2. River

2

RIVER

A s we stepped into the dimly lit club, the pulsating bass reverberated through my chest. Neon lights sliced through the darkness, and the air was thick with the scent of sweat and cologne, a heady mixture that made my head spin.

“This place is wild!” Adam shouted over the music, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come on, let’s dance!”

I allowed myself to be pulled onto the crowded dancefloor, hyperaware of his warm hand clasped around my wrist. As we found a spot among the throng of dancers, my gaze was drawn to a couple nearby—two men moving in perfect sync, lost in each other’s eyes. A familiar ache bloomed in my chest.

What would it be like to hold Adam that way? To run my fingers through that soft blond hair, to taste those full lips…

I shook my head, pushing away the useless thoughts. I’d lost count of the times I’d wondered if there was something more in the way Adam looked at me, only to get thrown back into the cold, harsh reality when he introduced me to yet another girlfriend over and over again.

“You okay?” Adam’s concerned voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. “You seem distracted.”

I forced a smile. “Just taking in the atmosphere,” I lied because I couldn’t confess he’d dragged me to my very worst nightmare.

As he moved to the pounding rhythm, my eyes roamed over his body. The way his hips swayed, how his T-shirt clung to his toned chest… It was intoxicating. And torturous.

My movements felt stiff and awkward in comparison. I’d never been much of a dancer, always too caught up in my own head. But Adam made it look so effortless, so natural. Like everything else in his charmed life.

A couple bumped into me from behind, jolting me out of my brooding. I stumbled forward, nearly colliding with Adam. Strong hands steadied me.

“Whoa there,” he laughed, his breath warm against my ear. “Maybe the beers we had at Tanner’s weren’t enough. Let’s grab another one, loosen you up a bit.”

My skin tingled where he'd touched it. I swallowed hard, willing my racing heart to slow. “Yeah,” I managed. “A drink sounds good.”

As we made our way to the bar, my thoughts swirled with conflicting emotions. Desire and frustration. Longing and resignation. How much longer could I keep pretending I loved Adam only as a best friend? How much longer before these feelings tore me apart?

Hopefully not long now. Just three more weeks…

I wasn’t naive enough to think those feelings would go away the moment Adam left for his honeymoon, ready to start his new life. A life that would include a wife. But I had a plan. All I could hope was that it would work.

As I leaned against the bar, catching my breath, a familiar voice cut through the din of the club.

“River? Is that you?”

I turned to see Mia, a regular at Lusitana, beaming at me. Her curly hair bounced as she pulled me into a quick hug.

“Mia! What are you doing here?” I asked, genuinely pleased to see a friendly face.

“Night out with my girlfriend.” She winked. “But more importantly, what are you doing here? I thought clubs weren’t your scene.”

I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. “They’re not, usually. I’m here with Adam.” I gestured toward my best friend, who was chatting with the bartender.

Mia’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Ah, I see. So, how’s the restaurant doing? I’m craving your chocolate mousse something fierce. Work has been killing me lately. I miss my weekly fix of Lusitana’s amazing Portuguese food.”

“It’s going well.” I smiled. “We’re actually planning a new seasonal menu. You should come by next week. I’ll save you a portion of that chocolate mousse.”

As we chatted, Adam returned with two drinks in hand. “Here you go, Riv. Oh, hey, Mia!”

“Adam! Long time no see.” Mia grinned. “I was just telling River how much I miss the restaurant. Haven’t seen your parents in forever.”

Adam’s face softened with pride. “You should come by. I’m sure Mom and Dad would love to see you.”

“I’ll do that. Besides, River has promised me some chocolate mousse. Well, I should get back to my girl,” Mia said. “It was great seeing you both!”

As she disappeared into the crowd, Adam turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Ready to show off those moves, boss?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “You know I have two left feet, Adam.”

“Drink up,” he insisted, waiting patiently as we finished the drinks before grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the dancefloor again. “I’ll teach you.”

“I’m not drunk enough for this,” I groaned. “Can I get another beer?”

“Nope.”

As we found a spot among the sea of bodies, Adam placed his hands on my hips, guiding me to the rhythm. My breath caught in my throat at the closeness.

