The bass pounded in her chest as she navigated the crowd, her eyes fixed on the bar across from Jake’s. She could feel his gaze on her, but she refused to look his way. Not now. Not when she felt this raw, this exposed.
She slid onto a barstool, her fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the sticky surface. The bartender, a lanky guy with a sleeve of tattoos, raised an eyebrow at her.
“Two shots of tequila,” Sophia said, her voice carrying a sharp edge. “And make it the good stuff, yeah?”
The bartender nodded, pouring the golden liquid into two small glasses. Sophia grabbed the first one, lifting it in a mock toast to no one in particular.
“Here’s to feelings being overrated bullshit,” she muttered, then knocked it back in one swift motion. The liquor burned its way down her throat, a welcome distraction from the ache in her chest.
She reached for the second shot, but paused, her fingers hovering over the glass. Jake’s voice echoed in her mind, a memory from earlier: “I haven’t forgotten you promised me a dance.”
“Promised him a dance,” Sophia scoffed, rolling her eyes. “As if that means anything.”
She downed the second shot, slamming the glass on the bar with more force than necessary. The bartender raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he slid a cocktail menu her way.
“Fuck it,” Sophia said, her voice low and determined. “Give me something strong and fruity. Surprise me.”
As the bartender mixed her drink, Sophia’s gaze wandered back to the dance floor. Her friends were still wrapped up in their respective partners, lost in their own little worlds.
“It’s not fair,” she thought, a sudden wave of bitterness washing over her. “Why does everyone else get to be happy while I’m stuck here, alone and scared shitless of getting hurt again?”
The bartender placed a vibrant blue cocktail in front of her, garnished with a slice of pineapple. Sophia grabbed it, taking a long sip through the straw. The sweetness hit her first, followed by a strong kick of alcohol that made her eyes water.
“Perfect,” she murmured, a grim smile tugging at her lips. She stood up, drink in hand, ready to lose herself in the pulsing rhythm of the music.
The bass thrummed through Sophia’s body as she swayed at the edge of the dance floor, her eyes closed and her mind pleasantly fuzzy from the cocktails. She let the music wash over her, determined to forget about everything else.
Suddenly, a pair of strong hands settled on her hips, and a familiar voice murmured in her ear, “You look stunning, little one.”
Sophia’s eyes snapped open, her heart rate spiking as she realized Jake was behind her, moving in sync with her body. She fought the urge to lean back into his warmth.
“Thought you’d forgotten about me, Surfer Boy,” she said, trying to keep her voice casual despite the electricity crackling between them.
Jake chuckled, his breath hot against her neck. “Not a chance. I’ve been watching you all night.”
Sophia turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. “Creepy much?”
“Can’t help it,” Jake grinned, his blue eyes twinkling. “You’re kind of hard to ignore.”
Sophia’s stomach did a little flip, but she pushed the feeling down.
Jake’s hands found her waist again, and with a smooth motion, he spun Sophia around so her back was pressed against his chest. His fingers splayed across her hips, guiding her movements as they swayed together.
Sophia’s breath caught in her throat. She could feel the heat of Jake’s body, the solid planes of his chest against her back. Her mind raced, torn between giving in to the moment and maintaining her walls.
“Relax against me, little one,” Jake murmured, his lips brushing her ear.
Sophia closed her eyes, trying to focus on the pounding beat instead of the way Jake’s touch sent sparks across her skin. She moved her hips, matching his rhythm, and felt a low rumble of approval in his chest.
“That’s it,” he said, his voice husky.
Sophia’s heart raced as she spun back around to face Jake, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. She tried to maintain some semblance of control, but the heat of his body and the intensity in his eyes made it difficult.
“You’re a pretty good dancer, Surfer Boy,” she quipped, attempting to lighten the mood.
Jake’s hands settled on her lower back, pulling her closer. “I’ve got a few hidden talents.”
Sophia rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “Modest, aren’t you?”
“Just honest,” he grinned, his fingers tracing small circles on her back.
The music pulsed around them, but Sophia felt like they were in their own little bubble. She tried to focus on anything else – the flashing lights, the crowd – but her gaze kept returning to Jake’s face.
“What are you thinking?” Jake asked, his voice low and intimate despite the noise.
Sophia hesitated, her usual quick wit failing her. “I’m thinking… this is dangerous,” she admitted.
Jake’s expression softened. “Sometimes dangerous can be good, little one.”
Sophia’s breath hitched. She wanted to pull away, to retreat to the safety of her emotional walls, but her body betrayed her, leaning into Jake’s touch.
“I don’t do ‘good’ very well,” she muttered, more to herself than to him.
Jake cupped her face gently, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Maybe you just haven’t had the chance.”
Sophia’s heart raced as she stared into Jake’s eyes, feeling both exhilarated and terrified. She swallowed hard, trying to regain her composure.
“You don’t know me, Jake, not really,” she said, her voice barely audible over the music. “I’m not exactly a catch.”
Jake’s thumb brushed her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. “I’d like to know you, if you’d let me.”
The sincerity in his voice made Sophia’s chest tighten. She closed her eyes, letting the rhythm of the music wash over her. When she opened them again, Jake was still watching her intently.
Sophia’s mind raced, a thousand thoughts and fears colliding. She took a shaky breath, her usual bravado slipping.
“Jake, I…” she began, her voice catching.
But before she could finish, Jake pressed a finger gently to her lips. His touch was electric, silencing her doubts and the pounding music around them.
“We’re having fun right now, Soph,” he said softly, his blue eyes twinkling. “That’s all.”
The simplicity of his words cut through her anxiety. Sophia felt a weight lift from her shoulders, replaced by a warmth that spread through her chest. She couldn’t help but smile, her dimples showing.
“Fun, huh?” she quipped, finding her footing again. “I thought you were just trying to improve your dance moves.”
Jake laughed, pulling her closer. “Ouch. You wound me, little one.”
As they swayed together, Sophia allowed herself to relax into the moment. The bass thrummed through her body, matching the quickened pace of her heart. She breathed in Jake’s scent – a mix of salt and citrus that reminded her of sun-soaked days by the sea.