“It was just a kiss!” A hot, bone melting, panty drenching kiss, but who was checking that? “And he did it only because he wanted to prove a stupid point.”
“Ryan kissed you?” Dee squealed, clasping her hands together in prayer and lifted her eyes upwards. “Finally! Oh, thank you, goddess. When? How? Where? Details, woman, spill now.”
That was all the encouragement Sam needed. She poured out everything, while Dee sat, listening in open mouthed amazement.
“Wow!” She breathed, when Sam wound down. “I can't believe you two almost had angry sex in an elevator. I've always wanted to do that.”
Sam felt heat flood her face. “We just kissed, Dee. And it was over it less than a minute.”
“Yeah, but this is great news, right? At least, now you know he's hot for you.”
Sam shook her head, the hurt she'd nursed all day coming back in full force. “Not really, he only kissed me to prove he can be a enormous asshole when he wants to be.”
“Nonsense.” Dee took on a scolding tone. “The guy wants you, Sam. Factor in that other encounter in his office when he almost did kiss you, and it proves my point.”
Sam didn't agree, but before she could voice it, the doorbell rang. Dee started, and jumped up.
“That'll be Kim. She glanced at the clothes on the bed and picked up a burgundy mini dress, tossing it at Sam. “Wear this, I've got some brand new panties in that drawer, and I'll come help you with your hair and makeup.”
She rushed out, while Sam stood, discarding the towel and dressed quickly, not wanting to keep Dee's friend waiting. High pitched laughter filtered in from the living room, followed by a blend of voices, and Sam guessed Kim hadn’t come alone.
****
It was going on 10pm by the time the women arrived at the club. The place was in full swing, and it seemed as though the entire party going population of Manhattan had descended on The Sylph tonight.
Nevertheless, with an assurance that made Sam envious, Kimberly Choi and Dee cut a swath through the crowd, which parted for the breathtaking women, while Sam, and a pretty brunette Dee had introduced as Kim's best friend, Erin, trailed behind in their wake.
Dee's silver dress made her a glorious sight to behold, the material clinging in all the right places, showing off her figure. Beside her, Kim shone in a nude mesh dress, paired with a nude colored bodysuit underneath that set off curves to die for, and glowing complexion.
Never lacking in confidence, Sam knew she looked stunning as well; the dress Dee had chosen was a perfect fit, hugging her curves, showing enough cleavage. Her chestnut hair fell in soft waves, the result of Dee's skill with a curler. Yet, even she had to admit she didn't hold a candle to the dazzling duo.
She caught Erin's eye and the grin on the woman's face told Sam she shared her thoughts.
From their conversation on the ride over, Sam knew Erin was based in Chicago, where she'd recently moved to permanently to be with her boyfriend - The famous Ethan Lachlan of Holbourn Construction - and closer to her parents. She was a VP at her family's hotel, and co - CEO of a small company. Kim, on the other hand, had moved to New York recently, and was looking to partner with Dee on her upcoming lingerie line.
“They're something else, aren't they?” Erin said with a chuckle, her voice raised above the pounding beat.
“Yes, they are.” Sam grinned. She already liked Erin, a woman who carried herself with a quiet confidence, and who despite her larger than life friend, was certainly not the type to quietly blend into the background.
Dee paused and looked back. “We're heading to the bar. You two, find us somewhere to sit. What'd you want to drink?”
“Pimms for me.” Erin replied, already scanning the dim room for an available booth.
“Sidecar.” Sam said. She spotted an empty table close to the bar and pointed it out to Erin. “Let's grab that before its taken.”
Erin nodded and they pushed their way to the table. They snagged two extra seats from a nearby table, Sam dazzling the two guys who occupied the table with a smile, when they protested.
“Thanks." She said to one of them, a good looking man, whose eyes moved over her, alight with frank, male appreciation. His friend got up and wandered off in the general direction of the bar.
“No problem.” He flashed a smile, displaying even, white teeth. He leaned towards them, interest apparent in his body language. “Waiting for the boyfriends?”
