Page 73 of Wrecked
Addison swung open the door. “What’s up?”
“There’s a customer waiting at the bar for you.” Liliana smiled. “He’s super cute. I’ve gotta get back.” Her head bartender left.
She grabbed a tablet, pulled the door closed. As she made her way through the crowded club, she spotted Tommy sitting at the bar in a Star Wars costume. Frustration slithered down her spine. He had every right to be there. Maybe he wasn’t even there to see her. Shehadmet him at a kink party, after all.
The night they’d met, he’d been dressed in that same warrior costume. He’d caught her eye, they talked, but not about anything personal. Dumb stuff, but he was chill. She liked his vibe, so they spent a little time acting out a scene, then things had turned kinky.
Addison walked behind the bar. “Hey, you found my club.”
“Nicky got me on the list.”
You’re not helping me, Hawk.
Liliana sidled over, set down a beer, then shot Tommy a smile. “On the house.”
Addison flicked her gaze from her to Tommy.
“Appreciate it.” He lifted the glass, swigged. “Liliana talked me into joining. Club’s got a great vibe.”
“Thanks.” Her frustration stood down and she smiled. He wasn’t interested in her. He was here to make new connections.
After signing him up, she brought him over to the photo station. “Pick a backdrop,” she instructed.
“Help me.”
They stood side by side while she scrolled through. They found a cosmos one, so he mounted his phone and stepped into the pic. She snapped it, then he uploaded it to his profile.
The song changed to “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones.
“You gotta dance with me,” he said.
“I don’t—”
“Relax,” he said. “It’s just a dance.” He started moving his hips in place.
A woman dressed as an action hero danced her way over and joined them. Addison started to leave, but the woman pulled her back.
“Stay, Addison. It’s cool. Like you say, everyone’s welcome.” The clubber offered a friendly smile as she moved closer to Tommy.
Addison needed a moment, so she let the rhythmic beat sweep her away. The three of them moved farther into the crowded dance floor. Tommy twirled the other woman, then he did the same to her. The beat built to a crescendo and she inhaled a calming breath. She’d watch her six, limit her activity, and get some answers for Becky.
For all she knew, the explosion could have been related to any of his SEAL missions over the years. Or maybe it wasn’t related to them at all.
* * *
Hawk parked his bike in the vacant owner’s spot, near the front door, and braced for more pushback from club members. After dismounting, he locked his helmet.
“Nice bike,” a guy said.
Hawk tossed him an acknowledgment nod.
Tony the bouncer was standing by the front door and shot him a wave. “How’s it going boss man?”
“It’s going, babe,” Hawk replied. “How you doing?”
“I’m hanging loose. Go on in.”
Hawk walked in, the Stones tune catching his ear. He stopped at the hostess stand, but she waved him on. “Hey, Hawk, you don’t have to stop anymore.”
