Spark (19 page)

Thanks for bringing Alex’s true colours to light.

Best regards,

The virgin he nearly shagged,

- Eevie

Secondly, to Alex. I should thank him for the revelation. I deserve respect, and to be appreciated. I know this now, so I’ll be better able to recognise someone worthy.

Alex,

Thanks.

I will
try
to resist the urge to slash your tyres.

- Eevie

I smile as I imagine putting these letters in the mail.

Lesson learned.

****

In the couple of weeks since my trip away with Cassie, I seem to be more myself. But not like before. I’m a stronger, better version. I’m determined to take better care of me. I’ve sworn off
real
men for the foreseeable future, feeling ready to find my next book boyfriend. I’ve read some reviews about some commando hottie called Nox, and I think it’s time we met. At least he can’t hurt me.

After cancelling my membership at the gym, to avoid any further confrontation with Alex, I joined a boot-camp class, which meets three mornings a week before work. I’ve been pushing myself back into my running, too, losing the few kilos I put on in my Alex-induced coma.

As corny as it sounds, I’ve got my groove back.

I’ve got things to look forward to. I’m going back to uni to study psychology. I’m having fun at boot camp, even though I’m pushed to the point of vomiting. I’m even putting in more of an effort at work. Danuta has given me more responsibility, and I’m learning more and more. It feels good to take charge. I don’t need a man to be happy. I should embrace this time, and get to know myself.

I can’t believe that after waiting for nearly twenty-one years, I was so eager to throw away my virginity. My head was scattered. I was in a dark place, filled with anger towards my father, sadness for my family, and dealing with the loss of my best friend. But not again. The next time I get close, I’ll be sure. Eevie Lawson’s first time
will
be special. It will be something that one day, I’ll be proud to tell my daughter, if I’m lucky enough to have one. I want to be able to tell her that dreams come true, and that there’s a man out there deserving of such a precious gift.

****

Tonight is Rob’s twenty-first birthday party, and I’m
so
looking forward to a night out … and an opportunity to dress up. The theme is black, white and red, and I have the perfect dress. A red figure-hugging number that lands above the knee, with a deep
V
cut at the front. I feel as comfortable in this dress as I now do in my own skin.

The hairdresser styled my hair in loose curls, and contacts in, I let Crystal takeover with the smoky eye shadow. My skin is a healthy golden brown, from spending more time outdoors.

Meet the new and improved Eevie. Or, perhaps the Eevie that was underneath all along.

Crystal and I make up the sofa bed before we go, as a couple of Rob’s friends might crash. We leave home early to go to Clare’s, Rob’s sister’s place, for champagne with just the girls before the party.

At around seven thirty, we all arrive at Muddle Bar in the city for cocktails and nibbles. All the guys look sharp in their black suits, white shirts, and either black or red ties. From what I can see, all the girls went with black or white dresses, and I seem to be the only standout in red. I’m almost embarrassed by being singled out, but decide to embrace it instead. Really, when do I get the opportunity to dress up like this?

Rob is centre of attention, with everyone stopping to chat and pass on their birthday wishes. He’s never without a drink in his hand. Waiting for a break in the conversation, I give Rob a birthday kiss and hug, and a punch on the shoulder.

“Happy birthday, big fella,” I say, as if I were speaking to one of my brothers.

“Thanks, Eevie. You look great. Nice to see someone went with the red,” Rob says, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

Some of Rob’s family come over to speak to him, so Crystal and I move to the bar for a drink.

“Rob just filled me in on some interesting news,” Crystal says, and smirks as we wait to be served. She holds her breath.

“Oh, it
must
be good by the look on your face.” I smile back.

“Aidan is single … thought you might like to know.”

My heart takes a dive in my chest. “Oh,” I say.

Oh, indeed. That’s news, alright.

Aidan is single. Those three words flash in neon lights in my head. My heart also decides it wants input, and thumps that little bit harder.

“Is he here yet?” I ask, trying to seem casual, focusing on the drink coaster in front of me.

“Yeah, he’s here somewhere,” she says scanning the crowd.

