“What? I have to pee.”
Addison’s eyes narrow, but she doesn’t stop me. When I stand, the room tilts more than it should. I’m drunker than I realized. I weave through the crowd, telling myself I need the restroom.
The music fades as I turn into the hallway. Dim sconces line the walls, and shadows pool in the corners. The air is cooler back here, and it’s a relief against my flushed skin. I round the corner, and they’re near the end of the hall. It’s almost intimate, but his posture is too rigid. His free hand hangs at his side instead of touching her.
The blonde trails her fingers up his chest, and he gently catches her wrist. He leans in and says something I can’t hear. Her expression shifts from flirty to confused to pissed. She pushes off the wall and smooths her dress before stalking toward me in stilettos.
I don’t glance at her as she passes.
Patterson leans his head against the wall and closes his eyes. I should return to Addison and pretend I never saw this, but the alcohol is making me too brave.
Patterson doesn’t deserve any kindness. He wouldn’t do it for me.
My heels click against the marble as I walk toward him.
His eyes open, and his jaw immediately locks. “Great.This night keeps getting worse.”
“I was thinking the same.”
He pushes off the wall and crosses his arms. “Following me now?”
“Don’t flatter yourself. I needed the ladies’ room.”
He nods toward the door. “Don’t let me stop you.”
I don’t move. “What happened to the blonde? Did she figure out you’re not worth the effort?”
His laugh is harsh. “Jealous?”
I shake my head. “Should congratulate her on escaping your wrath.”
“And yet”—he takes a step toward me—“here you are. Standing in a dark hallway with me instead of running back to my sister.”
“I told you, I needed?—”
“You’re a terrible fucking liar.” Another step forward. “You’ve been watching me since I arrived.”
“Whatever.”
“I saw you.” His voice drops. “Also, when she touched me, you looked like you wanted to put your fist through the bar. Why is that, Ken Doll? Still fantasizing about me?”
“Please.”
He moves close enough that I can smell the whiskey on his breath and the fresh soap on his skin. My breath grows ragged.
“You were jealous. Admit it.” His voice is a growl. “Your body gives you away.”
“Your ego is unbelievable.”
He rolls his eyes. “It’s not my ego that’s ruining everything. It’s you. You’re the issue.”
“Then stay away from me.”
“Says the woman who followed me to this hallway.” Something shifts in his expression.
I twist my bracelet hard enough to hurt. “Sounds like ayouproblem.”
“Oh, it absolutely is.” He laughs, but there’s nothing behind it. “You’re poison in my blood.”