Madison Awakening

Under the lunar rays, the outside of Club Dore vibrates frenetic energy. The paparazzi and the wannabes converge on the velvet ropes of the Hamptons’ newest and trendiest hotspot. Ashely and I walk arm in arm as I teeter on my sky-high purple Fendi platforms, feeling lighter, more buoyant, and ready to dance. 

Once through the medieval doors, we journey together down the rabbit hole. Inside, the muted lighting, deep-red and black drapes create a womb-like atmosphere, and I’m filled with an overpowering vibration from within. 

I’m going to get into no damn good here. 

The possibility makes my stomach flip-flop. I feel young and sexy as we strut through the club, surveying the other chosen ones. We spot our party at the center table off the dance floor and saunter over. After making our hellos, I sit down in the oversized booth and prepare to start my night. 

The slow groove of house music pulsates through the air in perfect harmony with the velvety mood of the space. I’m vaguely aware that someone new is about to sit next to me when I lean forward for the tongs of the ice bucket. As I reach it, long, strong fingers caress mine, and I turn my head with annoyance only to lock eyes with the mystery god from Bagatelle.

“Excuse me.” A warm baritone voice flows from the full lips I had lusted after only hours earlier. “Can I make you a drink?” 

He gives me a sultry grin to complement his offer and takes the tongs from my hand. 

Stunned, I inhale sharply, steady myself, and call from inside my Brooklyn girl cool. “I’ll have Tequilla with three limes. Thank you.” 

I wonder if he remembers me from brunch, but probably not. He passes me the drink, and I take it gingerly. Our fingers brush again, and a charge runs through me. I look down to hide my face and place the glass to my lips. 

“It’s perfect. Are you a bartender?” I ask jokingly. 

I look him over. The Gucci loafers, crisp, black slacks, slate-gray v-neck, and Breitling watch are not those of a bartender. I also note there is no wedding ring.

“I am not, but I felt it important to take care of your needs first, before my own.” He gives me a smile that causes a flutter in my belly. 

My subconscious immediately alerts me: This guy is trouble.

I squirm, enjoying the pleasure this stranger is sparking within.

I am just about to ask his name when I hear a bit of ruckus behind me toward the end of the bar. I scan for Ashely to make sure she is not in the thick of the disruption. Just as I crank my head to see what the issue is, I feel the god leave my side. I turn back and look at the now empty space, feeling disappointed. 

 Ashely starts making her way toward the table and motions for me to come on the dance floor with a drunken grin. I nod and pound the rest of my drink to the last drop. Placing it down on the table with force, I stand up, flip my hair over my shoulder, and join Ashely in free jubilation.

As we dance to the pulse of the melodic groove, Ashely and I move our hips in unison, reflecting the reckless abandon from our college years. I am feeling the alcohol and allow it to take control of me. Closing my eyes and continuing to sway, I suddenly feel a viselike grip pull me up against a statuesque body from behind. 

My eyes pop open with surprise, and I see Ashely in the arms of some guy, thoroughly enjoying herself. Just as I am about to spin around to see who the hell is manhandling me, soft lips caress my earlobe, sending a vibration throughout my body. His hands tighten around my waist as he guides my hips while we move on the dance floor. I can feel his smile against my cheek and this sign of tenderness causes me to lose my initial urge to curse him out. Releasing all apprehension, I arch my back and grind my behind against the stranger guided by the bass with the full intention of seduction. 

I don’t know who this is, but he will walk away thinking about how much he wants to sleep with me. 

I rhythmically turn myself around to see who my unknowing prey is. But I am met with the hazel eyes of my Hamptons god. I almost stopped dancing but he pulls me in tighter and really begins to move. As our bodies continue to sway, I inhale his delicious scent, which further clouds all good judgment. 

 This guy is sexy as hell, and for this song he is all mine. 

I see a smirk creep across his chiseled face as I feel his growing attraction press against me. I can’t help a slight giggle that I am getting exactly what I want. Just as I’m about to introduce myself, my arm is grabbed, and Ashely rips me away from the Hamptons god. 

“Ohhh my Gooodddd! That guy I was just dancing with is so hot! We are totally hooking up when we get back to the citeee…,” she says, dragging each word out loudly over the music. 

She is half standing, slightly stumbling, and I realize I better get her back to the table. I turn back around to talk to the god, but he is gone once again. 

“Come on, girl. Let’s get you some water,” I shout back at her. 

Grabbing Ashely’s arm, I guide her through the crowd and pray she doesn’t puke on my favorite shoes.

I take a deep breath, somewhat pissed off she blew my chance to get the name of the man who awakened something I haven’t felt in a very long time.