Sure Bet (Out of Left Field #1)

11. Brooke

Chapter 11

Brooke

“ I t’s about time we got you out of that goddamn condo!” Shana skipped along the sidewalk and reached for my hand as we weaved between pedestrians. “I swear, your life only takes place in one of two locations: home or work.”

The neighborhood bustled with life on another unseasonably warm February evening, the kind that only required a light jacket, and there was no threat of rain on the horizon. The winter sky was a canvas of vibrant hues, painted with the strokes of a breathtaking sunset over the Sound. The Emerald City truly lived up to its name tonight, sparkling with life and possibility.

Seasonal affect disorder dragged us down, but the onset of hopeful weather revived the soul. My New Me resolution inspired by my breakup while on the precipice of a career game changer might have helped a little, too.

“Correction, my life only took place in one of two locations. Those days are long gone!” Barely, but who needed to nitpick?

Certainly not me, as I strolled amidst the throngs of people enjoying the temperate conditions. On a mission to seize the night, Shana and I headed to a trendy club in SODO, something I abhorred.

Correction—once abhorred.

Tonight, it sounded like a fantastic idea. Pulsing music and the stench of pheromones and cologne in a stagnant and humid warehouse with shit ventilation? Sign. Me. Up.

“You can stop grinding your teeth.” Shana eyed me warily, looping her arm with mine and hauling me closer. “You can’t just go from zero to sixty-nine in life, Brooke. You’ll burn out. It’s possible to hate this kind of stuff and be a confident badass. Confidence comes from what makes you feel good, not suffering through things you hate.”

I glanced behind us. “So, I should just head back?”

Shana giggled and squeezed my arm. “God, no. Getting you out to a club is like convincing a sloth to run a marathon. I won’t lose the momentum.” Her head fell to my shoulder, and I wrapped my arm around her. “There are plenty of ways to shine that don’t involve twisting your ankle in Stilettos. But I love this energy for you, and I fully endorse this as the start of your twenty-fifth year of life.”

Me, too. Twenty-five was going to be my year.

“Five days until my presentation, seven until our birthday. This is just the start, and I’m determined to make it count.” I just needed to remain strong, and I would. I was steadfast and determined to nail my project while simultaneously denying my desire to nail Liam.

My discipline would be worth any discomfort over the next week if I emerged victorious with a funded grant, my pride, and a newfound sense of confidence.

But that didn’t mean obstacles wouldn’t be thrown in my path.

A familiar figure strutted through the crowd with an air of self-assurance that bordered on arrogance. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Liam’s mischievous grin. He approached with a wave; his hair tousled in a casual sexiness. The sun had set twenty minutes ago, but he still wore his sunglasses.

God, aviators looked good on him. He removed them as he neared, tucking them into his shirt’s collar. A basic white cotton perfectly fitted beneath his leather jacket. He cuffed his dark wash denim jeans at the ankle to reveal a beat-up pair of Converse, completing a breezy kind of cool that heated my body.

His eyes flickered over me, causing me to instinctively tug at my dress again until I remembered I was in control. I didn’t need to cower or hide or fall into self-doubt and insecurity. But I also didn’t need to flash him my panties, and I quickly checked to verify my bits were covered.

“Look at this.” His drawl was damn near predatory. “Shana, you didn’t tell me we were dressing up.”

My eyes narrowed on my best friend, a wolf in sheep’s clothing like her brother. “We?”

Shana waved her hand dismissively. “We’re all going stir-crazy with the shit weather and a small condo, and Liam has one friend in Seattle.” He glared at her, and I smirked, but she added, “You’re not better off, Brooke. You both need some socialization.”

He snickered, and I shoved his shoulder. “Shut up. I have friends.”

“Like me?” He cocked his head and grinned.

