Chapter 13

Not a second longer, a pair of hands snaked around my waist. Addison and Ivy both looked at me simultaneously. They grinned and winked while dancing with their partners, probably they met on the dance floor. I had a hint why they grinned. I whirled around to find out who those hands belong to and I was right.

He was hot. The reason for their grins.

He smiled when our eyes met. A pair of dimples decorated his smile. He was tall and ripping with muscles but not to the point that would ruin his proportion. His hair was swept back with gel. I wanted to know the color of his eyes but the dim lights didn’t help.

I swayed with him when I realized he was dancing slowly with me. I was really busy judging his features. Who could blame me? He was undeniably a gorgeous man.

“You’re beautiful.” He said through his smile. He pressed our bodies closer. The music was sexy and upbeat yet we were dancing really slowly.

I gave him a small smile. “Thank you.” I snaked my hands to his shoulders and to his neck.

“You know I was trying to find the right time to dance with you. Your friends were keeping you occupied. So I gather up my courage to just steal you away from them. Coincidentally, they left at the same time I was near you.”

I chuckled. “Really? Luck must be on your side.” His dimples are so cute. Oh my god.

“I’m Chase by the way.” He was grinning from ear to ear.

“A lot of girls must be chasing you, huh.”

He laughs at my pun. “I wish. You know when someone tells you their name, you tell yours back.” He teased.

I was restraining a huge grin. I was having fun flirting with him. “I don’t want to. I’d like to keep the mystery you know.”

“Well, I do have an option to ask your friends.” I laugh. He twirled me halfway around. My back was against his chest. We continued to dance slowly against the upbeat music.

“Would you like sit down and have a drink?” He said against my ear. I nodded, feeling drained from our nonstop dancing. He held my hand and dragged me towards the bar. He bought a drink for us. We sit and talk, asking questions about ourselves randomly. I could tell he was really interested in me with the way he listens intently and asks questions about me. He was so nice and obviously a gentleman.

He was so impressed when I told him I'm a painter. His eyes were filled with delight. The butterflies began to grow in my stomach. Not everyone is impressed with what I do since not all think artists have a bright future. But his response was different and I was glad. We could really become close.

Our conversation was cut off when his phone vibrated. There was a call coming. He asked permission before going to take the call. I was left with a permanent smile.

Maybe I said too early.

“Having fun, amore?”

My breath hitched. I tried to turn around but I could feel his body against my back. His lips were slightly grazing my ear.

“W-what are you doing here?” I asked nervously. I felt him pulling away a bit.

“Keeping an eye on someone.” He finally withdrew himself from the close proximity. He sat on the stool beside me.

I peer at him. Is he really that distrustful to keep an eye on me while I’m out having fun with my friends?

“I thought we’re not on talking terms.” I bit the straw that was floating in my cocktail. He was just silent, ignoring my statement. He was only staring at me. His eyes travelled from bottom to top.

I sighed as I looked away.

“Hey.” Chase stole my attention at his arrival. “It was my roommate. He had a family emergency so he flew back home.” He explained. “I’m probably gonna be alone at my apartment for a while.” He stated with a suggestive smirk.

I grinned. “Are you-”

“That’s enough fun for tonight, amore.” Dante’s back suddenly came into view. I can’t believe he squeezed himself between us.

“Excuse me?” Chase’s tone was that of annoyed.

I slid off from the stool and stepped out behind Dante.

“What I meant to say was stay away from my girlfriend.” He warned.

“What?” “Girlfriend?!” Chase and I exclaimed at the same time. We both looked at Dante. Since I was the shortest, I have to look up.

Chase’s gaze shifted to me. Eyes wide in disbelief. “You… you have a boyfriend?”

“Of course not! He’s lying.” I defended while approaching him but Dante pulled my arm and stopped me. When my eyes met his, he was glowering at me. The feeling of fear crept up my spine again. I froze. I didn’t realize that I was already breathing heavily as my heart rate increased.

I turned my attention to Chase but the spot where he stood was already empty. I sighed. I really liked Chase. He was a great guy and I really like guys like him. I wasn’t actually looking for a boyfriend but I was interested in him. I mean we had chemistry but this guy had to ruin it.

“Happy?” I asked sarcastically with an eye roll. I went back to my seat and continued drinking the cocktail. The night went on really great until he decided to grace us with his presence. Why did he have to come and spy on me? No. Why did he have to come and interrupt? He even lied and told him I’m his girlfriend.

“I am.” I gave him a glare. He went back to his seat as well. After the stupid scene he did, he was acting calm and it annoyed me even more. I can’t even do anything about it. I didn’t want to cross limits.

“You had a lot to drink.” He eyed my new glass of liquor. My eyes automatically shifted to his second glass of scotch.

I shrugged. “I’m no longer in the mood so why not drink my night away? I doubt you’d let me hang out with my friends again." I paused. "You know I told you before. I’m not an idiot so you really don’t have to ruin my night.” I spat.

“The problem is, amore, you’re having too much fun.” Although he sounded nonchalant, there was a frown formed in his face.

“You don’t want me to?” I asked in disbelief.

“No. Not when you’re flirting with some guy.” He exclaimed. “You only went out twice and now two guys are smitten by you.” He rambled the following sentence.

I eyed him in disbelief. “Excuse me. It’s not my fault I’m pretty.” I retorted sarcastically.

“Exactly! I can’t sit at home knowing there’ll be someone itching to have a night with you. You’re mine, amore. Mine! No stronzo is going to take you away from me!”