Fragmented ✔️

3. Combustion

I slammed the shot glass down and wiped my mouth on the back of my hand. The fruity purple liquid burnt as it made its way down my throat, making me wince. "Raspberries. I taste raspberries."

"Yep, that's the Chambord. Did you taste the lime?" Matt leaned against the row of sinks as his gaze swept over my figure.

I shook my head and stared into the mirror, running my fingers under my eyes to remove a trail of smudged black eyeliner and mascara. "I look a right state."

Matt shrugged and pushed himself up. "I don't think so. You look pretty good from where I'm standing." He came up behind me and propped his head on my shoulder, looking at my reflection. Not once did I catch him staring at the scar on my face.

I cocked an eyebrow and smirked. "Is that so? Even after that meltdown. I doubt it."

"Happens to the best of us. Ready to head back in?" His low hoarse voice tickled as the air hit below my ear. I was very aware of how close we were, each part of him touching my back.

I twisted round, so we were chest to chest and looped my hands behind his neck. "This might be a bit forward but if you've finished work, can we leave? I need a distraction."

His eyes widened, and I watched his Adam's apple bob up and down. "I can deal with forward. I live a few streets away. We can go there? If that's okay with you?"

"Sounds good to me. I'll just tell Zaire and we can go."

Matt grabbed my hand and all but ran out of the restroom. I found Zaire chatting to CeCe and whispered in his ear that I wouldn't be long, promising to call him when I was ready for a lift home. I weaved through the room, avoiding my old colleagues and friends on the way out, and met Matt by the exit.

I haltered my strides as the cool night air hit my face. Closing my eyes, I tilted my head skyward and took a deep breath in.

Matt stroked my bare arm and inched closer. "I have a small confession," he whispered into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. "I've been dying to kiss you from the moment you walked into the bar." His hands danced on my lower back, under my top; his breath fanned my face when he moved to stand in front of me.

He ran his thumb over my bottom lip as his amber eyes held mine. Desire instantly flooded my body, and he had yet to touch his lips to mine.

"I'd really like that," I said, closing the distance between us. Threading my fingers through his thick hair, I gently tugged his head back as he gripped my waist. He tasted of the raspberry liquor and a hint of a dark, rich whiskey. I didn't even like whiskey yet on him, I couldn't get enough of it. At the time, I was so glad I wasn't intoxicated. The leftover buzz from my previous shots faded into the background as a new feeling consumed me.

My body clenched as he deepened the kiss and all previous thoughts melted away; my sole focus being this warmth spreading through me.

Matt pulled away. My knees wobbled as we took a few seconds to catch our breath, and then his lips crashed back onto mine. The second kiss more urgent with our intentions very clear.

"Let's get back to yours," I moaned when his mouth found the hollow at the bottom of my throat.

***

I stood on the top step in front of a decent sized three bedroom terraced house. Matt wasn't lying when he said he lived close to the bar. We practically jogged up to his home, but even without it, the distance couldn't take more than ten to fifteen minutes by foot.

Matt struggled with his keys and turned to me a few times to apologise for not getting the door open quick enough. I leaned against the wall, taking in my surroundings. Close to midnight, it wasn't surprising that the streets were empty.