Shana wrapped an arm around each of us, gathering us into an awkward hug. “We’re like the Three Stooges! Now, let’s have some of this fun Brooke committed to. Sergio will grab a booth?—”

“Sergio?” Liam cut in. “That can’t be?—”

“And I want to dance! But, oh no!” Shana gasped and smacked her forehead. “I forgot my wallet. Hold on.” She wiggled out from between us, pushing Liam and me together and grinning. “I’ll just pop home real quick. Be back in a jiffy. You go on without me. You can’t miss Sergio. He’ll be the one in the sequins. See you soon!”

Shana’s head dropped back, and she cackled, scurrying away like the witch she was. Liam and I stood blinking as she disappeared around the corner.

“That was planned.” He sounded as unimpressed as me.

I sighed, sliding over a few inches for space. “Yet not unexpected.”

Liam nudged me with his elbow, encouraging me to walk. “Guess you’re stuck with me.”

He shot me a sidelong smile, and I dropped my gaze to the cracked and uneven sidewalk. If I weren’t careful, I would easily slip into the fantasy that this was more than a game to him. That affection fueled his interest, not ego.

The hum of city life distracted me from the tumultuous mix of emotions as I walked beside him. We spent years locked in a rivalry, yet in the absence of taunting, it was kind of nice to walk in companionable silence.

“My sister thinks we should be friends, Brooke. I’m inclined to agree. You’re the stubborn holdout.”

Ugh, never mind. “Says the man who proposed a bet with the bold claim I’m a liar?” I snickered. “Solid foundation for friendship right there.”

With a hand clutched dramatically to his chest, he gasped. “I threw myself upon a sword of sacrifice for you. I risk homelessness, my dignity, looking foolish, endless mockery?—”

I rolled my eyes. “Okay, okay.”

With a sigh, he tucked his hands into his pockets and shuffled along. “I mean, I understand. Years of crushing on your best friend’s older brother...”

“You’re five minutes older than Shana.”

There was a beat of silence, and he smiled. “You didn’t deny it.” His voice was soft, and he stared straight ahead as the club entrance came into view. “The crush.”

Shit.

“Please,” I puffed, embarrassed and horrified in equal measure. Liam was a formidable opponent, more astute, aware, and attuned than I gave him credit for. Falling in step with him was easier than I realized. I needed to do better. “You didn’t let me finish before you interrupted me.”

He gestured for me to continue. “My sincere apologies, Brooke. By all means, finish that thought. Something sharp and deep-cutting, I presume?” The smile faded from his face, and he stared at his shoes as we walked. “A long list of reasons a girl like you wouldn’t have had a crush on a boy like me?”

His tone was soft, not the familiar bite I was used to. He... almost sounded bothered.

“As if I wasn’t aware that guys like you didn’t go for girls like me. Do you want to talk about a list of reasons to not have a crush? Embarrassing me in that closet with your stupid game would sit at the very top. You were too good for me, and it pissed you off that I said no. Simple.”

He froze mid-step, grabbing my elbow to face him, nearly causing me to topple over in these heels. “You thought I was too good for you?”

His eyes searched mine, and my pulse quickened. I pulled free, dodging a group of people passing to enter the club.

With a hurried step forward, he furrowed his brows. “Answer me, Brooke. You really thought I was too good for you?”

His disbelief confused me. What other option existed in a universe where he was the popular and self-assured one, and I was nothing more than the backdrop?

I glared at him skeptically. “What? Like I was too good for you?” With a huffy laugh, I spun to escape into the crowd.

“Yes,” he said flatly behind me.

The answer was so unexpected that I stumbled and caught my heel in a split in the concrete, tripping like an idiot. Liam’s arm wrapped around my waist, catching me before I fell backward.

His eyes flickered over mine. “You don’t have to break your ankle to wind up in my arms, Brooke. I won’t even make you beg. Just ask.” A coy smile grazed his lips.

He was arrogant, yes, but also playful.

The twinkling lights of the city skyline cast a luminous glow in the distance, and shadows merged with the darkening hues of twilight, but nothing shined quite like Liam’s bright smile.

Except for the purple sequined jumpsuit that flashed by as a man rushed toward the door, hollering and waving at the bouncer.