“Girlfriends.” Sam replied, enjoying the attention. It felt nice to be admired openly, not blowing hot and cold like one annoying man in particular. This guy was quite handsome, and from what she could see of his body, seated though he was, looked really nice. Bonus points to him for holding her gaze, and not lingering on her boobs.
Despite her brain mentally trying to compare his looks to a certain someone, she squashed that effort. Tonight wasn't about Ryan - I'll kiss you to prove I'm a jerk - Silverton.
Beside her, Erin had pulled out her phone was busy texting, wearing a mischievous smile. She completely ignored the conversation, all attention fixed on whoever she was texting.
“Ah, then mind if I keep you company while you wait?” The guy's grin got wider, and he slid his chair closer to their table. He glanced at Erin and chuckled. “Looks like your friend's busy.”
"Not at all," she shot him an inviting smile, which he seemed to eat up.
She turned to Erin, hoping she didn't mind as well.
"Erin, is it okay if -" she turned to him, eyebrow raised.
"Justin." He supplied, still grinning.
"Justin joins us?" Sam held his gaze, feeling warmth blossom in her belly.
“Hmm?” Erin raised her head and glanced distractedly at the two of them. She colored when she realized they were both looking her way.
“Sorry, just chatting with the boyfriend.” She waved the hand holding phone and giggled when it buzzed an incoming text. She glanced at the screen, read the text and her face heated, eyes wide, mouth forming a surprised ‘o’.
Sam watched, fascinated as Erin surreptitiously squirmed in her seat, looking like a woman who was majorly turned on.
A streak of envy passed through Sam. Once upon a time, that had been her, sexting with Zahir when he was away at college, enjoying the naughty messages and sexual innuendos in his texts.
God, she missed that. A lot.
Idly, she wondered if Ryan was the type to send raunchy messages to his lover. Not that she had any intention of being said lover - not anymore. Certainly not after the way he'd acted today.
Probably not the type anyway. She tried to picture him sexting and failed.
He was probably allergic to texts or calls, much like Yash, who always forgot to communicate with anyone, save Dee.
For all the remorse he'd tried to show in the elevator, the man had not even deigned to call or text an apology. If he'd been so torn up about the way he'd used her, he would have tried to make contact.
She shook off those melancholy thoughts, turning her attention back to blond guy, who was watching Erin's reaction. He noticed her gaze and looked at her, a smoldering heat in his eyes.
Just then, Dee and Kim arrived, a besotted looking serving boy trailing them with a tray full of their drinks.
“The bar is a crush!” Kim announced, her pleased grin at odds with her words. She directed the waiter to place the tray on the table, reached into her impressive cleavage to extract a fifty dollar note, which she slipped to him and blew a kiss.
The poor waiter wandered off, a dreamy smile on his face.
“This place is amazing!” Dee yelled, plopping herself on the empty seat beside Sam, grinning madly. She grabbed a drink off the tray, thrust it at Sam, and grabbed another for herself. “I think everyone in Manhattan’s here tonight.”
She didn't wait for a reply, merely caught her straw in between blood red lips and took a sip of her drink, her eyes wandering over the room, body swaying to the music. Then she caught sight of Justin and sat up straight, shooting Sam a wink and a knowing look.
“Hello,” she leaned across Sam, holding out her hand, palm down. “I'm Dee, are you interested in Sam?”
“For god's sakes, Dee!” Sam elbowed her, an embarrassed flush staining her cheeks. “Stop it.”
Fortunately, he had a sense of humor, as he merely grinned, took Dee's proffered hand and lifted it to his lips.
“Oh, definitely interested,” he drawled, eyes dancing in delight. “Nice to meet you, Dee, I'm Justin.”
Dee giggled and gave him her best impression of a regal nod of approval. “A gentleman. I like you, Justin. You have my permission to court my friend.”
Sam laughed, amused at her antics. She turned to Justin, to find him staring at her, his heated gaze setting off butterflies in her stomach. “Don't mind my friend, please.”
Justin leaned close, to murmur in her ear. “It's very nice to meet you, Sam.”
Sam blushed, and reached for her drink.