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I returned her smile and nodded. “He is. Very. It’s too bad we live so far away from each other.” Secretly, I was glad. My career was all that mattered right now. I wasn’t ready for another heartbreak after Gabe.
She rolled her eyes. “Love knows no distance.”
I snorted and grabbed some paper towel to dry my hands. “Let’s go before the guys eat all the nachos.”
When we got back to the table, the guys had ordered us a round of shots. I started to protest and then thought better of it. We drank to Dani and Parker’s pending nuptials and did another round. Thank goodness, we took a taxi.
We found our way back out on the dance floor after making quick work of the nachos, the four of us goofing off and dancing together. It was the most fun I’d had in months - maybe years. A slow song came on but this time, instead of Chip and I leaving the dance floor, he pulled me to him, pressing me against his hard body.
I took a deep breath as he gave me that panty-dropping smile. “Practice for the wedding.”
I licked my lips and nodded, trying to ignore the way my body seemed to mold against his. His arms were firmly wrapped around my waist. My heart pounded so fast, I’m pretty sure he could feel it against his chest. His hands found their way further down, almost touching my ass.
My arms were around his neck and he smiled down at me. Soon I was lost in his green eyes. Despite the dance floor being packed, it was almost as if we were the only two people there.
The dj played a couple of slow songs and we kept dancing. Even though we didn’t say anything, the mood between us seemed to have changed. At one point during the song, I looked up at him and he reached up to touch my face.
The slow songs ended and the loud music ended the moment. We broke apart quickly, and I wasn’t sure what had just happened between us.
“Let’s go back to our place,” Dani suggested, leaning over so we could hear her above the loud music. We both nodded and exited the dance floor. I was down with that. The dance floor was getting more crowded and you could hardly move.
“Maybe I should just go back to my hotel. It’s getting late,” Chip said. I couldn’t help feel disappointed he didn’t want to stay out.
I glanced at my watch. It was nearing two a.m. “I’m going back to my place. It’s been fun, but I’m tired.”
“No way, man! The party is just getting started!” Parker protested and we laughed.
I shook my head. “No, I’m done.” I hated to end the party, but we had a long weekend ahead of us.
“Let me take you home and then I’ll take a cab back to the hotel,” Chip said. His eyes were dark as they looked down at me. “Don’t even say no. I know you’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, but I’m a gentleman and I want to make sure you get home okay.”
“Fine,” I agreed, too tired to argue.
We found our coats and purses and headed outside the bar to catch a cab. My mind was still swirling with the dance I’d just had with Chip. Maybe it was the alcohol. I wasn’t drunk, but had a good buzz going on.
As we stood outside waiting for a cab, Parker wrapped his arms around Dani to shield her from the wind. I shivered and noticed Chip watching me.
“Would you like my coat?” He came over and asked.
I shook my head. “I’m fine.” I shivered again and he laughed.
“My ass, you’re fine.” He took off his black jacket and threw it around my shoulders. He smelled like a combination of soap and some aftershave I couldn’t place. I looked up and our faces were just inches away from each other. If I went up on my tiptoes, we would be able to kiss. I glanced at his lips, tempted. I bet he was a great kisser.
“Hey, our cab!” Parker yelled, ending the moment between Chip and I. “You guys take this one first.”
“Thanks for the jacket,” I mumbled and we walked toward the cab, Chip’s hand on the small of my back.
I hugged Dani and Parker goodbye before getting into the cab. “See you tomorrow. Love you.” I gave the driver my address while Chip said his goodbyes. He slid into the cab, his thigh touching mine.
The driver took off like a bat out of hell and I laughed when Chip clutched the door handle. “Chicago cab drivers are a little crazy.”
“I don’t know how you guys deal with this. I guess they need to drive this way in traffic like this. I would hate it.” He shook his head and looked out his window.
We didn’t say anything the rest of the ride. His comment was another reminder of how different we were.
The cab pulled up to my apartment building and I turned to Chip. “Would you like to come up for a drink?” I don’t know what possessed me to even ask. It was late and we had enough to drink already. I wasn’t ready to say goodnight.
He grinned and nodded his head. “Sure, I’d love one.”