Liam released me. I stepped back and smoothed a hand over my hair. “I believe that’s Sergio.”

“You have to look somewhere else.” Shana studied me over the rim of her glass, taking a long sip of her drink. “You’re getting creepy.”

He said yes.

One simple answer with one complicated interpretation. Liam had thought I was too good for him?

We went our separate ways upon entering the club, me making a beeline for the bar until Shana conveniently arrived. I drank and considered what, if anything, Liam’s answer meant.

Then I drank even more.

He chatted at the booth with Shana’s friends, spending the last hour laughing and having a good time.

I stared with a mixture of envy and frustration as a group of beautiful, flirty women surrounded him. He drew the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Even Sergio hadn’t left the booth since Liam took up residency.

With a charm that was as effortless as it was infuriating, he entertained the masses. A dazzling smile adorned his face as he said something to Erin, the woman sitting beside him. She giggled, her hand grazing his arm as she leaned closer.

“I’m not creepy,” I muttered.

To prove my point, I turned away from the group and signaled the bartender for another gin and tonic. Sleek and polished, the bar’s surface glowed under the soft pendant lights.

My thoughts dragged to Sam’s pub, and the worn and aged mahogany of his bar top, but I quickly shook them away. Buying his father’s business had never been his dream, but Sam planned to renovate it and turn it into his own project. I doubted he would find much inspiration in a place like this, though.

Crimson and indigo hues bathed the interior of the industrial warehouse, now a seductive and sophisticated nightclub. Exposed brick walls adorned with neon signs and vintage artwork. Multicolored strobe lights flooded the dance floor in flickering shadows as people moved in beat with the music.

“You might want to call it a night with those gin and tonics.” Shana chewed her lip and reached for the glass the bartender sent over, but I was faster.

“To a fun and fabulous night.” I toasted her empty hands.

My eyes drifted back to Liam. No longer entangled with Erin, he nodded along to something Sergio said. Erin snaked her hand over his thigh and leaned over him to listen. Liam removed her hand and wagged his finger playfully as she pouted.

Relief lit me up with his rejection, but it was short-lived. Whatever he said next had her rising and exiting the booth as he followed behind.

Erin headed our way, her round hips sashaying. Long blonde hair splayed over her shoulders, and her doe eyes and heart- shaped, pouty mouth reminded me of all the girls Liam dated over the years.

He had a type, and it wasn’t me, confirming any interest in me was phony. In case the bet wasn’t clear enough.

I couldn’t blame him. Erin was more than just a smokeshow. She was interesting and smart, and Shana said she created a startup streaming platform that made bank.

I shot back my drink with a wince and gestured to the dance floor. “Let’s do this.”

Shana’s eyes widened, and she clapped her hands gleefully. “You mean it? Don’t tease me, Brooke. I won’t stand for cruel jokes from my best friend.”

Shana lived to dance. I preferred to avoid gyrating in public, but watching Liam shove through the crowd accompanied by a knockout was somehow worse, especially when they were en route to the bar where I lurked.

“I want to move.” To another country, preferably, but a few drinks in, and dancing seemed good enough.

Shana didn’t give me the opportunity to change my mind. She dragged me into the swarm of swaying bodies. After a couple of songs, my own body thrummed in sync with the rhythmic beat.

Pulsing music filled the air, and I sank further into the rolling sea of people. I lost myself in the heat of the crowded floor. With each hit of my hips and toss of my hair, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me, fueling my uninhibited revelry. Gin helped, too.

A sheen of sweat coated my skin, and I grinned at my best friend. “This is fun!”

Shana’s delighted smile matched mine as she reached her arm around the neck of the man dancing behind her. Her head fell on his shoulder, and she closed her eyes.

My gaze flickered just past her, fixing on Liam at the bar where he ordered drinks. Erin talked animatedly at his side. He glanced in my direction, and I quickly looked away. In a desperate bid to mask the fluttering in my chest, I threw myself into the dance, allowing the music to drown out the jealousy swirling within me.

