Somehow, I managed to get two more jugs and slid back into the booth with Christie and Holly. Luckily, my flushed cheeks can be blamed on the alcohol. 

Throughout the rest of the night, I never did see that handsome stranger again. But as we continued to drink, I gained a lot of courage. Courage to go dancing on that large dance floor just below. Holly NEVER dances. I think that if she did? The world would end. So, instead, I grabbed Christie’s arm and dragged her down with me. I saw Holly give us a small wave as we went down the steps. Luckily, my redheaded friend didn’t complain, and as we both joined the crowd on the dance floor, we danced.

As I danced to the music, I felt… Alive. Free and alive. My worries ebbed away and, as I looked up, it honestly felt like I had a silk dress on and it was sliding off me. I didn’t hear her until she was right in my ear. Christie. Loudly shouting in my ear, she really needed to use the loo but, with a little more vulgar language instead, that I dare not repeat.

As I turned, I saw a blur of red go up the stairs, and I swirled back around. It became a quick shot to the stomach when I looked up again, at that booth, that seemed to overlook everything. There, leaning on the railing, was someone in a dark suit. A suit that belonged to something that, in the pit of my stomach, said ‘dangerous’. Our eyes met. Or maybe he was looking at something else, I don’t know but, either way, I held his stare, and I don’t know what spurred me on. But, before I knew it, I was beckoning him with my hands, beckoning him to come closer. It seriously must be the alcohol doing, since when have I been this bold? Yeah… 

Never.

But, from this distance, I could see a sly smirk appear on his face. Someone came up to his side to speak to him, but he kept my stare. Was that booth up there for VIP’s? It had to be. But my stare was broken when someone twirled me away, and I was met with sharp blue eyes. I blinked, and the blue was greeted with red, and I realised I was staring at Christie’s face. I peeked over my shoulder and, to my dismay, that handsome stranger had gone. 

For some reason, I had no more energy to dance. However, I knew that that was a lie. What I meant was that I had no energy to dance if HE wasn’t watching. So both of us returned to Holly.

Holly looked up from her phone and commented that we should be heading out soon, and Christie whined a little but accepted it. I was a little sulky, since I didn’t spy the stranger again. But, before Holly was going to call a taxi to get us a ride back, I informed her that I needed to use the restroom and hurried off.

On my way back from finishing up in the lady’s, something in the corner of my eye caught my attention, and as I half turned, I saw that there was someone leaning against the wall.

“Do you usually sensually dance while staring up at strangers?”

The voice gave it away that it was the stranger. I smoothed my dress down.

“No. It’s my first time actually.”

Seriously? How am I brave, how am I THIS brave?! Is it that cocktail that we've been drinking all night? Is it more than just vodka?

“How….. Intriguing…”

‘Honestly, the only intriguing thing between us is you,’ my mind said, but my lips did not.

“But you were staring at me too…”

Yep. Totally under the influence, that was my only answer. But I guess it answers the question, if he was staring at me too.

“It was rather hard not to…” He blew out a bit of air. “Especially if the stare was that hot.”

Wait, that phrase. What did he mean by that? But, before I could answer, he spoke again.

“Probably would’ve set me alight, to be fair.”

Oh…

“Well, I can give a good stare.”

Ok! Cordelia. What the everloving flip was that?! But he didn’t reply, instead he laughed, and took a few steps forward until he was directly in front of me.

“If I was you, my dear… You better be careful with your words and actions and who you do it to. You wouldn’t want to gather unwanted attention.”

Any attention I want is yours.

Wait… Ok, brain, mind, loins! Whatever said that, please shut up!

“I’ll keep that in mind, sir.”

It was then that he cocked an eyebrow then titled his head, like he was trying to understand something.

“Very… intriguing...”

There is that word again. ‘Intriguing’. I can’t really tell if it was a good thing or not.

“Well…” I took a step away from him. “I got to meet up with my friends, we will be leaving shortly.”

“Travel safe.”

And, with those parting words, he walked the opposite direction of where I was going. I couldn’t help but watch him as he went. I think I described that man earlier as…

Dangerous.

Yep. That was it. I think it’s a very good description. Mostly because whenever I seem to speak to him, I reveal way too much of myself. Shaking my head, turned on my heel and headed towards where Christie and Holly were waiting for me. Holly, being as diligent as ever, already booked us a cab. Even under the influence, she stays the same. Christie looked flushed in the cheeks, and was using Holly as a crutch. Yep, she was gone. But I’m glad that I still had some sense, even if I don’t trust the words that come out of my mouth. 

When Holly’s phone pinged, she looked at it and then looked at me.

“That’s our ride.” 

She started to stroll off, half dragging Christie with her but, as I started to go along with them, I stopped short and turned around. I could just make out that booth on the third level, but it seemed to be empty. Wait, was I expecting him to be up there? Shaking my head, I immediately jogged to catch up with the girls.

Once we were outside, Holly pushed Christie into the back of the cab, and I slid in after, with Holly taking the front seat. I guessed that she gave our address to the driver, and we started to make our move. I did try and look back, but Christie had slumped all over and started petting me like a pet cat. I guess all good things came to an end, when the drive only took a few minutes, since the roads were clear and we had arrived at our flat.

Our flat, which was originally just Holly’s and Christie’s flat, was surprisingly big. Both of them were going to the same college, so it made sense that they would get somewhere together to cover the cost of rent. I have been living here since they offered, and well, I’ve been living here for the past few months now. 

I dropped Christie off in her own room, who somehow recovered a little, so that we wouldn’t worry, and Holly retreated to her own room. My room was a converted attic, small but it had a massive window that I could easily lean out and look towards the stars. Which was precisely what I did, and the cool breeze was refreshing. As I took in the views, I’m reminded about tonight, mostly about that nightclub and that…

… That…

… Stranger.

Yes, that was what he was, so why on Earth was I still thinking about him? I don’t continue thinking about the mailman, a delivery driver, or even the one who works at the checkouts in the newest supermarket. Was it because he was hot? Shaking my head, I moved away from the window, leaving it open just a bit to get some fresh air in, and changed into my nightclothes.

As I crawled into bed, it honestly felt like the night air was lulling me to sleep, and it didn’t take me long to drift off.