Page 119 of Relapse

I had picked the equivalent of the “Little Black Dress” for the party. Chelsea was shocked to see me choose something so simple that ended up being so flattering. No gaudy jewels or fish nets for me. Just a strapless, skin tight, black dress.

Not only did the outfit give life to my curves, but it contrasted well with my hair color. With tight curls and touches of makeup, I came out looking pretty damn good. Chelsea was stunned, and even though I didn’t need it, I kind of loved that validation from her reaction.

Our camaraderie was short lived, because fast forward an hour to the club, and I was sitting alone. Chelsea had already ditched me to go dance with a random circle of girls who were walking, talking, half nude glitter bombs. I only scowled and wished her a good time. She was already on her third shot of tequila and I was having nightmares of the last time I hung out with her and she drank so much.

But then Noah arrived.

I saw him and without thinking, my mouth formed into a smile. I realized this instantly, trying to regain my composure and not look like a complete idiot. I was sure that I seemed to be a little, immature girl excited about her cute date.

Date.

I smiled even bigger at the word. I had forgotten he had said that to me earlier. I really was so ready to see him. Actually talk with him and see how he’d been doing. I didn’t want to seem overly eager, but I could do nothing to stop the butterflies that formed in my stomach as he began to approach my table, a sexy little smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

My nerves set in. Did I dress well enough? Noah was wearing slick, black jeans along with a smooth black overcoat that rested on his button up shirt.

I sucked in a nervous breath. He looked handsome.

He’s so fine, my mind added in.

I quickly checked my makeup again before he reached me. I couldn’t believe how worried I was. What could go wrong?

“Duhhh-LANE!”

Oh yeah. Chelsea.

Noah had barely made it to my side before Chelsea barreled up and grabbed me by the wrist.

“Come and dance with me!” she squealed.

Chelsea looked over her shoulder and spotted Noah, without me having to say anything.

“Heyyy,” she exclaimed, grabbing onto his arm excitedly—and for a little too long, I noted with irritation. She turned back to me with a wink and released my hand. “On the other hand, you should bring your date to the dance floor!”

My cheeks flamed and I shrugged up at Noah, trying to seem chill. “Well, do you want to…dance?”

He nodded. “Sure.”

Before I could psych myself out anymore, I grabbed Noah’s hand and led him out into the middle of the crowded dance floor.

NOAH

We were in the midst of the dancers, and the music was pounding in my chest—no, through my whole body. My heartbeat had been hijacked by the bass. Everything felt amplified, the strobe lights leaving behind trails in my vision. My skin buzzed with that electric warmth that had built up since taking the pills.

“You’re beautiful,” I said, struggling to get my tone high enough over the volume in the club.

“What?” she asked, leaning forward, unable to hear me over the music.

I chuckled, brushing her cheek with my fingers. Her skin felt incredible against my fingertips—soft, vibrating, alive almost.

I shook my head so she could see what I was saying. “Nothing.”

A new song started and I could hear Chelsea scream from the other side of the club. I raised a brow at Delane as if to ask her what it was all about.

She pulled me close, her lips brushing my ear. I shivered from the contact. “She thinks every song is HER song.”

I swallowed hard, my pulse skyrocketing as the warmth of her mouth lingered near my earlobe. The drugs made everything feel intense. Her proximity, her body heat, the sensation of her lips against my skin—all of this reminded me of our night together. I was achingly aware of how close she was to me, and how badly I wanted to bridge that distance.

I pulled back, and cracked a grin, trying to play it cool. “Ah. Funny.”