Love Me Harder (18+ Only)

Part 3

Strobe lights traced intricate patterns on the walls that seemed to hypnotize me. The bass thumped so loud that the speakers vibrated, trying to contain the music inside. I heard a burp and the unmistakable smell of cheap beer and desperation assaulted my nostrils.

"Let me get you a drink." This was the third time someone said this to me since I got here 10 minutes ago.

"No, thank you." I swiped the screen of my cellphone, hoping he'd get the message. Thank goodness he did. The gesture was definitely appreciated, it's nice to know I can still get free drinks. But those days are gone. It's been years since I stepped into a club like this one.

My silk dress is really a bit much for this place. When Adam said "drinks" I assumed we were going to a classy lounge that played jazz music, served upscale cocktails and dimly lit walls. Instead I found myself with a mostly young crowd-college girls taking selfies and yuppies celebrating whatever victory they achieved today- in a part of town I've never been to before.

"The bartender was slammed. Sorry it took forever." Adam handed me a cocktail and sat next to me. "They were out of chardonnay."

My left eyebrow raised on its own. "What is this?"

"It's a Washington Apple. I believe it has whisky." He leaned back, stretched his arm and it fell on my back casually. Nice move.

The red liquid looked tempting and smelled sweet. It was like taking a bite out of an apple. Seriously. Adam just tempted me with the proverbial apple. I just got that, by the way. Warmth radiated from my belly to my back where his arm comfortably rested.

"Are you having fun?" A tingle swept all over my body as his lips brushed my ear.

I turned to him slowly. "This isn't really my thing."

"What's your thing?"

His eyes were dark and intense. "Something different... older."

"Well, I strongly insist that you have fun with me tonight." He stood up, grabbed my hand and pulled me up.

A nervous giggle escaped my lips. The warmth now emanated from his chest. "What are you doing?"

"Asking you to dance."

Technically speaking, it's not asking if you're being dragged onto a dancefloor jammed with bodies writhing to a Maroon 5 song. Before I could tell Adam I don't dance in public, ever, his strong arms snaked around my waist. My breasts pressed against his broad chest.

Time to make a mental list of my mistakes.

My first mistake was feigning illness at work. The second was letting Adam into my apartment. Third was saying yes to drinks. Fourth, and must I say, most importantly, not wearing a bra tonight. My traitorous nipples strained against my dress and I wasn't the only one who noticed.

"You're having fun," he said with a smile.

My stomach felt like it was trying to eat itself and I had the sudden urge to leave. "I need to be getting home, Adam."

"Give me a reason to take you home."

My hand gripped his arm. "I have two reasons: One, I have work in the morning. Two, I have a boyfriend."

"Only one of those reasons is valid." His lips covered mine for a brief second. My heart jumped up into my throat. My head was still spinning from the unexpected, yet chaste, kiss when he chuckled and said "I don't want you to be late for work."

Is it still a mistake if I don't regret it?