"Hey Kitten! I hear it's your birthday."
Talon is across the room with what I think is a bottle of whiskey in his hand. He pats the sliver of the sofa beside him. A redheaded girl sits there, and he gives her a menacing look. She slides into the lap of the guy next to her, giving me room.
I hesitantly take the vacated seat and Talon offers me the bottle in his hand. I look at it hesitantly.
"It's okay," he says with a wink. "No one will card you here."
I shrug and take a sip from the bottle. It burns as it goes down, making me wince, but then a not-so-unpleasant warmth settles in my chest. I take another larger drink before handing it back.
"I'm surprised to see you here. I didn't think this was your kind of place,” he says, taking his own swig.
"My friends brought me for my birthday. It was Olivia's idea." I nod to my friend, who is talking to some guy and drinking with him. Emma is sitting on the arm of the other couch with a drink in her hand. I decide to cut myself off so one of us can drive home safely.
"I didn't know you were in a band," I tell him. "You guys were great."
“That's Caleb," he points to the blond guitarist, "And that's Davis." The bassist sits next to us with the redhead in his lap.
I wave to them both before turning back to Talon. "How long have you guys been playing?"
"I joined up with them my senior year. They're a year older. Come outside with me? I need a smoke."
I nod, and he grabs my hand. I follow him out a door leading to the alley behind the bar. I study him as he leans against the building and lights up a cigarette. He's different than when we met at the party. His eyes spark with excitement, and his body is more relaxed. It could be the alcohol or maybe the high from performing. Either way, it looks good on him.
"Where's your boyfriend tonight?" He asks after taking a couple of puffs of his cigarette. He studies me, and I can’t help but wonder what he thinks of me.
"Practice. As I'm sure you know, there's a big game tomorrow."
"Oh yeah, the championship. How could I forget?" His voice is heavy with sarcasm.
"You’ve never played?" I ask him, curious.
"Nope."
“That's surprising.”
"Yep. Are you going to the game?"
"I'll be there."
"Maybe I'll see you. My dad likes to drag me along and play happy family." He takes another drag of the cigarette, "No more hockey talk. Tell me about you,"
"Me? There's nothing much to tell. I'm pretty boring."
"I know there’s more to you than being the hockey star’s girlfriend. What do you want to do in life and all that shit."
"I have no idea. I'm staying in town and attending community college to figure it out. I like to be creative."
"Like art and stuff?" he asks and tosses his cigarette.
"Sometimes. I do a bit of digital art, and I can be crafty. But really I like taking pictures. Sometimes, I drive out, and find pretty places.”
He leans into me, the smell of smoke on his breath. "See, that's not boring at all. You got to see my art tonight. I would love to get a chance to see some of yours."
I go still. I have yet to talk to anyone about my pictures and art, let alone show it to anyone. No one has shown interest before, but Talon is genuine even though he barely knows me.
He comes even closer, and I sway into him. When his lips touch mine, I don't pull away. I thread my fingers into his silky black hair and pull him closer. The kiss lasts a few blissful seconds before I break away and put some distance between us. I try to get control of my beating heart and the fluttering butterflies in my stomach. I meet Talon's eyes, and he looks as stunned as I feel before he shakes it off.
He smirks at me before grabbing my hand and leading me back inside. "We better get you home to that boyfriend of yours."
