“Her name’s Ari. It appears she’s being shy. Come back around after drink number three or four,” Amber told him while flashing a heart stopping grin.
Chandler grinned down at Ari before Shelly gave him their sushi order, consisting of Pacific Rim, Samurai, and Firestarter rolls.
“We can order more if we want later, but that will be a good start.”
“See you gorgeous ladies soon,” Chandler said with a wink sent Ari’s way, causing her face to heat as she quickly looked down at her drink.
“Alright, girls, let’s get this night started in style,” Amber said as she licked her wrist and shook some salt on the wet skin. Ari was lost. The other two women followed Amber’s lead, but Ari watched cautiously, trying to figure out what they were doing.
“You don’t like Tequila shots?”
“I don’t know what they are.”
“Oh, you poor, poor, sheltered girl.”
“Miley, don’t be so hard on her. We’ll just have to teach her,” Shelly scolded. “Okay, Ari, lick your wrist, yeah, like that. Now, shake some salt on it. Good job. Finally, you just lick the salt off and then throw back the Tequila. Watch and learn, sister.”
All four of them did it at once, then her co-workers began laughing at the pierced look on Ari’s face. She knew she was scowling, but the amber liquid was burning a hole in her throat, and the salt seemed to only intensify the flavor.
“Okay, now grab the lime and bite into it like this.”
Ari couldn’t believe people put themselves through this torture. Her throat was on fire and her taste buds stinging as she reached for her glass of water. At least the lime helped a bit with the overwhelming flavor of the Tequila.
“You just have to dive back in for round two and then it’s time to dance,” Amber announced. With a reluctant sigh, Ari licked her wrist and grabbed the salt shaker. The sad thing was that round two went down a little easier.
Chandler was quick on bringing them more rounds and soon Ari didn’t know how much she’d consumed, but enough that her head was getting quite foggy. In between rounds, the women made their way to the dance floor to sweat out some of the alcohol.
At first, Ari was horrified by the men grinding up against her, but by her fifth round of shots, she barely even noticed the packed club – though she found herself smiling so much her cheeks hurt.
The women continued drinking, dancing and laughing, and soon a couple hours passed and Ari was starting to fall to the other side of her drunken bliss – the not feeling so great side.
“Ladies, it’s been a pleasure serving you tonight, but now I’m off shift. I was hoping to steal you for a dance, Ari,” Chandler said as he sat down next to her at the crowded bar.
“Yes!” Shelly, Amber and Miley answered in unison.
Ari was feeling so light headed that she didn’t even think about fighting Chandler as he took her hand and pulled her into his arms. His head descended as he locked his lips on hers and his hands roamed over her backside. She knew she should pull away – knew this was moving far too fast, but her foggy head was preventing her from resisting.
“No need to stick around if you have to go. I’ll make sure she gets home safe and sound,” Chandler said. To Ari’s amazement the women giggled and then waved their hands as if it was perfectly okay that their waiter was dragging her off to who knew where. She wanted to protest, but couldn’t seem to get any words past her throat.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and practically carried her to the dance floor where he placed both arms around her and started grinding his h*ps into hers.
“Um, I don’t feel too well. Maybe you should take me back to my friends,” Ari slurred, surprised by how difficult it was to get the words out.
“Shh, you’re fine, sugar. Let’s just have a dance or two and then I’ll take you somewhere you can lie down,” he replied before his lips captured hers, preventing her from protesting any further. With her last bit of energy she tried pulling away, but it was useless. The world was starting to blacken, and she slumped in his arms as she began to pass out.
“That’s right. Don’t fight it…” were the last words she heard.
Chapter Eleven
Rafe walked into the club, irritated to be there, but it was where his best friend wanted to meet. The man was constantly on the hunt for new women – one night stands being his preferred choice for satisfying his desires.
Rafe preferred to have exclusive women – there to do anything he wanted until he became bored of them. Only Shane, the man he’d known since middle school could get him out to a club, and only because he was like a brother to Rafe. The two of them were good for each other, helped balance one another out.
Having two sisters who drove him crazy, it was nice having Shane to level the insanity out. His sisters were great, but they could be too much to handle at times. Shane knew Rafe more than any other human being. He was there when Rafe had gone through the divorce, then by his side as he’d done what he needed to in order to pick the pieces back up.
“I can already tell by the expression on your face that you’re thrilled to be here.”
Rafe turned around and shot an irritated glance in Shane’s direction. Why he put up with the man, he’d never know. Really, the friendship should’ve never survived all the crap Shane was known for pulling. If Rafe didn’t know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Shane was a good guy, he’d cut ties and call it good.
“Let’s get this over with. I have plans this weekend.”
“Loosen up, brother. You have to stop and smell the roses once in a while. We’re two single guys out on the prowl and they only allow the hottest women in here. Let’s have some fun first, then discuss business later.”
Rafe sighed as a skimpily dressed hostess led them to a private table, bending down to show her ample cle**age as she asked them what they wanted to drink. Rafe normally would’ve enjoyed the view, but he still couldn’t seem to get Ari from his mind.
Never could he remember being so taken by one woman. It was the reason he should cut his losses and forget all about her. She’d said no – that should be the end of it – except, Rafe didn’t take rejection too well. Not that he could remember the last time he’d actually been rejected.
“We’ll take a couple shots of bourbon to start,” Shane said as his hand reached out and copped a feel on her round ass.
“Sounds good, baby. I’ll be right back,” the woman practically purred.