Keeping Secrets

The Proposal

PEYTON

I'd been right. The VIP section was upstairs, and I was completely out of my element. Being here with the band was nothing like a college party.

Amanda and I followed Justin up the stairs to a balcony area with a full view of the dance floor and bar below. Leather sofas and oversized armchairs were grouped into sections, each one separated by dark curtains hanging from the ceiling. The curtains were partially open but could be pulled shut to create a private space for each party.

The decor was sleek and moody, with a color palette of slate, gray, and black, accented by chrome inlays. Bright blue sconces illuminated the walls, and a crystal chandelier hung above each table. It was swanky and elegant, just the way exclusive nightclubs look in the movies.

A gorgeous waitress appeared as soon as we sat down. She placed a chrome bucket of ice with a couple of bottles of champagne on the table in front of us and offered drinks from a large tray that she balanced on one hand.

"Damn." Amanda sighed under her breath. "I'm so far out of my comfort zone," she whispered so only I heard.

I couldn't help but giggle. It felt like the two of us stuck out like sore thumbs, despite being dressed for the event. A group of perfectly styled women sat at a table behind us and I didn't miss the way they licked their lips and adjusted themselves to show off their best assets for the members of Trudge Lite.

Some of them appeared to be quite a few years older than the guys, but that didn't stop them from ogling, neither did the glares they gave me and Amanda. I tried to pretend that I didn't notice and that it didn't bother me, but it still made me feel like I was just a girl in a businesswoman's world.

"So," Justin looked at Amanda with a glint in his eyes, "want some champagne?"

"Wait," Amanda said and put her hand over her heart in a pretend shock. "You are giving me alcohol? You're breaking all the older cousin's rules now, aren't you?"

Justin chuckled while Lucas grinned and popped the cork of one of the bottles. He proceeded to pour the champagne into the crystal stem glasses another waitress had dropped off, while Amanda and I remained seated next to each other on the couch and just watched.

Beau sat down next to me, while Justin took the seat beside Amanda. Dane claimed the chair opposite from us, and I had to bite my lip to refrain from laughing when I caught the glare Justin shot Dane's way after he smiled at Amanda. If he only knew...

Amanda on the other hand didn't even bother to look back at Dane. I'd been slightly worried about how that was going to turn out, but if Amanda kept her cool it would probably be alright.

"Here, babe," Lucas said, handing me a glass of champagne.

I wasn't used to anyone calling me "babe," so I probably blushed a bit, but Lucas seemed to use that endearment for everyone.

"Thanks," I murmured, taking a couple of quick sips from the thin crystal glass, hoping for some liquid courage. The buzz from the drinks I'd had earlier at the bar had wore off.

Beau was leaning back against the cushions with a beer in his hand. I felt the heat coming off of him, and smelled his intoxicating scent, cologne mixed with smoke, and a tinge of sweat. It made me keenly aware of how close we were, and I took another quick sip, trying to calm my racing heart.

He had changed out of his stage clothes into a simple black V-neck T-shirt and a pair of black jeans. The only thing on his body that wasn't black was the metal designer logo on his belt.

"So, what did you think?" Beau asked, his blue eyes locking onto mine with a look of genuine interest. I leaned back next to him, trying to appear relaxed, even though I wasn't.