Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
“You’re kidding.”
“No. I mean a guy might say they are looking for a serious relationship on their dating profile, but at the end of the night, all they want is a quick fuck or a low-maintenance fuck buddy.” She eyes me with disbelief. “Don’t tell me you don’t know that.”
“I’ve only really been with two guys, my ex-fiancé and Braxton.”
“Count yourself lucky. You’ve found two guys who want to commit while most of us can’t even find one.”
“I’m not that lucky, my ex fiancé cheated on me and I found out when I was in the middle of planning our wedding.”
Her expression softens. “I’m sorry.”
I shrug. “Me too, but I’m glad I found out before we actually got married or had kids.”
“True,” she agrees, the happy energy from earlier turning somber.
I shake my head. “Enough of that. Tonight is about having fun.”
“Yeeesss, I need some fun.” She holds up her glass, and I tap mine to hers then down the rest of my wine. We finish our hair and makeup then get dressed, me in a pair of ripped jeans and a sheer black top over my black bra with my leather jacket and pumps, and her in a skin-tight, off-the-shoulder black dress and thigh-high boots with a long black trench. We jump in a cab and head across town, and then because my brother and his band are performing, we walk in past the line of people who are waiting to get inside.
The moment we enter the bar, I latch onto Samantha’s hand as the energy of the crowd, lights, and music seeps into my system. I’m sure to someone like my brother who lives off the high, it makes him feel alive, but for me, it’s just overwhelming.
I lead Samantha to the bar, needing a drink, and it only takes a couple seconds for one of the bartenders to recognize me and come over. We both shout our orders, and moments later, we’re heading toward the stage with our drinks. The opening act is performing, so I signal for Samantha to follow me backstage, and as soon as the bouncer lets us back, the sound is drowned out and I can hear myself think again.
We walk down the dim hallway toward the room where I know my brother and his band will be ignoring the catty looks from the groupies who are waiting, hoping to be seen. When we get to the door, I don’t knock; I push right in and want to laugh. You would think the guys would be surrounded by women, hooking up, or getting high, but instead, they are all sitting in front of a large TV, playing some video game, and egging each other on while drinking from a bottle of Jack.
I stand at the back of the room, still holding Samantha’s hand, and wait for them to notice us. And then I clear my throat when it takes a while for anyone to pull their attention away from the game. Lozz, the lead guitarist, is the first to turn around, and when he does, he smiles his too-charming smile then slaps Jamie on his chest with the back of his hand.
My brother looks over his shoulder, and I wiggle my fingers. “I don’t mean to interrupt.”
“Took you long enough to get here.” Jamie pushes off the couch and swaggers toward us then lifts me off my feet in a hug. Once he drops me back on solid ground, his eyes go to Samantha. “Who’s this?”
I roll my eyes as he blatantly checks her out.
“Jamie, Samantha. Samantha, my brother Jamie.” I look around the room at each of the men who seem to be fascinated with her. “Samantha is my friend, which means she’s off-limits.”
Jinx, the drummer, smiles and shows off a dimple. Lozz smirks like he knows I’ll kick his ass but otherwise doesn’t look like he gives a fuck. And Freddie, who plays bass, and has always been the more laid back one of the bunch just laughs.
“We work together, so be on your best behavior.”
“I need a friend.” Jinx winks at her, but before I have a chance to tell him not to be an asshole, Lozz knocks him upside his head. “What the fuck?” He glares at his bandmate while rubbing the back of his head.
“Show some respect. She’s Dakota’s friend,” Lozz mumbles, coming over to give me a hug and to kiss Samantha’s hand and introduce himself, a move that makes me frown. I’ve seen Lozz basically drag women out of a room to go do God knows what with them. I’ve never once seen him kiss a woman’s hand or act like he has even a bit of gentleman in him.
When Jinx and Freddie come over, I make introductions then look at my friend. At one glance, I can tell she’s been struck by the bad-boy bug. I get it; these guys are all tall, broad, and good-looking with that tattooed look that tends to fascinate good girls who want to see if they can change their wicked ways.