He walks away smiling and I order my drink, grabbing Hayley a water while I’m there.
Then, like Brad’s girlfriend, I’m drawn to Hayley, unable to take my eyes off her as she owns the dance floor, letting herself go, completely in the moment. She says she’s the type to do what she wants and never hold back, and it’s true—she’s exactly like that. But here, now, there’s something free about her, something deeper. And it’s beautiful to watch.
Her eyes flicker open, and just like the first time I saw her dancing, her gaze locks on mine, and the most breathtaking smile graces her lips. My breath catches and I’m taken back to the moment our lips first touched, the first time we kissed. Tothe spark that shot through me. To the way her breath hitched as my tongue caressed hers.
I have never felt as close to anyone as I did in that moment. And while at the time, I refused to believe that it meant anything, now, I’m not so sure.
Hayley nibbles at her bottom lip, bringing me back to the present, her eyes lighting up with mischief. With a wink, she pretends to cast a fishing line my way, reeling it in, hoping I’ll follow.
When I don’t move at first, she gasps, her hand flying to her mouth as she shakes her head, pointing at me sternly. “You,” she mouths, motioning to the spot on the floor in front of her. “Here now,” she mouths again. At least I think she does. Either way, I let this play out for a little while longer.
She pouts, seemingly giving up with a shrug of her almost bare shoulders. But I know better than that. Once she has her mind on something, there’s no going back.
She points again, this time to something behind me, and when I turn to look, confusion mars my features until familiar arms circle around my waist.
“You didn’t think I’d give up that easily, did you?” She lifts to her toes, whisper-yelling in my ear as I spin back around. “Are you playing hard to get?”
“Nope.” I chuckle, circling my arms around her neck. “I’m just waiting for the right song.”
“Austin”by Dasha comes on next and Hayley’s eyes light up before she immediately starts dancing, waggling her eyebrows as she moves. She mouths the words to the song, curling her finger, motioning for me to join her.
I have to admit, it’s a good song. Not my favorite but I like it, which means, I’m fresh out of excuses.
Nodding a little, I watch her closely, tapping my hand against my leg, pretending that’s all I can do.
Melting into the sea of bodies, she shakes her head with a smile and rolls her eyes, turning away from me.
In a move I’ve memorized, she raises her hands above her head, and her dress lifts higher up her thighs. I try to resist, wanting to tease her a little more, but when the guys around her all dance a little closer, I groan, losing my restraint as I stride forward, shocking us both when I grab her waist, spinning her to face me.
“Yes.” She lets out a squeal, stepping back, giving me the space to show off my moves.
But I want her close. Touching me.
So instead, I sway my hips, holding back from giving her everything I’ve got. We’ve got time for that later.
Hayley shoots me a knowing smirk but she hasno idea, and for now, I like it that way.
Grabbing her hands, we dance around, laughing and smiling, full of life. And when the song ends and another comes on––some techno shit I don’t understand––I continue to dance.Because who am I to fuck with Hayley’s beaming state of happiness?
It’s infectious.
She’sinfectious.
And I’m choosing not to process that thought right now. I’m taking a page out of Hayley’s book, and living in the moment.
It’s time to party with my girl.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Reed
Thomas passes the ball back to me and I fake a throw before taking off in a run, heading for my opponent at full force, showing him I mean business. I dodge left and when he strikes, I change direction, rolling past his body, using the impact to propel me forward.
I’m so focused on the play that the crowd around me ceases to exist, but just knowing they’re here, knowing they’re screaming my name, has me pushing myself to the limits, powering my legs to avoid another strike, diving into the end zone as someone’s arms wrap around my legs.
The whistle blows and my teammates cry out, most of them running forward to dive on top of me, flattening me into the turf.
“Hell fucking yes.” Rhett’s the first to speak. “You are on fire today. Whatever you're doing orwhoeveryou’re doing, don’t ever stop.”