“Just feel the beat,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling. “Let go.”

Slowly, I began to relax, letting him lead me. Our bodies moved in sync, years of friendship translating into an easy, natural flow.

“See? You’ve got it.” He grinned, spinning me around playfully.

I laughed, genuinely enjoying myself for the first time in a while. “I so don’t got it, but I see it’s not too bad once you get into it,” I replied.

As we danced, I allowed myself to revel in the moment. For now, I could just be here with my best friend, moving to the music and pretending this was enough. That I wasn’t on the cusp of making a life-changing decision that could alter everything between me and Adam.

The pulsing lights of the club shifted, casting a warm glow across hi face. My breath caught as our eyes locked, the world around us fading. A surge of desire coursed through me, electric and overwhelming. Adam’s hands were still on my hips, our bodies swaying together, and I felt as if I might combust from the intensity of my longing.

“You okay?” Adam asked, his words barely audible over the music.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. I was acutely aware of every point of contact between us, of his scent mingling with the heavy air of the club.

“I’m going to get another drink. You want one?” I asked.

“Fuck yeah.”

For the next few hours, we drank, danced, and lost track of time like we had in college. We were definitely way beyond buzzed. Thank fuck we’d walked because there was no way we were in any state to drive anywhere.

Suddenly, a strikingly tall man with a sharp jawline and long hair cascading down his broad shoulders appeared beside us, his piercing hazel eyes fixed on Adam. “Hey there, handsome,” he purred, placing a hand on Adam’s arm. “Care to dance?”

I felt my stomach drop, a familiar ache settling in my chest. That was my first instinct because I was always left behind. But even in my alcohol daze, I realized this was a guy hitting on Adam and he might not like that.

“Thanks, but I’m good here,” Adam said, flashing the man a polite smile before returning his attention to me.

The guy’s expression soured. “Come on, surely you’d rather dance with me than your friend?”

I tensed, preparing for the guy’s reaction. But Adam just shook his head, his blue eyes never leaving my face.

“Sorry, but I’m exactly where I want to be,” he said firmly.

As the guy huffed and walked away, a mix of relief and confusion washed over me. “You handled that really well,” I said softly.

Adam’s brow furrowed. “Handled what?”

“Turning him down. A guy like that is probably not used to being rejected.”

His expression softened. “Meh. He was a six at best. Besides, I’m here with you. That’s all that matters. I’m not leaving my best friend behind to dance with some random dude.”

His reply shocked me into silence. Or maybe the alcohol had the opposite effect on me than Adam because his lips seemed to be way looser than usual.

The music’s pulsing beat faded as we made our way to a secluded corner of the club. I hadn’t changed out of my work clothes, so my shirt, even with the sleeves rolled up, had way too much fabric for a club.

We sank into a plush leather booth, the cool material giving temporary relief.

Adam slid in next to me, our thighs barely touching. “This was a great idea. Thank you for letting me drag you away from work.”

I would do anything for you. I smiled because I couldn’t say what I really wanted to.

“You know,” he said softly, his eyes half-lidded as he almost slurred the words, “I’ve always admired how deeply you care about people. You’re so…intentional about everything.”

My breath caught in my throat. “Yeah?”

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Absolutely. You put so much thought into every relationship, every interaction. Even clients from the restaurant treat you like a friend. It’s…beautiful, really.”

The word beautiful hung in the air between us. That was the word I would use to describe everything about my best friend, from the way he looked to how he loved his family to the way he crafted words for the PR campaigns he worked on with his brothers. My fingers twitched, aching to reach out and touch his face, trace the curve of his jaw.

“I just wish…” I started, then hesitated. I couldn’t…

“What is it?” he leaned closer, his knee brushing against mine under the table.

My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. I opened my mouth, the words Don’t marry Victoria because I love you, and I know I can make you happier balanced on the tip of my tongue. But fear gripped me, squeezing my chest.

“I just wish it was easier sometimes,” I said instead. “To connect with people, you know?”

Adam’s expression softened with sympathy. “I can only imagine. But hey, you’ve got me, right? Always.”

I forced a smile, even as my heart twisted. “Yeah, I’ve got you.”