Chapter 12

Jade

“Uhh… he had work. Very important business deal he had to go out of the city for. He promised he had something special planned for me later though so I can’t really complain, can I?” I giggled too loudly, the sound awkwardly petering out when Harry didn’t grace me with even the slightest twitch of his lips.

“So he just let you come out all by yourself, wearing that kind of dress that makes any hot-blooded male think of wild, sweaty sex against a wall with the lights off?”

I looked down at my silk slip dress with thin straps and an open back, cheeks burning up like I had swallowed hot coals. I hadn’t worn a bra because I hated when the lines were visible, so the fabric glided smoothly over my skin, highlighting every curve of my hips and breasts with my nipples on display. “Well, when you put it like that…”

Bells thankfully stepped in. “He entrusted her in my care and I’m perfectly capable of fending off every and all unwanted attention so enough with the interrogation already. And what the hell is wrong with her dress?” She glared up at him.

“Shit, sorry. Didn’t mean to sound like an asshole.” He ran a hand through his hair before turning to face me. “I love your dress, Jade. It’s pretty fucking hot. Your body is pretty fucking hot. You have no idea the kind of effect you have on half the male population in here tonight—“

“Just walk away, Harry. Walk away before you say something else you might regret.” Bells told him.

He did so without hesitation, but not before sending me an apologetic look.

“Well, that was a train wreck to watch.” My best friend blew out a heavy breath.

“What was that about?” I asked, my eyes wide.

“I tell you he loses his mind the moment you’re in his orbit. He doesn’t seem to think straight anymore. The guy’s quite literally in love with you, babe.”

“I need another drink.” I turned back to the bar and ordered a tray of tequila shots, desperately wanting to get shit-faced now.

“He was right though, you know? Even though his delivery was subpar at best and drenched in crazy jealousy.”

“I know, Bells. I know.” I knocked back a shot then another, my wavy high ponytail swishing with the sharp movements. “Everything just bloody sucks.”

“Unless you want to wake up tomorrow with the worst hangover known to man, you should slow down.” She eyed me with concern.

“I have a brilliant idea.” I suddenly declared to the sound of her groan.

“Oh no, Jades. Your ideas are always anything but brilliant.”

I ignored her. “I’m going to get so drunk I won’t be able to stand. Then you’d take Julian’s number off my phone and call him with yours to come pick me up, saying I specifically asked for him and that you’re also a bit tipsy too so you won’t be able to drive.”

“I’m sorry but that’s your worst idea yet. What if he just hangs up?”

I shrugged, even as my heart broke at the very likely possibility. “Then as my designated driver of the night, you’d take me home instead.”

“Jades, you know you’re a dramatic drunk. You’d cause a scene without a doubt.” She glanced around the room. “I did my best to keep this party as private as possible but you can’t tell how sneaky these paps are. They can be hidden in plain sight and just waiting for you to slip up.”

“On a normal day, I think too much. Tonight, I don’t want to think at all. So just do it.” I said then knocked back two more glasses, already feeling a slight buzz in my veins.

“Well isn’t this going to be interesting?” She picked up her glass of mocktail and took a large gulp.