Caroline’s POV
When we got to the bar, we saw Ruby at the entrance hugging a tall, muscular guy who had to be her brother since they looked just alike.
"You girls look absolutely breathtaking! I need to know where you found these dresses," Ruby asked as she hugged us.
"You should co shopping with us next ti, Ruby. This boutique we found has the best stuff," Eleanor said.
I could already envision my bank account dwindling.
"Everyone, this is my brother Jax. He’s a partner in Moon & Whiskey and reserved an amazing table for us tonight."
Jax stepped closer, and honestly? He looked like he walked straight out of a beachside fantasy.He was tall, over six feet, with the kind of toned, athletic body you usually see on varsity posters. With his tan skin, bright green eyes, and that boyish, heart-lting grin, he knew exactly what he was doing.When he took my hand and kissed it, his scent slled amazing, like sandalwood and sothing spicy.
"Welco to Moon & Whiskey," he said with a deep voice. "While I regret I can’t join your table tonight, I would be honored to have a dance with you later, Caroline." The way he held my gaze made Rory stir with curiosity.
The interior of Moon & Whiskey was impressive—ambient lighting, rich wooden elents, and an atmosphere that balanced sophistication with comfort. A live band played Latin rhythms on the main stage, and couples were already filling the spacious dance floor.
"Look what we have here! All my company’s prettiest ladies in one place," Joseph said as he walked up, looking charming as always. Ava was by his side, stunning in the gold dress he’d bought from her boutique. The sly wolf had clearly been planning this all along.
"Ava! So good to see you!"Eleanor imdiately embraced her and made introductions to Nate and Ruby.
Kyle and Luke arrived shortly after, completing our group. After greeting everyone, Eleanor promptly dragged us to the dance floor as the band launched into an upbeat number, leaving the n alone at our table.
We’d been dancing for about half an hour when we decided to return for drinks. As we were walking back, I felt a gentle touch on my arm.
"Save this dance for ?" Jax’s voice was warm near my ear, his breath tickling my skin.
I found myself smiling and accepting his invitation. The band had shifted to a sensual bachata, the rhythm slow and intimate.
Jax led with confidence, his hand resting at the small of my back as he guided across the floor. The bar’s dim lighting cast shadows across his handso features, making his eyes appear deeper, more intense.
"You’re quite the dancer," he murmured, pulling closer as we moved. Our bodies were nearly pressed together, and I could feel the heat radiating from him.
"I learned from the best," I said with a smile.
He gave that hot half-smile. "Lucky ."
As we turned,his thigh brushed between mine, our movents perfectly synchronized to the sultry rhythm.His scent enveloped , intoxicating and rich.
Despite the pleasant sensation of dancing with such an attractive man, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I fought the urge to scan the room.
"Everything okay?" Jax asked, noticing my montary distraction.
"Yes, just..."I glanced around,feeling an intense gaze burning into from sowhere in the darkness beyond the dance floor.
Rory growled softly within , sensing sothing I couldn’t quite identify.
Jax spun in a slow turn, my dress flaring slightly around my legs. When he pulled back against his chest, his lips were close to my ear.
"You’re the most beautiful woman here tonight, Caroline."
Despite the flattery and the undeniable chemistry between us, that sensation of being watched intensified, making it difficult to fully enjoy the mont.
When the song finished, Jax didn’t let go of my hand right away.
"Hey, I gotta take care of sothing real quick, but save another dance for ?" His green eyes made my heart flutter as I nodded, feeling both flattered and a bit relieved.
"Sure, sounds good," I said with a real smile.
When Jax walked back to our table, I finally saw what had been making so uneasy. Draven was sitting next to Ryan, and the look on his face made my stomach drop. His violet eyes were fixed on , dark with anger, and his jaw was so tight I could see the muscle jumping in his temple. He looked like he was barely holding himself together, watching with Jax.
Whatever, I don’t know why he’s giving that look. We’re not a thing anymore,I can dance with anyone I want. I just ignored him.
"Caroline, what perfect timing," Eleanor said with a too-bright smile. "Look who just joined us!"
I shot my friend a confused look. She leaned in close. "Just have fun tonight. They’re all Joseph’s friends, you were gonna run into them soti. And hey, you already made up with Ryan, so seeing Draven was bound to happen."
She had a point. It’s not like I had to talk to him, there were plenty of people here. But when Joseph did the introductions, because the universe loves ssing with , guess where I ended up? Right next to Draven.
"Looks like my brother really likes you," Ruby said with a big smile. I could see Draven’s grip tighten on his glass, his knuckles going white.
"Yeah, he’s sweet. And wow, can he dance," I said, aning it. And honestly? He was gorgeous too, but I wasn’t about to say that out loud.
"Total hottie, right?" Eleanor piped up with that look in her eye,she was definitely trying to get under Draven’s skin. I gave her my best ’knock it off’ glare, but she just grinned.
"Ruby, how long have you worked at Puma Global? I might need to switch companies," Ryan asked with his charming smile, already turning on the charm. Ruby wasn’t shy about flirting back, giving him that look.
"I maintain very high standards in my hiring process," Joseph boasted playfully. "Not just anyone makes the cut."
I rolled my eyes,these n were impossible. The servers brought rounds of tequila shots for everyone, which we quickly downed. Throughout it all, I could feel Draven’s gaze burning into , tracking my every movent. I ordered a mojito and began sipping it steadily. This was going to be a very long night indeed.
When a slow, romantic song began playing, everyone at the table paired off and headed to the dance floor, leaving only Draven and sitting in uncomfortable silence.
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