Kevin's "birthday" party had been in full swing for nearly an hour before Annalise finally made an appearance. AJ breathed a sigh of relief as she waltzed through the front door of his house. Jade had mentioned that Annalise had been a little peaved when informed that the catering crew had only his kitchen to work with. He had purposely neglected to tell her that the party would be held at his house. He watched her walk across the room, his eyes appreciatively appraising her. She wore a deep red sundress, leaving her tanned shoulders bare. Her hair was swept up in a French twist, and he noticed the tattoo on the back of her neck for the first time. He made a mental note to get a closer look at that later. She greeted the members of her crew, then made her way over to...Kevin. AJ held his breath, then his gaze met Jade's from her place behind the bar. Her smile reassured him, yet he still coudn't keep his nervous glance from settling on Annalise. Across the room, Annalise strolled up to Kevin and interrupted the conversation he was having with another woman.
"Excuse me?," she said, "Mr. Richardson?"
When he turned her way, she smiled and stuck out her hand, "Hi...I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm Annalise Reso. My company is catering this party."
He shook her hand, smiling warmly, "It's nice to meet you Annalise, but please...call me Kevin."
"Alright...Kevin. Anyway, I came over here to wish you a very, very early happy birthday."
He looked suprised, she only smiled then leaned in closer and whispered, "I did some investigating on the internet last night. I know your birthday isn't until October."
"So you're onto them huh? I knew you couldn't possibly be that dense." His rich laughter echoed in her ears.
She gave him a pretty smile, then lifted a finger to her lips, "Ssshhhh...it's our secret okay?"
"Of course," he replied, thinking that AJ would have his hands full with this one. The three of them had obviously sorely underestimated her.
AJ shifted uncomfortably as he watched her smile up at Kevin. No strings, no strings, no strings. She could flirt with whoever she wanted. He kept repeating it to himself over and over again, remindng himself that while he may have had knowledge of her body, her mind was completely unknown to him. Still, despite her detachment from him, he wanted to know her...she fascinated him. Her stunning beauty and uncaring attitude had captivated him from the very start...now he only wanted to figure her out. He sighed in relief as Jade made her way over to where Annalise and Kevin were carrying on as if they were old friends. Jade chatted with them for a few minutes, and AJ hoped his relief wasn't too apparent when Annalise returned to the bar with Jade and donned an apron. He finally allowed himself to come away from the wall when Nick joined him, a lopsided grin on his face.
"So is that her?," he asked, nodding towards Annalise.
"That's her."
Nick whistled appreciatively, then said, "I think I need a drink."
AJ narrowed his eyes and followed Nick to the bar. Annalise smiled as they approached, keeping her eyes locked with Nick's blue ones, even though her question was directed to the both of them, "What can I get for you gentlemen?"
Nick gave her his order, AJ stood by as she busied herself with preparing it. Jealousy coiled in his stomach as he watched the sly wink she gave Nick when she handed him his glass. He wondered what kind of game she was playing. His eyes met Jade's, she merely shrugged. Finally he cleared his throat, drawing Annalise's attention to him. Nick took that opportunity to slip away, laughing to himself. AJ's interest in this girl was written all over his face.
"Oh! I'm sorry...what can I get for you?," Annalise asked, her voice betraying nothing.
His voice was quiet when he gave her his order. He watch her small hands work as she made it...remembering the way those hands had smoothed their way over his chest. He mentally shook himself, willing those thoughts away.
"Here ya go," she said, handing him a glass...laughter in her green eyes. His chest tightened reflexively as he fought to breathe. He wanted to reach across the bar and kiss her silly, to pull her hair down and feel its silky texture around his fingers. Instead, he tipped his glass back and downed his drink in one swift gulp. Her eyebrow arched in silent question.
"Want another?"
He only nodded...anything to keep him near her. She refilled his glass, and as she handed it back to him, she slipped a carefully folded piece of paper into his palm. Then she turned to Jade.
"Hey...I'm gonna go take a break okay?"
"What? You just got here," Jade whined.
"I'll be right back...I just need a cigarette."
AJ watched her dig around in her purse, then she bolted from behind the bar and straight out the front door, never once looking at him. Jade wasted no time.
"Well? What are you waiting for...the apocalypse? Go after her."
"In a minute," he replied, setting his drink on the bar. He unfolded the note, smiling to himself. Written there in
Annalise's large, loopy handwriting...was a phone number, and a room number. Tucking the note into his pocket, he
went to find Annalise. Jade shook her head as she watched him go. This was obviously going to be a long night.
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