The Holly Project by K.A. Sterritt Read Free Book Online

Zara and he politely shook her hand.
    Zara turned to me and winked. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Have fun, kids.”
    With that, she skipped off towards Jake in the DJ box. I could see Audrey, by now commanding quite a crowd of admirers on the dance floor. Jason was still watching her.
    “So, Holly. What is it you do?” The music wasn’t deafening but we still had to talk almost directly into each other’s ears to be heard.
    “I’m an architect for Slater Jenkins.”
    “Oh wow, that’s impressive. I hear that’s a difficult firm to get into.”
    “Don’t tell me you’re an architect too?”
    “No. I’m a structural engineer at Tresswells.”
    “Oh, right. What do you specialise in?”
    “Residential mainly, but I’ve been involved in a few commercial projects recently.” He took a sip of his beer. “Do you really want to talk about work?”
    “Err… I guess not. Sorry. I can get a little one-track when it comes to work.”
    “Don’t apologise, Holly. I love talking shop, but it’s getting a bit too noisy in here. Can my five-minute conversation be extended to one dance?”
    I was so interested in his work that I had forgotten my five-minute deal. Despite the lack of chemistry, I was having a good time with Sam.
    “Sure, why not?” I replied, letting him take my hand and lead me onto the dance floor.
    When we were completely surrounded by jostling bodies, Sam pulled me into him. He started to move with a rhythm that not many guys possess. I was no Audrey but I could hold my own, and I enjoyed escaping into the music that was pumping through my chest. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I could feel the muscles in his back flex. I found myself enjoying the power I seemed to have over him, and decided to push a little further. We were already dancing extremely close, but I closed the tiny gap and could feel the tightness at the front of his jeans.
    Sam’s lips were on my neck and his hands made their way to my backside, gently pulling me further into his body. It was already hot in the club, but we were both starting to sweat from the heat rising between us. Sam leaned down and looked directly at me, our lips not even an inch apart.
    “You are so hot, Holly.” Our lips connected and I closed my eyes, hoping to feel even a fraction of a lightning bolt. Sam was a good kisser and I was determined to lose myself in him completely. I gently pulled back from the kiss and rested my head on his chest.
    “Can my one dance be extended to a drink somewhere quieter?” Sam whispered in my ear.
    This was the point of no return. I wanted to stay lost in him, so I nodded my head against his chest.
    Knowing a quiet drink could lead to his apartment, I didn’t allow myself time to overthink it. It was just casual, emotionally detached sex – my comfort zone.
    Sam held my hand and waved to a group of guys as he led me towards the exit. I caught Zara’s attention. She shrugged her shoulders, but nodded her head in understanding.
    ***
    We stopped at a nearby bar. It was clear neither of us were particularly interested in a quiet drink or much conversation. Instead, we opted for a couple of shots. They helped eradicate any awkwardness a quieter location with a virtual stranger may have brought, along with any thoughts of my new client. Sam was great fun. He told so many jokes that my sides ached from laughing so hard. I was buzzed.
    “So can a drink somewhere quieter be extended to a tour of my apartment?” he asked, moving his hand slightly further up my thigh. “I live just around the corner.”
    I was ready for some steamy action from this smoking-hot guy. “Lead the way.”
    Sam’s eyes sparkled. He stood up, grabbed my hand and led me towards the door. In typical form, I stumbled on a ridge in the carpet and fell forward. Fortunately, Sam managed to prevent my fall and we left the bar laughing at my clumsiness. I’m sure he was hoping I was less clumsy in the bedroom.
    ***
    Sam’s apartment was a