Page 58 of Caught in Us
“I miss the zero inhibitions.” I press my lips together, staring straight ahead so I don’t catch his reaction. The truth is bound to burn us both. “I miss feeling like I could do or say anything I wanted with no consequences.”
I sense Chase shift his body, turning toward me. I want to meet his stare. I almost do, but I’m scared of what would happen. He’s close and I’ve been fantasizing about his lips enough as it is. My judgment is already lost and abandoned somewhere in this bar.
He clears his throat. “So, what is it you would do tonight if there were no consequences?”
You.I’d do you. But I don’t give him that honest answer. The repercussions are too great a risk. Instead I reach for humor, nodding toward the end of the hall where the entire bar sings along with the chorus to “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks. “I’d get you on that stage with me.”
“Oh, really?” His laughter dulls the tension between us. “Done.”
“What?” My neck swivels to meet his stare. Fuck. I didn’t think he’d agree.
“Let’s go.” He motions toward the stage. “What are we singing?”
“It was a joke, Chase.”
“Yeah, well, joke’s on you because I don’t back down from a challenge.”
Desire stirs in my belly. His words and unwillingness to back down only serve as a reminder of how freaking hot we were together. I really need to get laid. Lusting after Chase is not helping my already frazzled nerves. This is probably a mistake I’m going to regret later. “Whatever.” I roll my eyes and start walking. “But you have to pick the music.”
27
Chase
Flippingthrough the book of popular and obscure karaoke tunes, I find what I’m looking for and give the title to the sound guy. He raises his brows as if to question my choice. Ten years ago I’d have been embarrassed to admit how much I love this song—or how a few years ago I spent one week learning all the dance moves out of sheer boredom. Now, it’s a really cool party trick.
The first beat drops and Alicia turns to me, eyes narrowed as she shakes her head. She mouths the word, “No.”
But it’s too late. We’re already on stage, mics in hand, and we might not be a powerhouse boy band like NSYNC, but we’re about to sing the shit out of “Bye Bye Bye.” I wince as I realize how she might interpret the lyrics. Fuck it. She can read into that as much or as little as she wants. I picked this for an entirely different reason. To show off.
Bringing my microphone to my lips, I point at her as I belt out the first verse. I shake my hips to the rhythm, waggling my brows and acting silly until the chorus hits. Then I bust out all my moves.
Alicia’s jaw drops, clearly not expecting me to reenact the popular music video.
“Don’t make me carry this number,” I tease into my microphone.
Alicia snaps out of her momentary shock, a smile working its way onto her lips as the guys from the department whistle and cheer. She holds up her mic, joining in with the chorus and taking the next verse. Laughter bursts from her lips when we reach the next refrain because this time I go all out, falling to my knees and pretending I’m Justin Timberlake. There are cell phones held up capturing every second of this moment, but it’s totally worth it. Her smile is so big by the time we exit the stage. Her joy contagious, and I put it there.
Random people gather around, patting me on the back and offering their sincerest compliments when I hop off stage. I hold my hand out to Alicia, steadying her as she jumps the short distance.
“Um, we need to talk about your hidden talents,” she says as we make our way back to our friends.
“Alicia,” I say as if I’m scandalized by the suggestion. “Keep it PG. This isn’t that kind of a club.”
Her nostrils flare, her eyes widening just a second before we’re surrounded by our group. The guys pull me in for bear hugs, their teasing and laughter separating me from Alicia. I look over to try and find her, but instead lock eyes with Julia.
Fuck. I was so caught up in Alicia, I kind of forgot she was here.
Julia’s stare is serious, as if she’s not having fun. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She shuffles forward, her mouth pressed in a thin line as she makes her way to my side. She touches my arm, leaning forward to speak into my ear. “I think I’m gonna head out. I’m not feeling well.”
I can’t help but wonder if I have something to do with that. “Do you want me to drive you?”
“No.” Her gaze darts to my brother. “You should stay.”
“Okay. Let me at least walk you out.” I rest my hand at the small of her back.
She shakes her head, stepping away from my touch. “I don’t want to pull you away from the party. Besides, my ride’s already here.” She holds up her cell.
“Okay.” I want to ask her if she’s angry with me. She has every right to be. In some ways it would make this easier. Instead, she’s perfectly accommodating, leaving without another word.