Warmth rushes forcefully to my face, from simply knowing he’s here … somewhere.
Crap
. I might as well set off a flare; it’ll get me the same amount of attention. The last time I saw Aidan
I
was wearing a towel and
he
was deliciously bare-chested. And we were wet, me in more ways than one.
Like I’d ever forget that.
No, on second thoughts, the last time was his Oscar-winning performance …

Gulp.

Doubt creeps in, like dark clouds roll in, threatening a thunderstorm. If I put myself out there, would he even want me? He could have any girl he wants. Look at him! Why did they break up? Why would he be interested in me—a virgin?

I’m not sure if my heart is ready to take another hit. It stills bears the bruises from Alex.
God
. How can I still feel self-conscious about being a virgin? Didn’t I deal with how Alex made me feel? Clearly not, as now it’s bubbling back up to the surface with a vengeance. Fuck you, Alex. You made me feel like being a virgin was like having a debilitating disease. Surely it’s not that bad?

Stop it, Eevie. Just stop.

I have to put this shit out of my head. I always overthink things. The new Eevie is here … and she’s here to stay. The night is young, and I’m determined to have a good time. If I end up talking to Aidan, I’ll just play it cool, and see where it goes.
Yep, seems like a good plan.

Crystal and I sit down at the end of the bar, the chilled bubbly going down
very
well. In no time, my nervousness evaporates, just like the tiny bubbles popping on the surface of my champagne. Crystal and I whisper-giggle as we scrutinize other guests, particularly those who didn’t dress to the colour theme. She is so fun to people-watch with, and always finds a way to lift my spirits.

I am grateful that things between Crystal and I are better. During that nightmare couple of weeks over Christmas, our friendship was strained. I only confided in her a couple of weeks ago about the break up with Jon, and the disaster that was Alex. I think she was pretty disappointed that I didn’t tell her what was going on at the time, but she said she was glad I was okay now. She understood that I’d had a lot to deal with, and that I needed time to work through it … on my own.

As our glasses become empty, the barman places two glasses of chilled champagne in front of us on small white napkins. Crystal and I look curiously at each other, and both shrug. I don’t remember ordering these.

“Here you go, ladies, compliments of the gentleman at the end of the bar,” the barman says, motioning towards a tall handsome guy in a suit, who smiles gloriously as he raises his drink to us. My hair stands on end, and my breath catches in my throat as my eyes connect with his piercing ice-blue eyes.

Aidan has made his entrance.

I return his smile and hold up my glass.

Showtime.

****

Like many of the other guys here tonight, Aidan is wearing a black suit, although his seems to be tailor-made as it sits perfectly in all the right places.
Goddamn it … he looks hot
. Damn
hot
. His crisp white shirt hugs his proud chest, a slim black tie teasing my eyes to follow its path. He’s unshaven. I like that rough look, but strangely, only on him. His hair is shorter, still his trademark messy look, but it’s suitably kempt for the occasion. Perhaps Crystal and I should critique his attire.
Yes, most definitely.

But I’m not ready to talk to him just yet. I need … time.

Over the course of the next hour, Crystal and I chat amongst the girls. Clare, and a few other girls from school … the nice ones, that is. However, my input into the conversation is minimal.

I am preoccupied.

Every now and then, my eyes meet fleetingly with Aidan’s, the corner of his mouth curling up as he continues his conversation. He hasn’t come over to talk to me yet, which I find rather curious. Perhaps he is waiting for me to go to him.

So here I am, at what feels like a crossroad. I am inexplicably drawn to Aidan. Even on opposite sides of the room, a force, something bigger than the both of us, is drawing us together. I can sit back and hope he might come over and talk to me, or I can take this bloody bull by the horns and ride.

I knock back the last of my champagne.

Giddy up. I’m gonna talk to him.

“Crystal,” I say, putting my empty glass on the bar. “I’ll be back.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

I sashay through the crowd and hold my head high, my eyes fixed on his the entire time. It’s as if I’m walking in slow motion, like in the movies. He watches me as I approach. If he was trying to subtly eyeball me, he has failed miserably, much to my delight. I try to contain the beaming smile that is busting to come out.

