Matthew gave me a sideways glance, looked over my head, and curled his lips into a satisfying grin. What was he thinking? “You had a clear view of me. You were jealous?!”

“I was not,” I stammered. “What are you talking about?” Before he could get me to admit it, I got off the stool and grabbed Aaron by his shirt. “Come on, Aaron, I owe you a dance.”

Aaron was more than pleased to follow me to the dance floor. When we got there, I didn’t even bother to look where Matthew went. Feeling the bass pumping through my chest, I shook my hips. Aaron’s arms were all over my back and he gave me no room to breathe. Body against body, I raised my hand as he bumped and grinded against me. I even let him put his hands on my ass. We were practically having sex on the dance floor but with our clothes on. Next thing I knew, Aaron was off me and someone was dragging me away.

“What the hell, Matthew!” I yelled.

“What would your boyfriend say?” He clenched his jaw and his eyes pierced into mine with anger. “And where the hell is he?”

I laughed out loud. I had forgotten about my fake boyfriend. Was that the reason why he was ignoring me? He thought my boyfriend would eventually show up.

“What’s so funny?” he demanded to know. He was mad. I had never seen him like this before.

“Nothing,” I shook my head.

“Your friends are looking for you. Max texted me several times. I’m taking you back to the table now.”

Leaving Aaron behind, I saw that he had already given up on me and moved on to the next girl. Aaron and I dated in college. After a few dates, I knew he was not only a chick magnet, but he would eventually break my heart. I told him I thought we should just be friends. That was one wise decision.

Matthew was behind me as we climbed the stairs. Sure enough, the gang had gathered off to the side.

“Where have you been?” Jenna pulled me next to her. “It’s almost midnight.”

Shit! I’d almost forgotten why we were here in the first place. Not letting me answer, Jenna asked another.

“Are you buzzed?”

“Sort of,” I smiled, placing my head on her shoulder.

“Are you having fun?”

Before I could answer, Nicole placed one of the dunce hats on my head and gave me a small blow horn. “Cute,” I said.

“You’re welcome. New Year’s Eve would not be the same without them.” One by one, Nicole handed two things to everyone. When she got to Matthew, I was surprised he’d put the hat on his head. He looked so adorable that it took every ounce of strength to stop me from smiling.

In fact, he looked damn hot tonight. With black trousers and a dark gray dress shirt that fit perfectly across his muscular chest, he looked dashing and edible. I couldn’t stop thinking about how aroused I felt when I pretended to give him a lap dance.

Matthew was glaring at me. He was still upset about something, but I didn’t care. Kate and Keith passed out wine glasses filled with champagne. Then everyone in the building started counting down…10…9…8…7…6…we started counting too as we surrounded each other.

“3…2…1 Happy New Year!” we all shouted. My friends each had someone to kiss, except for me. Looking at my glass, I swallowed it with one gulp. When I felt a hard body brushing up against mine, I automatically knew it was Matthew. That simple touch produced all sorts of tingles I didn’t want to feel, and I was drowning into him, unable to come up for air.

“Happy New Year, Becca,” he whispered in my ear, holding me longer than I had expected. Pulling back slightly, he pressed his warm lips to my cheek. I got a taste of what was going to keep me up tonight, thinking about that one tender kiss; it didn’t feel like a friend-to-friend kiss. Breathing him in, I didn’t want him to let go, but I had no choice. Jenna grabbed the two of us just before I could gather my willpower and push him off me.

After we all made our rounds of hugs, Kate and Keith headed home. Shortly after, Nicole and Craig took off, too. I knew the look when Jenna pouted as she gazed my way.

“Sorry, but Max wants to leave. He offered to take you home, but Matthew volunteered. At least we know you’ll be in good hands.”

“He did what?” I sneered, but then quickly calmed down when Jenna looked bewildered. “I can ask my friend Aaron.” Glancing toward Matthew, it looked like he was having an intense conversation with Max.

“Aaron from college? Aaron West?”

I shrugged my shoulders, looking guilty. I could recall how much Jenna loathed him.

“He’s just a friend.”

“I think it’s better if Matthew takes you home, but I trust you to make the right decision. I can’t tell how buzzed you are. You can discuss this with Matthew. He was pretty adamant about taking you home. By the way, when did you start getting along so well?”

“Long story. You should get going. Looks like Max is either upset or tired.”

“Okay, but please text me when you get home.” Jenna and I exchanged hugs. Without wasting any time, Matthew came up to me, letting me know he was going to take me home, but I had other plans.

21

I ASKED MAX TO get my coat from the coat check and I would meet him out front after I took care of business in the restroom. Knowing my alcohol tolerance, I only drank a little, but it was enough for me to want to go. Thankfully, the line was short.

I had made a mental note to go on the pill after the unprotected sex in the shower. It was something we couldn’t do again. Getting pregnant was the last thing I wanted, especially since I knew I wasn’t ready to be a mom. Knowing my period was going to start soon, I wore a thin liner. When I saw I started spotting, I was beyond relieved. At least I didn’t have to hold my breath in anticipation any longer. I wasn’t worried about it…too much. I was almost positive I hadn’t been ovulating, but I was a couple of days late. I was scared.