Feeling bold with the anonymity of the place and probably the alcohol still streaming through my veins, I drop my hands to his waist. His swaying hips are warm and firm under my touch.
“You can touch me,” I say, feeling bold, in control of the moment for the first time in a long time.
I can see his eyes widening under the flashing lights, but he listens. It’s a tentative touch at first. Lightly resting his palms on my shoulders, but the faster beat trails off and a new tune starts. It’s softer, full of yearning and sensual heat.
His grip changes with the song, hands sliding down my sides to settle on my waist. I shift mine up to twine loosely around his neck, and I let myself enjoy the moment. His body swaying under mine, and his strong but gentle hands lightly gripping my hips. My eyes slide shut as the beat of the music pulses through me, and for the first time in a long time I let it. My shoulders relax and I let go of all the fear, the anxiety of being under constant scrutiny.
And letting go opens up my senses. Our bodies brush against each other as we sway to the rhythm, and his woodsy cologne surrounds me, subtle but soothing. Tingly heat spreads from every point of contact.
I shut my eyes, feeling the melody flow through me while the lyrics tell a story of lost innocence. And for the moment, I pretend I’m someone else, that this is my reality. Dangerous or not, this is the kind of moment I could get lost in.
Chapter 10
Quint
Shefeelsimpossiblygoodin my arms. Soft and pliable. But when she told me to touch her, it was different. There was a demanding note in her voice, and I liked it. It hit me down low, and it’s all I can do to maintain the few inches of distance between us so she can’t feel my body’s reaction.
This might have been a terrible idea. I’m so damn happy to have my arms wrapped around her. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen her relaxed, letting her guard down. And maybe it’s just the music and the dancing, but if she’s going to give me this moment, I’m taking it, and I’m going to enjoy every single second. Whatever she’s willing to give me.
But as soon as the song ends, she pulls away, grabbing my hand as she moves away from the other dancers. “Come on, let’s get a drink.”
People keep stopping me to say hi as we’re shuffling through the crowd to get to the line in front of the bar.
My friend Jay gives me a back slap, but his curious gaze is locked on Aura. “Hey, Quint, so good to see you. You staying in Balsam now? Finished being a fancy college boy?”
“Yeah, I’m done. Just graduated. I’ll be living here full-time now.”As long as this TV thing works out and we can keep the ranch afloat. The bitter twinge of hurt flares up in my chest again that my brother was keeping all the financial problems from me.
“Is this one of your friends from school?” he asks.
“Nah,” I say, not offering any more information. I do casually drape an arm over Aura’s shoulders, though. Just in case he gets any ideas. That may have been just a dance, but I don’t think she’s interested in getting picked up tonight. This will give her some level of protection from the lonely guys in the bar. This place is too goddamn small sometimes. Any hint of a fresh face in town gets everyone frothing at the mouth.
“You’re not going to introduce us?”
“A little mystery is good for you.” I give him my biggest grin, and he frowns, eyes drifting back to Aura. But to my relief, doesn’t ask any follow-up questions.
I lean down to whisper in her ear as we’re waiting in line, surrounded by bodies. “Hey, what did you want to drink?”
“Vodka soda,” she says.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out. Battery is low, of course, but it’s got enough juice to read Dean’s text.
I look up at Aura. “Dean can’t make it. His sister asked him to watch the kids for the evening.”
“Aww, that’s too bad, but kinda cute. I can totally picture him as a fun uncle.”
“Fun or chaotic, depends on how you look at it. But his sister and her husband don’t get out much, so I guess they’re willing to embrace a little chaos.”
“Well, I like Dean, but I’m honestly kind of enjoying having you to myself tonight.” A slow smile slides up her face and my heart does a somersault.
Of course that’s when we work our way up to the familiar bar. I rest an arm on the worn surface, keeping Aura tucked into my side as Jeff shifts closer to us.
“Hey, man, good to see you back,” the bartender says. “How’s everything been going?”
Aura’s shoulders stiffen when he looks at her and I give her a squeeze, pulling her in tighter to my side. She ducks her head down, hiding her face under the brim of her hat, and I can feel her relax into me.
“Great,” I tell him. “You know. Getting back into the groove. It’s nice to be home.”
“For sure. Good to have you back. What’ll you have?”
