Brooks is headed straight for me. I don't even have time to think of a story when he stops next to me and slides his hand around my waist and presses his lips to my ear.
Jenna's eyes are bulging like she's a frog in pain. Rachel just laughs with disbelief.
I shift slightly into Brooks.
"Let's get outta here," he whispers into the side of my neck. It's so quiet that if I didn't feel his breath, I'd be sure he didn't open his mouth at all. I'd be sure he telecommuted it to me.
"Hi," Rachel blurts out.
Brooks ignores her, still being rude. She has the same scorned frown I saw on the cocktail waitress earlier. He pulls me by the waist over to the leather sofa –over to Brody and Lauren.
"Nice to meet you!" I shout back over my shoulder.
Idiots.
"Come on. We're leaving," Brooks says.
"What happened?" I ask, making him look at me. It's Brody who answers.
"Well, my dad thought he'd tell people..." he trails off. Lauren looks anxious.
"Tell people what?" I insist.
"Well, that he sort of influenced Edge Apparel. You know, his idea." Brody looks worried, like Brooks might jump him just for repeating the words to me.
"WHAT?!" I raise my voice. "But how can he even think that? He had nothing to do with it."
"That's dad," Brooks says.
"Brooks," I say.
"It's fine. Let's go. We're going out." He starts for the door. We fall into line behind him, passing waitresses and appetizer trays and empty glasses on vacant tables.
"Out?" I ask.
"Like as in not at the hotel?" Lauren clarifies for me.
"Out as in away from the hotel, yes." Brody nods.
"OK. Where are we going?" I ask.
You know, four-inch heels are really not conducive to running/keeping up with 6'2" dudes. Just not.
"I know a place. Went there last time I was in Miami," Brooks says, pushing the button on the elevator. Damn, we're already back in the high-rise. "We'll need to change though."
The elevator is empty. It's just the four of us.
"Where're we going? What kind of change of clothes are we talking about?" Lauren asks. We're almost at our rooms.
"Comfortable night clothes. I don't know." Brooks shoves our room key into the door. Red light. He tries again. No-go.
"Fuck!" He shouts. His fist connects with the wall. Crazy how loud shit will echo in an empty hallway.
"Hey, give it to me. I'll do it." I take the key and push it into the card slot. Green light. I put one hand on his shoulder and smirk. "Just needed a woman's touch."
Brooks shakes me off and moves past me through the door.