His conversation stops.

I have his undivided attention. I’ve seen that look in his eye before, from the first time we’d met. Yep.
Deer in headlights
.

“Eevie … how are you?” Aidan smiles gloriously.

Smiling a little back, energy prickles beneath my skin, finding a resting place in my cheeks.
Use your words, Eevie …
Someone bumps me from behind, and I lurch forward, instinctively grabbing Aidan’s upper arm for support. His firm bicep flexes beneath my hand, and his other arm swings forward, ready to catch me.
Not the kind of start I was hoping for
. Might as well have thrown myself at him. We slowly lower our arms, but I find myself unable to step back. I’m either magnetised to the floor … or to him.

I smile, more eagerly than intended, trying to gloss over my embarrassment. “Great thanks, Aidan.”
Yeah, I’m much better now
. “I owe you a drink, I think. What can I get you?”

“Another Corona, thanks, but I’ll come with you.”

I lead the way, Aidan’s hand resting possessively on the small of my back, guiding me to the busy bar.
Lord, give me strength not to ravish this man in front of everyone.
I clear my throat, trying not to focus on the warmth of his firm touch, but on my surroundings. I need to remember this is not a dream.

We squeeze in close together at the bar, Aidan’s smile practically blinding me.
I don’t think he’d be very good at poker
. He removes his hand from my back, and slowly puts it in his pocket, taking his warmth with him. I hope my face doesn’t give away my disappointment.

I drink in every detail of his rugged, manly face as talk while we wait to be served. I don’t even care that the service is slow.
The stubble, the faint scar through his eyebrow, and his delicious golden skin
. I resist the urge to stare at those luscious lips, lips I desperately want to taste. I shift focus to his eyes, figuring they’d be the safest option, but it’s a billion times worse. I want what’s behind those sparkling jewels.

I. Want. In.

I want to discover the man that has tugged at a piece of me from the first time we met.

Our conversation isn’t forced. It’s comfortable … but different. A good different. The air between us is charged, my attention solely focused on Aidan. Gratefully, the butterflies in my belly are sedated somewhat, but they are yet to flutter away. They might just like Aidan as much as I do.

****

Sometime around eleven, I reluctantly break from conversation with Aidan. Not that I
really
got to talk to him, what with all the interruptions, but it was good to hear Aidan speak to the guys more about riding. It made me feel all mushy inside, to see him so passionate and excited. This boy sure does love it.

Crystal and Clare do their best to round up everyone to move onto a nearby club. It’s only a short walk, but we almost have to go underground to find it.

The club already has a line-up outside, but luckily we don’t have to wait long. Dean, who I haven’t spoken to as yet tonight, suddenly appears beside me.

“I’ll pay your cover charge, Eevie,” Dean insists, as we get to the cashier.

“No thanks, I’ve got this,” I say as I open my purse. I’m still pissed at the stunt he pulled at the Orchid Lounge, which was the last time I saw him.

“That’s for two,” Dean says as he hands a fifty-dollar note to the man in the suit, who is as wide as he is tall.

“The gentleman in front already paid for you, gorgeous,” the suit says in a deep voice, and winks.

Squinting ahead of me, Aidan turns around, and flashes me that dazzling smile I’m starting to get a thing for. He shrugs his shoulders.
How nice of him
. I smile and mouth
thanks
, turn to Dean, and shrug, too. He scowls, and narrows his eyes in Aidan’s direction.
Oh,
get over yourself, Dean
.

The music gets louder with every step we take into the club. The beat is magic. Crystal said she heard good things about the DJ, and I think her sources were right. There’s nothing like a good DJ to really get you in the mood, and I feel like dancing.

Before I get the chance to thank Aidan properly for paying my cover charge, Crystal drags me towards the dance floor. I turn my head and smile at Aidan as she pulls me through the crowd. Crystal has been busting to get here all night, and so have I.

The guys typically head towards the bar, Rob shaking his head as Crystal launches into her typical spirited dance moves.