Chapter Two

I felt an intense desire that I've never felt before as he tighten his grip around my waist and the way our lips brushed against each other ignited a fire in its wake.

Everything around me seemed to dissolve and all I could focus on was the way our lips moved in sync with each other and I don't know if I turned him on yet but my entire body was burning with desire and need. I could feel a slight tingle between my legs as he slipped his tongue inside my mouth and I let him explore effortlessly.

My toes curled inside my pumps and I gripped his soft, silky hair that curved around the nape of his neck. I had no idea how long we stood there kissing like sex starved teenagers but we finally broke apart when his friend yelled at us on the top of his lungs.

"In your face, loser!" He started laughing, pointing towards Jayden's slacks. I looked down and my eyes went wide, witnessing the bulge of his manhood poking through the rich material. I started to blush profusely while Jayden looked at me, surprise evident in his eyes as well. We were both trying to catch our breath and he was about to take a step closer towards me but his friend jumped in front of us and I took that as a chance to flee the scene as more people were starting to gather around us.

I quickly pushed my way through the crowd before anyone could stop me and rushed to the bar counter where Anna was talking with some random punk guy.

"Anna!" I yelled out of breath and she turned around to look at me.

"Oh my God! Hazel, where were you? I was started to get worried."

"I went to the washroom and then went outside to get some fresh air." I lied through my teeth and fortunately, she seemed to buy it.

"Are you okay? You look sick." She asked in a concerned tone, coming closer towards me and I shook my head. I had to get out of here before someone could spot me with my attire.

"Can you cover my shift just for tonight? I think I'm coming down with a fever." I pleaded her with my eyes and she was more than ready to help me out. Thank God, she was an intern. She was in the phase of sucking up to her employees which worked in my favour.

"Of course, I'll manage. Just get home safely and take care of yourself." She gave me a small smile and continued to chat with the same guy from before. I quickly grabbed my things and rushed out of the pub only to bump into a rock hard chest.

"Woah! Easy there. Where are you going in such a hurry?" I heard a deep yet familiar masculine voice and looked up to find a pair of deep steel blue eyes staring down at me.

"Zach..umm.. hi..I'm actually not feeling well so I thought of taking off. I told Anna to cover my shift so it's okay if I don't get paid.."

"Hazel, breath." He interrupted me, holding me by my shoulders and I shut my mouth immediately.

"It's all good. Do you need a ride?" He asked with a small smile and I shook my head.

"Your sister lent me her car. Thanks for the offer though."

"Alright, drive safe and text me once you reach home." He stated firmly, looking right into my eyes and all I could do was nod in response.

Once I got in Beth's car, I removed the mask and took a deep breath.

"Okay, nobody is going to remember about this and nobody knows it was me. It's all good." I tried to convince myself but at the back of my mind I was still feeling bad that I broke the girl code.

Beth wouldn't have done this.

"Uhh...I just did it for the money. It was a stupid kiss anyway." I shook my head, trying to forget the way it felt when he kissed me.

He was one hell of a kisser!

"Stupid bet! Stupid Jayden Brooks!" I muttered angrily as I drove around the block. I may have fooled Anna but it was going to be difficult to fool Beth into believing that I was sick.

Once I got home, I tried to sneak inside my room quietly but my plan was destroyed within seconds when I saw Beth coming outside the kitchen with a plate of food in her hand.

"Hazel? Aren't you supposed to be at work babe? It's quite early." she asked, looking up at the clock hanging on the wall and I let out a soft sigh.

"Yeah, I know. I had a massive headache and I think I'm coming down with a fever or something."

"Did you drink anything?"

"Yeah, I had one of my signature blue cocktail during my break." I replied, walking towards the couch and she handed me the plate of food.

"Well, we took it off the menu for a reason, babe. Sit down and eat something while I go get you some asprin."

"What about you?" I asked with a small pout as she disappeared inside her room and came back a few seconds later with the medicine in her hand.

"I'll have a sandwich. You eat that fully." She smiled as she handed me the aspirin and walked back inside the kitchen while I kept playing with the plate of lasanga from last night.

"So, how was the turnout tonight? Was it fun?" she called out from the kitchen and I was glad that she wasn't in front of me right now because I was blushing, thinking back about that God forbidden kiss.

"Yeah, it was pretty crowded and the vibe was amazing. We should plan similar themes in the upcoming weeks." I suggested, taking a bite of the food.

"Did you see him?" she asked, poking her head from the kitchen, making me almost choke on my food.

"Who?"

"Jayden. Who else?"

Crap!

She went back inside while I swallowed the food and shook my head before I could spill anything by myself.

"How would I know? I mean, everyone were in masks. Even Zach couldn't identify me with a mask." I rushed out, trying to change the subject. She didn't reply for a few minutes and I ate in silence wondering if she already knew the truth and was testing me right now.

"Zach is so dumb. I'm pretty sure I could have figured you out and also that asshole Jayden." She emerged from the kitchen with a plate of grilled cheese sandwich and I let out a small sigh of relief.

"Yeah maybe but it was really difficult."

"Anyway, I'm glad I don't have to see him for a week atleast. He usually pops in during the weekends and sometimes on Fridays." She added with a disgusted face, making me laugh.

"You knew he was a man whore then why did you even ask him out?" I asked out of curiosity because I know Beth is the kind of girl who wishes to settle down with a guy and build a family and all.

"Well, he is crazy hot and I've always wanted pretty babies." She rolled her eyes, making me laugh so hard.

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, it's one of the many reasons and I don't know. I just thought maybe I would be different or something. It was just a silly crush." She waved it off and I nodded in understanding.

"Sucks for him. He just missed an amazing girl." I tried to cheer her up and she shook her head with a small smile.

"What about you? Seeing any hot guy?" She asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"No and it's not like I'm gonna start anything with a guy anytime soon."

"Yeah, I know. Causal flings and all that."

"Isn't that better than getting your heart broken?" I winked at her. She knew I was never the type to let anyone in and I've always kept things casual. It was better that way for me as well as the other person.

"I don't know how you do it though. It's so hard to keep things casual."

I just shrugged in response with a small smile. I know she thinks it's cool but it's a curse to live like this with a lot of baggage and trust issues.

We hung out on the couch, talking random shit for some more time before we called it a night.

"Oh, almost forgot." I reached out for the $500 dollars inside my purse and handed it over to her, making her raise her eyebrows.

"What for?"

"Last month's rent. Got a big tip from a customer." I lied again but she simply pulled me in for a tight hug.

"There was a reason I didn't ask you for the rent, Hazel."

"I know, Beth and I'm so grateful for all the things you and Zach have done for me. It's the least I could do." I tried to hold back my tears and swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Just take it, babe." I kissed her cheek and walked towards my room before I could break down in front of her.