inner turmoil. She grabs my hands, pulling me back into the dance, and I force myself to shake off the encounter, to let the music drown out the hurt.
“Hey, ladies!” James calls out as he makes his way toward us, a broad grin on his face. He’s holding a couple of drinks, and I can see the glint in his eye.
Adrian appears next to him, his arm slung around James’s shoulder. He’s grinning too, clearly already more than a few drinks in. “You girls are working up a thirst, thought we’d help with that.”
“Thanks, gentlemen,” Lila gushes as she takes a drink from them, taking a quick sip.
“Lila, no,” I whisper. “We didn’t see the bartender make it.”
“Shit,” she says as her eyes widen.
I take the other drink from the guys, pretending to take a sip before I set it down on a table.
“Thanks guys. We’re going to go back to dancing.”
Lila puts her drink down, too, and we go back out on the dance floor.
“I can’t believe I wasn’t thinking about them drugging us.”
“Chances are, they didn’t, but can’t be too careful, right?”
“I feel fine,” she says dismissively. “Let’s forget about men.”
“Done,” I giggle.
But no matter how hard I try, I can’t shake the feeling of Logan’s presence. I glance over my shoulder every so often just to see if he’s still there. He is. Still talking to the guy, still laughing, still looking like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
Why is he here? Why now? And why stay and ignore me?
I’m certain that men like Logan Pierce don’t frequent places like this often.
Lila’s laughter breaks through my thoughts, and I force myself to focus on her, to lose myself in the moment. We twirl and spin, our movements a blur. I close my eyes, letting the music guide me, trying to push everything else out of my mind.
As the night wears on, the bar grows even more crowded. The energy in the room is electric, a mix of alcohol-fueled excitement and the unspoken tension that comes with being in such close quarters with so many people. Lila and I are still dancing, and our movements are a little less coordinated as the drinks start to take effect.
But no matter how many times I tell myself to just enjoy the night, my eyes keep drifting back to the bar, to the spot where Logan is standing. He hasn’t moved much, still talking with his friend, who, by the way, is seriously gorgeous. Tall, muscular, with a smile that could melt even the coldest heart. If I wasn’t so hung up on Logan, I might actually be interested.
The music shifts, a slower, sultrier beat taking over, and the dance floor seems to come alive in a different way. Couples move closer, bodies swaying together, and I suddenly feel very exposed, very aware of the fact that Logan is still watching me. Or maybe he isn’t. I can’t be sure anymore, and that uncertainty drives me crazy.
“Would either of you ladies care to dance,” Adrian asks as he approaches, almost as if he were waiting for us.
“I need a break,” I say quickly.
“Let’s get a drink,” Lila says, her voice cutting through the haze of my thoughts.
She’s flushed, her eyes bright with alcohol and excitement, and I can tell she’s having a good time. I nod, grateful for the excuse to leave the dance floor, even if just for a moment.
“It’s on me,” he says quickly.
James and Doug are flanking our sides. We make our way to the bar, squeezing through the crowd until we find an open spot. The bartender nods, already moving to make our usual drinks. Lila leans against the bar, her eyes scanning the crowd, probably looking for someone to flirt with. I, on the other hand, can’t stop from glancing over at Logan again.
“Serena, how are you?” a deep voice asks.
I turn around to see Logan’s friend right next to us.
Damn, he’s even hotter up close. Is he real?
Lila nudges me with her elbow, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Um, fine,” I reply with a forced smile.
How does he know my name? Has Logan been talking about me?
Logan looks just as surprised as me by the encounter.
Don’t make eye contact with Logan. Ignore him!
“You probably don’t remember me,” he laughs. “I frequented your store often when my sister-in-law was pregnant with the twins. I didn’t have a beard back then.”
“Oh, Brant, I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you!”
I lean forward and give him a quick hug.
“No worries, I look a little rough with the beard.”
“Not at all, it definitely works for you! How’s Kelly and the twins? I haven’t seen her in about a month.”
“They’re great. The girls are growing like weeds. Kelly said you sent her a basket not long ago.”
“Yeah, I was thinking about her. I know twins can’t be easy.”
“Not at all,” he laughs. “They’ve got their hands full. I think you know my friend Logan, right?”
“We’ve met,” I answer curtly.
Lila snickers behind me as she takes our drinks from the bartender.
“This is my friend, Lila,” I tell them.
“Logan here isn’t great at first impressions, or even fifth,” he teases. “But he’s been my best friend since the third grade. He’ll grow on you.”
“Well, we are here for fun, and unless you guys would like to show us your moves out there, we’re headed to shake our booties,” Lila announces as she nudges me forward.
“I’m not a dancer,” Logan says.
“Not surprised,” I chuff as we move past them.
“Dude, that’s all you had to say?” Brant chuckles.
“What was that?” I ask Lila when we’re out of earshot.
“You two were making puppy dog eyes at each other, and I couldn’t take it anymore,” she giggles. “Don’t let that man see you struggling because he’s here. Let him see you having fun and all the dudes that you’re attracting. Screw him.”
“I already did.”
“Girl,” she laughs. “Let’s not think about that.”
As the night wears on, the bar continues to buzz with energy. James and Adrian keep the conversation lively, and Lila and both enjoy the attention.
The dance floor is packed, and I find myself dancing with James. The rhythm of the music makes it easy to get lost in the moment. He’s a good dancer, and we move together with a comfortable ease.
“You’re a pretty good dancer,” he says, leaning in to be heard over the music.
“Thanks,” I reply, smiling. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
As we dance, I notice Logan’s face briefly, he looks…jealous? I push the thought away, trying to focus on enjoying the night. The flirtation with James is fun and light-hearted, a nice change from the emotional complexity I’ve been dealing with.
After a while, we take a break and head back to our table. Lila is chatting animatedly with Adrian, and I join them, feeling a bit winded but exhilarated.
“You’re having a great time,” Lila says, looking at me with a satisfied smile. “I’m glad we came out tonight.”
“Me too,” I agree, sipping my drink. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
James joins us. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the night? Any more dancing or drinks?”
I glance at Lila, who’s clearly enjoying herself. “I’m up for whatever. How about you?”
“Let’s keep the party going,” Lila says, raising her glass. “To a fun night and good company.”
We toast and continue enjoying the evening, the distraction making it easier to forget about Logan still watching me carefully.
It’s like he’s a lion stalking his prey.
Laughs get louder at our table, but the bar is starting to wind down, and with it, I feel a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion.
The night has been a much-needed escape, and I’m grateful for the fun and camaraderie with my best friend.
“Ready to head out?” Lila asks, looking at me with a friendly grin.
“Yeah,” I say, feeling a bit reluctant but also satisfied. “Let’s go.”
We say our goodbyes to James and Adrian, exchanging contact information and promising to stay in touch. As Lila and I head out into the cool night air, I feel a sense of contentment, knowing that the night has been a welcome diversion from my worries.
“Did you order an Uber?” I ask Lila.
“Yeah, it says it’s ten minutes out.”
I nod. The area we’re in is kind of sketchy, but the two of us together should be fine. Adrian and James have disappeared.
I feel a hand on the small of my back, and an electric current rocks through my body. I gasp and jump away, reaching for my keychain.
“Get in the car,” a voice says in my ear.