"So... who are you with?" The burly security guard steps forward, barring your way.
"I'm with the band," you say, your voice loaded with suggestiveness, and it doesn't go unnoticed.
He raises an eyebrow, taking in your too-tight dress and cherry red...
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Larry decides that we should call it a night after I've consumed four more double gin and tonics, each one purchased by a different band member. I've spent most of the evening flirting my way around the table, trying to ignore Larry's disapproving looks.
"The night's still young Larry, come on mate, don't go home yet!" Van pipes up as Larry's trying to persuade me that we should both make a move.
"Yeah Larry, don't be bor-ing!" I say in a teasing tone, much to Van's delight.
"Look, Arabella wants to stay out, don't you love?"
"Uh-huh!" I nod enthusiastically, linking my arm through Van's, noting the smug kind of look on his face. Bet he thinks he's pulled already.
"So where are you taking me then Van?" I ask him, purposefully turning away from Larry's death stare which I can practically feel burning into me.
Van ignores Larry too. "Only the best for you babe. You can have a personal guided tour of Llandudno's finest nightspots, followed by a romantic meal for two..."
Benji snorts next to Van. "What? At the local chippy?"
"They're good chips, don't knock it!" Van protests.
Johnny shakes his head, chuckling. "You really know how to treat a lady!"
I smile sweetly, nudging Larry hard in the ribs as I hear him mutter something under his breath about me being far from a lady.
"Bells, seriously... I don't think it's a good idea. You're only gonna go and get shit-faced and god knows what you'll get up to. What's ya mam gonna say when she calls tomorrow to see how you're settling in and my mam's got to tell her that you didn't even come home!"
My mouth drops open. I'm used to my reputation preceding me, but I didn't bank on it following me all the way to North Wales.
"Where do you think I'll be staying then?" I challenge him.
Larry's gaze flicks straight to Van and then back to me but I can see him backing down. He's still terrified of offending me obviously. "Dunno..."
"Why don't you come too Larry, then you can keep an eye on Arabella?" Johnny's looking at him eagerly.
"So you're staying out too then Johnny?" I ask, even more keen to prolong my evening when he nods in answer.
"We should all go!" I announce, looking around at the lads one by one. Johnny and Van are nodding and Benji shrugs noncommittally. Maybe he won't be too hard to persuade. Bob's the only one who really doesn't look keen.
I leave Van's side and cross straight over to Bob, wobbling a little on my heels and falling into him. He instinctively reaches out his hands to steady me, instantly looking embarrassed. "Steady on!" He says quietly.
My god, he's adorable. He's the shyest band member by far but those little dimples that pop on his cheeks when he grins are to die for. I could imagine settling down with someone like Bob eventually once I've got all the partying out of my system. Not that that's going to be happening anytime soon!
