Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: The Last Song

"Can I buy you a drink?" Leaning over Vuyi, I rest an elbow on the bar with a perfect sightline down her cleavage.

I'm not trying to look, but I'm not not trying either.

"It's a sponsored bar," she laughs. "It's free until ten."

Holding two fingers up to the barman, I point at Vuyi's almost empty bottle, asking for another round.

And as I do, my gaze falls back on the pretty cabin crew member at my side. She's stunning, the way she always is, but seeing her all done up and dressed to the nines, the way I typically am, she's on a whole other level tonight.

This sky-blue dress plays perfectly off her warm caramel skin, and it hugs every one of those curves I've become all too obsessed with.

But at the same time, I miss her curls and I miss her baggy charity-shop finds off 7th Street in Melville, because at the end of the day, that's who she is.

"You've been avoiding me." I take a swig of my fresh beer.

"Your entire team is here, and I don't want to get in trouble." Her voice is hushed, reminding me once again that this thing between us, whatever the hell it is, is forbidden.

Which is why, over the last four hours of this gala, I've kept my distance, knowing there are far too many people in this room reporting on our night. That doesn't mean I haven't tried to steal a passing look or two, but Vuyi's pale honey-brown eyes rarely met mine.

Leaning on both elbows, I bend down close to her, wanting even a small touch of her skin but also trying to make it look like I'm just grabbing a drink at the bar.

"So, 'Vee', huh?"