Ashley danced long and hard to the throbbing techno in one of the local clubs. She always felt best when she was working out, fighting or doing something else physical like dancing for hours to the quick beat. Sweat dampened the back of her neck from the activity and crowded club, and she grinned at her latest partner. Guys and girls rotated in and out as her dance partners. None were ever able to keep up with her for long, and she closed her eyes, not caring who was present when she opened them.
She let the music sweep her away instead and worked out the anxiety that often came with fighting vamps. There were moments every time when she truly feared for her life and others when she didn't think anything in the world could touch her. She'd been fighting vamps for a few months and was growing more confident in her skills. But sometimes, like when she tried something new such as facing down four vamps, she became a little intimidated, a little uncertain about her training and preparation.
At the four hour mark, she finally left the dance floor and sidled up to the busy bar. She was a regular at the club, and the bartender brought her a glass of ice water. She squeezed through the crowded space to grab it.
"Thanks," she panted with a smile and shifted away.
"Buy you a drink?" someone asked from behind her.
"No, thanks." She didn't bother turning. Facing vamps was becoming second nature. Dealing with guys? She still didn't understand what held her back, aside from memories of how she'd almost lost her family by trusting the wrong guy. She trusted her ability to fight more than her judgment.
"You come here every Friday and every Friday I ask you if you want a drink."
Her brow furrowed. Unless he was a vamp, he wasn't worth remembering. She turned to face the speaker. The blond haired guy with dark eyes gave a toothy smile filled with perfectly white, square teeth that glowed in his tan face. He was built like a quarterback and handsome.
Realizing she was staring, she blinked. "I don't drink," she said and lifted her water. "Just this."
"Thank god! She finally speaks to me," he said with a wider smile.
"You really ask me every Friday?"
"The fact you haven't notice doesn't bode well for me."
She started to smile. "Sorry. I just come to dance."
"You must be used to guys asking you out."
"No," she snorted. "Why would you think that?" She sipped her water.
It was his turn to appear confused. "That's different. But okay. Since you're giving me the time of day … I'm Shane."