I didn’t care—I really didn’t—and I had no intention of giving in to his stupid game. Beyond pride, I needed him out of the condo. No more obsession to distract me from moving on or tripping me up. How could I be the confident New Me when I questioned what Liam was doing—and worse, why I cared at all?

He drove me crazy, and deciphering his intentions and behaviors exhausted me. But it was the flutter of hope that proved most dangerous and distracting—the whisper of what if ? What if this wasn’t just a game to him?

What if he wanted to kiss me? That night ten years ago, and even now?

Stupid, Brooke. Don’t be stupid. Don’t burn in old flames; rise from the ashes and build new fires.

Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe the spite, but when a stranger appeared with confident movements and a handsome smile, I didn’t decline his advances. His hands gripped my waist as he rocked our bodies to the music, and for a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to be swept away by the intoxicating energy of being a woman who drew interest.

But as I gave in and glanced in Liam’s direction, I caught sight of his steeled gaze. As the stranger’s touch grew bolder, Liam’s jaw clenched tight, and his grip on his glass clenched even tighter. He slammed it on the bar, his eyes burning with an intensity that hit like a bolt of lightning.

Liam beckoned me over with two fingers curling inwards in a silent invitation. It was an effortless, almost casual movement, yet it carried an unmistakable air of authority—as if he held the power to command my attention with a mere flick of his wrist.

His eyes remained locked onto mine, a shiver sliding down my spine and urging me to heed his summons. But I subtly shook my head. A smirk played at the corners of my lips, and a rush of satisfaction washed over me as his expression darkened.

A slow smile unfurled on Liam’s face as he swiped his thumb along his bottom lip. He pushed off the bar, abandoning his companion without a word, and he shoved through the chaos of dancers to make his way over.

Defiance stirred within me. I felt a sense of control—a taste of power. A reward for my discipline. Yielding to Liam wasn’t an option, but forcing him to come to me was. My eyes never left him as he approached.

“Your friends are calling you,” he said to the man grinding behind me. “Kindly go fuck off.”

Liam’s fingers wrapped around my elbow, and he extracted me from my dance partner with a firm yank.

“Uncool, bro,” the guy called. “She was into it.”

“Hey! I’m not a child!” I huffed and dragged my heels as he hauled me across the dance floor. “I was into it.” I glanced behind me, but my dance partner had already moved on to the nearest woman.

Okay. Well.

“You’re not a child, but you’re awfully fucking unaware if you weren’t paying attention to that dipshit’s suggestive signals to his friends behind you. Fancy a gang bang, Brooke?”

I took a second look behind me—and sure enough, the guy laughed behind his new dance partner and gesticulated to his group of friends lingering near a booth. They watched on, frothing at the mouth.

“Not particularly, no,” I whispered, hating that I’d missed the jerk’s behavior and feeling slightly stupid for it. But Liam hadn’t missed it... because he’d been watching me.

He had called me over to get me away from that guy. When I didn’t listen, he took matters into his own hands. His own... possessive hands. Protective hands. Big, sexy hands. The ones on my arms as he gripped me, not letting go.

Tension laced the air, thick and heavy, as my lungs struggled to take in a full breath. His lips curled into a punishing smile, a challenge that caused goosebumps to bloom over my skin despite the club’s humidity.

Standing toe to toe, he cocked his head. “You want attention, yet you ignored mine when I invited you over.”

I rolled my eyes. “You had plenty of attention. You didn’t need more, but thank you for ruining my chances for company tonight.” Even if my dance partner was a douche, there could have been others. Maybe? I tried to free myself from his hold, but he spun me around so my back flushed against his chest.

The heat of his body seared through the thin fabric of my dress; his proximity overwhelming as he held me captive in his embrace. The world narrowed down to the non-existent space between us.

His warm breath fanned over my neck as he murmured low in my ear. “If it’s company you want, who am I to deny you? Dance with me.”