Betting on Love

Chapter 2- The Chase of a Lifetime

Chapter 2- The Chase of a Lifetime

ALLISON

When I told Mandy to impress me with her party, she certainly did so. Hell, she did better than expected… not like I’d ever admit it to her of course.

Strobe lights flashed in neon colours across the spacious yet very crowded Living room, the only source of light in the entire bottom level of the gigantic home. The smell of booze and sweat was almost overwhelming and caused my nose to scrunch up in disgust.

“Come on, let’s go see if there’s anywhere a little less…gross.” Cherise shouted over the pounding bass of whatever song was playing. A half dress girl stumbled across my path, stopping me in my tracks as I watched a group of guys run after the giggling girl.

Now I remember why I chose not to make an appearance at High School parties very often. They were loud, crowded and filled with kids who didn’t know how to keep down their alcohol. I may have been the same age as most at the party but at least I knew how to drink and have a good time.

Apart from that, Mandy’s party was going nuts. You could basically feel the excitement and joy radiating off of all the students bumping and grinding against each other.

Cherise managed to steer us towards the kitchen where a makeshift bar was set up, manned by a very nice looking guy who looked to be a little older than me. I bit my lip when his ice blue eyes locked onto me and smiled slightly; he smirked back and gave me one of those little head nods that all guys seem to do.

“Al, stop flirting with the barman.” Cherise scolded with an eye roll. I just grinned and continued doing what I knew best. What could I say? I was a sucker for an older guy.

“You know I can’t help it Cher, but I promise to try and hook you up with someone tonight, ok?” I offered, scanning the large kitchen for some possible contenders.

Cherise slapped my arm and pulled her blonde ponytail tighter on her head. “Don’t treat me like a damn charity case. If I wanted your help to get a guy, I’d ask for it.”

Guys were always a touchy subject for her, especially after her boyfriend of ten months did the usual player move and ‘bed then fled’. Even though she didn’t go the entire way with him, she got pretty close and so now has some serious trust issues.

Not that I blame her or anything, hell, when I found out I threatened to kill the bastard where he stood. He never bothered her again.

“Fine, let’s not worry about guys and just have a good time,” I suggested with a shrug of my shoulders “How does that sound?”

Cherise eyed me suspiciously before nodding her head in approval. “That sounds good.”

My lips pulled into a grin and I quickly pulled her over to the bar. “Great! In that case, rule number one of having a good time is letting go! So let’s grab a drink.”

Cherise groaned and tried to pull in the other direction. “Oh no you don’t! You agreed to have a good time so a drink is necessary.” I tried to reason.

“Fine, but one drink. Someone has to drive your drunk ass home.” She muttered half-heartedly

I laughed; throwing my head back to make it seem like what she said was so funny. We were close to the bar so I had to do something to get the guy’s attention.

Luckily, it worked. Mystery barman flicked his eyes over to us and smiled charmingly, walking over to lean against the marble bench top in front of him.

“Hey there,” He greeted in a deep voice, flicking his head to get the blonde hair out of his eyes.

I copied his move and leaned on the bench as well, closing the distance between us. “Hi,” I said breathily. “My friend and I would like a drink.”