Cocky Notes - Leesa Bow Page 0,50

lingering on my rack in the figure-hugging red dress.

“I’ll get us another round of gin,” Georgia announces before pushing through the crowd toward the bar.

“Merry Christmas, beautiful.” More hugs and a kiss. Tight hugs so my tits crush against their chest. I know what men do, and tonight I don’t care. I’m having every touch, every embrace, every chance to feel needed. Each only lasts seconds, and it’s in the spirit of Christmas.

Harmless hugs.

“Merry Christmas, sexy.”

Lips are forced against mine. Strong arms wrap around my back in a bear hug so tight I’m squished against a solid wall of muscle.

His tongue is inside my mouth before I even know what’s happening. His wet mouth is suffocating, yet I manage to squeeze my arms up between our bodies and shove him off. I wipe his vile saliva from my mouth and freeze, recognising the red-haired mullet guy who is not only Reef’s teammate but a friend.

“What the fuck? What was that?” I shout at him.

“A Christmas kiss.” His sleazy gaze wanders down my body. “Hit me up for a fuck session if you’re missing Reef?”

“No!” I yell at him but want to say more. What do his friends think of me? Do they think I’m his sex buddy?

“Fuck off, dickhead,” Georgia yells. She can’t do much with two glasses in her hands. Her glare is enough for him to move away.

“I thought about throwing the gin over him, but wasn’t sure if you knew and liked him.”

“He’s Reef’s friend, and I don’t like him… now.”

“Glad I didn’t waste the drink on the douchebag, then. The prices are through the roof.”

I turn to see where he is, but he’s out of sight in the shoulder to shoulder crowd. Georgia hands me the drink, and I down it because what happened cements exactly what Reef and his friends think of me.

Georgia takes my hand and leads me to a group of guys she made friends with over the last hour. “These guys are from Brazil,” she tells me before turning and smiling to one in particular. “If you need a tour guide, Macy and I would be more than happy to offer our assistance during your stay in Adelaide.”

Minutes later, I’m laughing with Georgia and her new friends. She reminds me what it is to be carefree and to have fun. After a few more gins, I’m the person I recognise. No one important will tell me they love me. And I don’t have to worry about hurting anyone. It all seems so much easier this way.

A long, straight road with no bends.

Yet, I promised myself the future would hold surprise and possibilities.

A road full of turns leading to the unknown.

Chapter Nineteen

MACY

After leaving Georgia and her friends around three in the morning, I headed home. After a broken sleep, I’ve awoken with a throbbing head and what feels like a ton of lead on my legs. I remember how we danced for hours, which accounts for the sore feet and muscles. Considering the amount of wine, and gin consumed, I’m surprised I only have a headache and no nausea.

Forcing myself to walk to the kitchen, I retrieve analgesia tablets and swallow them with a gallon of water. I want to crawl back into bed, and before I do, I’m distracted by the little box tied with a ribbon sitting on my bedside table.

I tug on the ribbon and lift the lid slowly. It’s a piece of jewellery—a sterling silver Tree of Life necklace. It’s delicate with a fine chain long enough to fall low on my chest. Inside the lid is a folded note reminding me of the ones you receive in fortune cookies.

Merry Christmas, Macy.

I saw this and I thought it represented our relationship.

Just you and me. <3

With a click of the fingers, he’s melted my walls again.

I pull out the necklace and clip it around my neck, touch the tree where it lands near my heart space. I take a selfie, not of my face but of the necklace snuggled in my cleavage and send it to him.

Thank you. I love it!

And I agree it is a representation of our lo—I backspace before letting the word slip—what we mean to each other. x

I understand it to be hope, a fresh beginning, and a friendship that never dies.

It makes my emu sculpture made out of old bed springs look inadequate. My first day off I’m going shopping for something special for Reef.

I shower and change, ready for work, surprised Bernadette hasn’t dropped