Silence settles between us again. I replay everything that just happened—the kiss, the almost, the desire thrumming within me.
My skin is still warm, my breath uneven. I wait for the guilt, the shame,something—but it doesn’t come. Only the ache of interruption.
“You okay?” he asks, eyes searching mine.
My teeth catch on my lip, no sting this time, just warmth.
I shake my head. “I’m not ready for tonight to be over.”
His gaze flicks to my mouth. He leans in, brushing his lips over mine in a kiss that feels like an apology and a promise.
When he pulls back, his forehead rests against mine. “Where do you want to go?” he asks, voice rough with restraint.
I close my eyes as his lips find my jaw, then the edge of my throat. The touch is gentle, reverent. And God—I want to climb back into his lap.
All I know is I want more.
“Wherever you want to take me.”
CHAPTER NINE
WESLEY
Fuck,Ishould’veaskedher to dance.
I came to the bar to get away—to breathe, to clear my head after seeing Emmett’s hand on her waist.
It shouldn’t have bothered me.
But it did.
A flicker of envy twisted deep in my chest—ugly and unwelcome.
And it’s only gotten worse.
From here, I have a perfect view of her on the dance floor—laughing, spinning, the lights catching in her soft blonde waves. She makes it hard to look anywhere else.
But she’s not alone.
She’s withhim.
Lane.
His hands are on her hips, holding her close as they sway to a slow country song.
Fuck my life.Why did I hesitate?
It should be me out there—her fingers hooked behind my neck, my hand at the small of her back, spinning her around to some old love song while she looks up atmewith her big green eyes.
Instead, like a masochist, I watched.
Watched as she took his hand and he pulled her in.
Watched until my chest burned like someone had lit a match behind my ribs.
Now I can’t stop thinking about it—about them. About how easily she fits against him. How she looks genuinely happy.
And I’m still standing at the bar, drink untouched, feeling completely ridiculous and wishing I could go back in time and do something—anything—different.
