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Soon we were all shooting the music shit, downing shots, and chilling out. Van even joined us, taking a few shots while we hung out.
I was relieved to see him relax for a change.
Me and my band brothers could always handle a fuckton of liquor, but the boys from down south beat us, no contest. I don’t know how they managed to drink so much and still walk a straight line.
I tried to focus on the conversation going on around me, but inevitably, my focus was on Van.
An hour later, Holls and Ronin announced they were hitting the dance floor. Faise didn’t want to go, but Ronin hauled him over his shoulder, and that was that.
Our security team followed, along with the boys from Killmine.
I stayed behind with Van and Dawson.
“Looks like it’s just the two of us,” Van yelled out over the boom of the music as he ordered a bottle of sparkling water.
We sat on one of the leather couches overlooking the party below.
“Three,” I pointed over my shoulder to Dawson, who was standing guard behind us.
“Go on and dance with them. I’m fine up here,” Van held up his phone. “I’ve got work to keep me busy.”
I shook my head and moved closer, draping my arm across the back of the couch.
“I’ll go if you go.”
“No fucking way.” Van laughed and pointed to his shoes. “I’ve got two left feet. Swear to God.”
I’d never seen Van dance. Not when he was watching us perform, not at events. Never. He claimed he had no rhythm, but I didn’t believe him.
“I think you’re lying.” I stood up and held my hand out. “Get up.”
Tequila flooded veins had me ready to gamble.
“No,” Van waved me off, his cheeks flushing.
“No one can see us but Dawson, and he won’t tell.” I looked over at my security. “Will you?”
Dawson shook his head and turned to face the audience down below.
“Come on, dance with me.”
“Brodie—”
“Get your tight ass up off that couch.”
Van vaulted off the cushion and faced me. “Câlisse! You just can’t let up, can you?”
“No, I can’t. You should know this about me by now.”
My heartbeat was louder and faster than the pounding pulse of the music around us.
But I didn’t get closer. I stayed where I was.
I don’t know if it was the alcohol or my brain finally clicking into gear, but I had a sudden realization. I would be clear in my intentions toward Van, but it was up to him.
I wasn’t gonna take something he wasn’t willing to give.
Even though I knew desire when I saw it, he was still holding back.
