Challenge (Harris Brothers Book 1)

“SO YOU’RE SURE YOU want it to be that Harris footballer? Not one of those blokes over there?” Belle asks, gesturing across the sea of people grinding against each other and waving flirtatiously toward the guys we just left.

“Yes I’m sure,” I almost growl, but hold back. We’ve been dancing with the same two guys since we arrived at Club Taint. They are cute and nice, and I’m trying to be fun because this is Belle’s night off, too, but all I have is Camden Harris on my mind. The more I moved my body, the more I thought about his pressed up against mine back at my flat. God, I bet he would be an incredible dancer. Before I knew it, I was feeling flush everywhere and didn’t want the guy I was with to get the wrong idea, so I told Belle I needed to cool off.

More like hose off.

“You look hot enough, you could get pretty much any guy here,” Belle adds. “Even the gay ones.”

I roll my eyes and look down at the mustard yellow dress she insisted I wear. It’s sleeveless, tight, and has a short asymmetrical hemline with a slit up one side. Paired with black, peep toe ankle boots, my red hair tamed into some halfway-decent curls, and Bad Blood lipstick, I can’t help but feel pretty good. It’s just too bad I can’t apply this effort to my chosen one.

I giggle to myself at that label for Cam and press my lips together, recalling the feel of his firm, sculpted arms and soft, needy lips. God, if he can fuck as good as he kisses, I’m more than ready for tomorrow.

I take large gulps of my cold beer and slightly sway, annoyed that the alcohol is doing nothing to stave off my desire. Belle downs the last of hers and waves the bottle. “You’ve got the next round.”

I polish off mine, too. “Hold our spot. We’ll have one more and then I’m done. I don’t want to be hung over tomorrow.”

“Oh yes. This I know.” Belle shoots me a lewd smirk, her tongue darting out to lick her lips. “It’s why you took so long getting ready tonight. Had to pamper all your wobbly bits to ensure they are ready for tomorrow night’s performance!”

“Shut it, you cow.” I shake my head at her. We’re so different, but her need to constantly shock me is my favourite part about her.

I make my way through the horde of people and up to the bar. I’m hopeful that redheaded bartender, Frank, is still here. He took one look at my hair earlier, ignored everyone else and insisted on taking a shot of Fireball with me. He is certainly gay and wonderfully hilarious. A few more drinks and I’ll probably end up asking him to be Penis Number Two.

I find a random spot open at the packed bar and see Frank elbows deep in a round of shots for a bachelorette party. It’s going to be a while before he’s free so I prop myself on the barstool. While I wait, inspiration strikes. I pull my mobile out of my clutch and find Camden’s number.

Me: Remind me why we’re waiting until tomorrow again?

Nerves erupt in my belly over my brazen text message. I shoot him an awkward grin emoji and check the time to see it’s half past eleven. What if he’s asleep? God, this was a bad idea. Belle always says to never drink and text.

Camden: Hiya to you, too. Are you home?

I do nothing to hide the huge smile that spreads across my face from his quick response.

Me: Still at Club Taint with Belle. She’s on the hunt tonight and I’m being a dutiful wing-woman.

Camden: So does this mean you’re with other guys?

I suck my lip into my mouth and press my teeth on the squishy flesh. A little playful gaming never hurt anyone.

Me: Would it be a problem if I were?

A longer than normal pause spans between us as I wait for the bouncing dots to indicate he’s typing.

Camden: Did I forget to mention I’m not a sharer?

Me: It’s just a bit of dancing. Don’t get your knickers in a twist.

Camden: What if I decide to turn this into a booty call?

Me: Are you?

Camden: Are you drunk?

Me: No.

Camden: Promise?

Me: Mostly.

Camden: Why don’t you get in a cab and come to mine? I’ll do a manual inspection and see for myself.

Me: Does your place have a lift?

Camden: Yes, why?

Me: Because having sex in a lift is wrong on so many levels!

I send some crying with laughter emojis.

Camden: So. Punny.

Me: It’s a gift.

Camden: I’ve created a monster.

Me: I’d love to come, but I can’t leave Belle. Sorry.

Camden: So am I.