“Baby,” I growled. “You don’t know who you’re talking to. We’re going to tear up this dance floor.”
We stepped out onto the floor where the lights were low and the music slow. The evening was winding down, but I wasn’t ready for my time with her to end. She slid her hand in mine, and it felt good, right. I wound my arm around her waist, pulling her to me. The song “Dive”by Ed Sheeran was playing, and we swayed to the music, our hips nearly touching.
The lyrics bled with raw emotion, and as I listened to the song, I realized it encapsulated how I felt about Lauren. Even as I held her close, wanting to dive in, always wanting more, I remained hesitant. I wanted to know she was right there with me—ready to fall or fly.
And after tonight, I was hopeful. Whether it was the wedding or the alcohol, she’d let down her guard. She’d let me in. And that taste of what could be between us, that tease, had me wanting more. When it came to this woman, it seemed I was never satisfied.
When the song ended, I was reluctant to let her go. But there was an upbeat line-dance sort of song playing, and everyone was joining in. Lauren smiled at me, her hair flowing around her like molten caramel and a challenge in her eye. If she thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up, she was going to be surprised.
I watched for a minute, studying the steps before jumping in. I kept up with everyone else, and Lauren laughed. I could tell she was impressed, and I continued busting my ass to keep her attention. Anything to see that gorgeous smile.
When the song changed again, everyone formed a circle, and it became a competition between the guests—a dance-off. Lauren took to the floor with reckless abandon, and my eyes were glued to her every move. She was carefree and fun, tossing her hair as she shimmied her hips and spun around. Her breasts jiggled, her ass swayed, and my dick hardened at the sight.
She was a force of nature. I wanted her, and not just her body. I wanted her mind and her heart. I wanted to lay claim to her and set her free. I just hadn’t realized how much until that moment.
After a few more songs, Preston came over and gave me a hug. “Thanks for being here. And thanks for the speech.”
“Of course, man.” I gave him a slap on the back as he pulled away. “I’m happy for you.”
He grinned, his eyes focused on Alexis even though she was across the room. “I’m happy too. I feel like the luckiest bastard on the planet.”
I chuckled. “Good. You should. You deserve it.”
He returned his attention to me. “Hunter…I meant what I said that night at the bar. You deserve happiness too. Life is short.” He gave me a meaningful look, one at odds with the celebratory atmosphere. “Don’t let an opportunity pass you by.”
He glanced toward where Harper was standing with another guest, and she gave a little wave.
I wanted to laugh. Harper was nice, and I appreciated Preston’s blessing when it came to Alexis’s friends. But he had his sights set on the wrong friend.
Juliana approached. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said to us before turning to him. “Preston. It’s time.”
“Right.” He squeezed my shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to get my bride home before she passes out.”
“Sounds like one hell of a wedding night,” I teased.
He smiled but shook his head, flipping me off over his shoulder as he walked away.
I laughed, joining the other guests at the club entrance, where everyone chattered excitedly. I bypassed them and headed over to where Lauren was standing, all sequins and feathers and smiles. We formed two lines, one on either side of the doors. And Juliana handed everyone a cone of rose petals.
When she announced their exit, everyone cheered. Alexis and Preston walked through the guests, hand in hand, the air perfumed with the fragrance of roses. As the petals fluttered to the ground, all I could see was Lauren—laughing, her cheeks flushed with color, her lips so fucking kissable.
And in that moment, I knew Preston was right. Life was short, and I didn’t want to let this moment—this woman—slip through my fingers again.
