Embrace, Entice, Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington Read Free Book Online

problems?” I asked.
    He nodded. “Do you mind? I really have to get in to the office
    and sort something out.” He was already standing as I nodded to let him off the hook.
    Dad said his good- byes, apologizing for his early departure
    and adding a little theater for Steph and Lincoln’s benefit—
    acknowledging that since he was “officially the oldest person in the 43
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    place,” it may not be such a bad thing. Of course, Lincoln dutifully promised to see me home safely— not that Dad had thought to ask.
    We settled into a luxurious chaise and ordered more drinks.
    Music pumped through the bar area, which faced onto the dance
    floor. I could see why Jase liked working at this place— the DJ pit was huge, with state- of- the- art decks and a captive audience in the bar. DJ heaven.
    “Hi, Violet!” the waitress called out over the music when she
    delivered our drinks.
    I looked up.
    Shit.
    It was the girl I’d noticed earlier. It was one of those awful
    moments when, for the life of you, someone’s name just won’t
    come into your head. She had been a couple of years ahead of us at school and she’d taken the same community art course as me last year during the holidays. I knew she was a painter/sculptor, that she came from a big family, and was quiet but nice. I stared at her for a moment too long, willing her petite frame and bright- red hair to trigger my memory.
    “Hi!” I said, a ridiculous smile plastered on my face before
    shooting a desperate glance at Steph. She never forgets a name. She never forgets anything.
    Steph shimmied forward on her chair. “Hey, Claudia !” she yelled.
    “So, you work here,” I said, relaxing a little.
    “Yeah.” She shrugged. “I’m working a couple of night jobs, waitressing. Good tips, you know.”
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    She piled our empty glasses onto her tray. Her eyes darted to
    Lincoln.
    “Oh, sorry. Claudia, this is Lincoln.”
    They nodded at each other. Claudia turned back to me with
    an approving look. She’d obviously assumed Lincoln was my
    boyfriend. I smiled, enjoying the pretense.
    “Well, have a good night.” She glanced at our drinks knowingly.
    “Thanks,” I said, suddenly paranoid we’d shortly be escorted
    from the premises.
    Steph just shrugged it off, saying Claudia wouldn’t care, and
    proceeded to enhance our drinks as soon as she was out of sight.
    Lincoln, who had now moved on to Coke, seemed less than
    impressed. When Steph jiggled the bottle in his direction, he just shook his head and leaned back on the couch.
    It didn’t take long before Steph spotted her brother with some
    of his friends and went to join them at the bar. Her attempts at subtlety were flawed— as was her balance, I noted.
    Lincoln and I were finally alone. This was my chance. I was
    freaking out. I grabbed my half- filled glass and drained it. Lincoln snatched the empty glass from my hand. I couldn’t help giggling.
    “What’s going on with you, Vi? You’ve been acting strange all
    night,” he said, sounding older than he was.
    “Lincoln,” I said in mock disapproval. “It’s my birthday! Excuse me if I’ve finally given in and am trying to have a good time.” He looked at me for a moment. “I was hoping we might get a
    chance to talk about…things.”
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    “Oh.” He actually looked sincere, damn it. Defensive banter
    was all I had going for me right now. I slumped back against the couch and one of my dress straps slid down my shoulder.
    Lincoln suddenly leaned forward. “What happened?” he asked,
    gesturing to my mysterious red scratch. I had forgotten about it, but as soon as he mentioned it, it began to sting.
    “Um…I don’t know. I can’t remember doing it. It’s possible it
    happened in a dream,” I said. I realized I was slurring my words a little.
    His eyes