“I will.” She then pulls out a menu from her apron. “Just let me know when you’re ready to order. Ya’ll are in for a treat tonight. Nick Conners from the band Riser is here for the evening. I’ve begged him to play a set for us, reminding him I was one of the few who gave him his chance when he started years ago. He’s from your neck of the woods, out in Portland, but he’s played here quite a few times over the years.”
“I’ve been to a few of Riser’s shows,” I announce. “The band’s amazing. But what’s he doing here on his own?”
“Oh, I’m sure he came to get away from it all, but I called in a favor. Besides, he’s only gonna play a few songs. It’s not like it’ll be a full set or anything.”
I nod in understanding. Something tells me, Sandy will get anything she sets her mind to. “Can I have an IPA? You pick what you think is best.” I trust Sandy implicitly. She’s never steered me wrong when it came to good beer. I turn to Dani, “What would you like?”
Dani’s face lights up. “I’ll have what he’s having. I’m ready to try something new.”
“Okay, folks, be right up.” Sandy sashays to the bar as quickly as she arrived.
“So, what’s the real reason you brought me here?” Dani asks.
“I knew you could use a break. You’ve been with my family all day, and I, as much as you, are a people person. You need your downtime, too.” Her eyebrow raises as if she knows I haven’t spilled it all. “Besides, I wanted to take you out and knew this place would be safe from the media. Sandy values her customers’ privacy.”
“Okay…” Dani draws out as if something else is on her mind. “Will this include dancing?”
Dancing had been the last thing on my mind, so I answer truthfully, “It wasn’t in the plan, but if that’s what you’d like to do, I won’t object.” The thought of Dani swaying to the music, my hands on her hips and watching her let loose, does something to me. My pulse races, and my jeans tighten. Hell, if this woman wanted me to dance all night, I’d happily oblige.
“Don’t you have an early morning?” she asks, reminding me of reality. Christ, I sure as hell do, but I know she needs time with just the two of us. Besides, we currently can’t go out on a date at home, without being bombarded.
“Who needs sleep?” I tease to lighten the mood, knowing I’ll have to put an end to tonight’s activities sooner than I would want. Beggars can’t be choosers. I’ll take what time I can get with the gorgeous woman across from me.
Dani leans forward onto the table, “Yeah, right.” She knows me better, but at least she plays along. “What do you say to getting out on that dance floor, letting off some steam, then heading home early, so you can be fresh for the game tomorrow?”
Could this woman be anymore perfect for me?
Sandy comes back with our beer before we can get out of the booth to dance. “Here ya go,” she says in her typical chipper fashion. “Can I get you anything from the kitchen?”
“No, thanks, Sandy,” I reply. “We’re good for now.”
Before heading to the dance floor, Dani and I take a moment to taste the drinks Sandy brought. It tastes cold and refreshing as it slides down my throat. When I look up to see Dani licking her bottom lip, I want to haul her home, rather than the dance floor.
She takes another drink, and my body heats as I watch her lick her lip again. Of course, she catches me watching. “You ready to dance?”
“Sure.” I stand from my side of the booth and offer her my hand. As we make our way onto the dance floor, I’m grateful to have other people already enjoying the music being played. It’s a song I’m unfamiliar with, but the tempo’s upbeat, and I easily find the rhythm.
The best part about this scenario is watching Dani move. She sways freely to the beat, causing my blood to set on fire. She turns her back to me and watches the musicians perform, while I step closer to her, in an attempt to hide my erection. I keep a slight gap between us, so she doesn’t find the evidence of my attraction herself. Damn, even in jeans and a simple top, this woman does something to me. She’s wearing a simple pair of black flats, making her fit perfectly under my chin.
The band switches songs and slows to a basic two-step beat. Dani instinctively turns to face me, wrapping her hands around my neck. I pull her close for the briefest of kisses, before settling my left hand at her hip and gripping her right hand in my mine. I lead her around the dance floor, practicing moves I’d learned years ago. Mama would’ve tanned my hide if I didn’t learn to properly dance as a boy. I can’t help but grin when I remember the way Mama taught me. Dani picks up the rhythm instantly, and we make our way around the floor with ease. Occasionally, I push her out for a spin or try to change up the moves to keep her on her toes, but Dani being Dani, keeps up with ease.
All too soon, the song ends, and the band announces they’re taking a short break, and Nick Conners from Riser will be honoring us with his presence this evening between their set. Dani pulls me back to the booth, while we wait for Nick to set up.
“I’m starving,” she announces when we return to the table. “Are the burgers good here?”
“The best,” I eagerly reply, remembering the savory taste of Sandy’s special sauce. It’s been years since I’ve been here, but my mouth waters at the thought alone. I motion for Sandy’s attention and quickly place an order, including her famous hand-made curly fries.
After we finish our meal, Dani drags me out onto the dance floor for a couple more songs. I have to admit, it’s nowhere near a hardship having Dani in my arms. Her soft skin on mine, delicious scent, and sexy movements make me want to stay on the dance floor for an eternity. But eventually, reality gets the better of me, and we agree it’s time to leave.
Once settled into the car, Dani suddenly gasps, drawing my immediate attention.
“What is it?” I frantically say, dying to know what’s wrong. The sheer panic alone shaves years off my life. I wait for her to reply, but nothing is said.Good God, woman! Why won’t you tell me what’s the matter?
When the vehicle stops at a light, I finally see the cause of her sudden noise. She’s in the zone. She says nothing as she pulls out her phone and begins to type frantically. It appears as if her mojo has returned, and this trip did more for her than I ever could have hoped for.
