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“Sex and Candy” by Alexander Jean started to play, and Holden gently swayed with me.
“I don’t think this is a slow song.” I glanced up at him beneath my eyelashes, suddenly incredibly self-conscious of how close we were and where his hands were … on my hips.
“With the right person, any song is a slow song.” He winked at me.
I looked around the club, realizing that several people were staring at us. Only five or six other couples were dancing, so we were easy to spot.
“We’re the center of attention.” I placed my palm against his muscular chest and inwardly sighed. I gently rubbed the soft material of his white shirt, and I wondered what he would look like without it.
“You’re new, and the new women are always intriguing. Plus, you have a cast on your leg.”
I nodded. It made sense. “Brynn said Chance will be here?”
“He’s downstairs. There are three floors to the club and five in the building. I’ll take you to the lower level later. For now, let’s just have some fun.”
He smoothed a stray hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear, his fingertips grazing my cheek. “I love seeing you like this. You’re breathtaking, River.” His heated gaze landed on my slightly parted mouth.
I stifled a moan, my hormones suddenly kicking my brain out of the driver’s seat and taking over. The heady and breathless feeling left me dizzy. The heat of Holden’s touch had me wondering if I could have sex and leave my past behind.
“Save Your Soul” by Damned Anthem played next, and Holden and I continued to exist inside our little bubble. The sway of his movements and our bodies pressed together was almost more than I could handle. Butterflies broke out and ran crazy in my tummy as his hand trailed up my bare back and I arched into him. Electricity swirled around us, igniting the air and causing all my senses to heighten.
His attention remained on my mouth, and I stifled the urge to stand on my tiptoes and suck on his lower lip. My God, what was this man doing to me?
After the song ended, we made our way to the wall, and with shaky legs, I collected my crutches and hobbled back to our table. Holden gathered my shoe, then slipped an arm around me until I sat down safely.
“Where’s Brynn?” I frowned, feeling her absence. Holden and I had spent plenty of time alone, talking, laughing, and watching television, but tonight was different.
“She probably went downstairs to let Chance know we’re here.”
Still reeling from Holden’s close proximity while we danced, I mentally swore as I reached for my champagne with a shaky hand. Dammit. I couldn’t look at Holden right now. I was too embarrassed that he’d most likely witnessed the effect he was having on me.
I gripped my glass tighter, taking a drink and allowing the golden liquid to travel down my throat and calm my overactive nerves. Without a word, Holden reached for the bottle and topped off our drinks. I tipped it back and guzzled half of its contents.
“Holy shit. That was seriously unladylike.” I grimaced and peeked at him, but he just laughed.
Our gazes connected again, goosebumps peppering my skin under his heated stare.
“I really want to kiss you, but I have to make sure it’s what you want too, River.” He reached up and ran his thumb over my bottom lip. “You were wrong before. I don’t have feelings for you because of Hannah. I have feelings for you because you’re smart, beautiful, and you’re not afraid to fight for what you want.”
I gulped, wishing he would show me what it would be like to be wanted by someone who cared about me. Closing my eyes, I attempted to rid myself of the longing for him. It would only lead to trouble, but no matter how hard I tried to fight it, nothing and no one else existed that night except for him.
He leaned into me, his mouth next to my ear. “Can I touch you?”
I nodded. Oh God, I wanted him to. I wanted his caress to erase all of the horrible memories from my mind and replace them with something good.
He trailed his fingertips slowly up my arm, and my flesh responded with a delightful chill. He skimmed over my collarbone, up my neck, then under my hair, and across my upper back.
I grabbed the edge of the seat as he continued.
“You’re so soft, River.” His warm breath caressed my cheek and I shuddered.
“It was the massage today, which felt amazing by the way, but this … this is ...” I captured my bottom lip with my teeth while his fingers traveled down my spine.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” He nipped at my earlobe, and I moaned.
I was shameless putty in his hands.
“Jesus, River. You don’t understand what you’re doing to me.”
