Theo smiled down at me, still so close. His intoxicating cologne mixed with his sultry brown eyes had me mesmerized. He turned me gently to face him. Standing there with him holding me, my body was set ablaze. His fingertips grazed my exposed back and it took everything in me to stop my knees from buckling. Wide-eyed, I was stretching upward and before I could process that I was leaning into-- 

“SHIT!” I snapped my head around just as someone dropped their drink near us. The fiery glare I placed on the suspect had him mumbling an apology before rushing away.

Producing a short chuckle in my hair, Theo was already releasing me from his warm embrace before I could turn back. Shyly, I hooked my thumb pointing to the bar after regaining eye contact with him. “Why don’t I get us some more drinks and then we can continue this lesson?” He nodded a reply. 

Turning on my heels, I stumbled. The bar has gotten much more packed since we came in. Weaving my way past other bar-goers, I made it to my destination. I headed back to our spot determined to get that kiss.

My confidence took a nosedive as I spotted Theo. He looked to be in a competition with some guy and a small crowd, of mostly women, had grown around them. Sighing, I slowly began to lose confidence in getting that kiss.

Nevertheless, I weaved through the crowd and pressed his cool drink to his arm. Flinching, he poked me in the side before mouthing a “thank you” and focusing back on the competition.

Lounging on the chairs behind him, I sipped my drink taking in the view. The small crowd suddenly made sense. Both men were extremely attractive and just had this competitive, but friendly aura about them.

Locking eyes with me, Theo cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brows, “You good?” he mouthed with a thumbs up. I smiled back, returning the thumbs up before pointing to the bathrooms.

Returning with more drinks, Theo looked amused. Following his eyes I noticed her. Long, olive legs in tight short leather pants and a top I assumed she got from the lingerie section of Victoria Secrets. Blonde hair grazed just above her shoulders in a bob. She was gorgeous and, unfortunately for me, whispering something into Theo’s ear. My face heated with embarrassment when she pulled away and I saw the smirk on his face. I put the drinks down on a nearby table and headed for the doors.

A cool air tickled my flushed face as I broke onto the bustling sidewalk. I checked my phone and called an Uber. Three minutes away.

My fingertips had barely grazed the door when I felt someone grab my arm. “Geez, haven’t been ditched at a bar before. Was I that bad of company, 97?”

I froze. Embarrassment creeped up my face as I slowly turned to meet eyes with Theo. Expecting anger, I was surprised to see a small, somewhat shy smile on his face.

“I got really into the game. Sorry. I get it if you wanna head home, but maybe we could grab something to eat if I didn’t entirely screw up?”

Hesitating, I nodded towards the Uber. Sliding in next to me, it dawned on me that I had no plan. The Uber was headed to my place. Well, fuck. Silence engulfed us. Neither of us knew what to say.

Eventually, I decided to steal a glance in Theo’s direction and quickly redirected my gaze back to the passing cars as our eyes met. “Mel.” Theo’s eyes scanned mine as I looked in his direction. It was as if he was trying to figure out my thoughts. “You didn’t have to take me up on my offer if you didn’t want to. I get so competitive sometimes I can zone out. But I was having a great time with you. If you’re uncomfortable, I can head home once we get to the destination,” he grumbled, looking like an injured puppy. 

“Theo, I didn't mind the competition. It was fun seeing that side of you,” I admitted. “Why’d you try to ditch me then?” he sulked. Shaking my head, a loud sigh escaped. 

“I went to get us drinks and when I came back I saw you flirting with the blonde. I got uncomfortable and left without even thinking really,” I spat out. 

He snorted. “Mel, I wasn't flirting with that girl. She was drunk, slurring her words and I got amused and smirked. Maybe even chuckled. I told her I was there with someone and when I went to look back for you, you were gone.” 

We sat in silence as I tried to gather what to say. I opened and closed my mouth as the Uber halted in front of my building. Fuck. Inhaling, I shrugged at his confused glance and we exited the Uber.