I rub down her back. “It’s what you’re feeling, so how can it be stupid?”
“Why did you come after me?” she says.
The trapdoor guarding my memories gives a sharp rattle but I stomp on it, keeping everything locked away. “Because you needed me to.”
She gives a soft laugh.
“A long time ago, someone was there for me in a way that changed my life.” It makes no sense why I’m telling her this. Maybe because I want to. Or maybe it’s to take the pressure off me coming off like some hero, because I’m not.
“Was he a firefighter?” Meg asks softly.
I close my eyes to let the memory flicker for one moment, then snuff it out. “Yeah.”
She releases a heavy sigh against my chest, her narrow rib cage swelling into mine. I savor it for one more second before leaning back to dry her cheeks with my thumbs. Her face is red and her eyes are puffy, but she’s no less beautiful. Maybe more so. Because what could possibly be more precious than the way she’s trusting me with her shattered heart right now?
“I’m a mess, huh,” she says, trying to laugh.
I press a soft kiss to her forehead. She leans closer, and the connection between us draws tight. I try to hold onto it—but fear is starting to claw its way up my spine. A reminder that I’ll never be whole enough for someone like her.
“What do you want to do?” I gaze down at her.
“I don’t want to spoil Dad’s night.” A pained expression tightens at the corners of her eyes. “It seems petty to stomp off in a huff.”
I watch her for another moment, trying to read her thoughts. “First of all, you have every right to be upset, and fuck what anyone thinks about it.”
Her lips twitch.
“But if we bail, you’ll miss my dancing.”
She laughs—it’s a genuine, rich melody that makes me smile.
“Maybe we can stay for a little bit longer,” she says, her pale blue eyes softening with hope. “So I can have at least one dance with Dad before we go?”
Fuck, she’s being so brave. I want to kiss her again, but we’vemonopolized the bathroom for long enough, and if I start, I won’t want to stop. So I offer her my arm, and with another soft laugh, she takes it and lets me lead her from the stall.
Chapter Nineteen
“Thanks for the rescue,”Meg says as we walk toward the ballroom.
“Anytime, shortcake.”
She smiles, and though her face is still a little puffy, her eyes are clear and she’s got a determined vigor to her steps.
It’s encouraging, but I’m torn. Meg poured her heart into creating a special night for her dad. Maybe her expectations were grand, but they were pure. Somehow, Darienne found a way to take the credit, and I don’t think it happened by accident.
That’s wrong. I want to fix it, but every idea that flashes into my mind involves causing a scene, and this is Meg’s show. If she wants to dance with her dad and let him believe the lies Darienne is telling in order to preserve the evening, as much as I hate it, that’s what we’ll do. Maybe there will be a way to reconcile this situation in the future.
Back in the ballroom, a few guests linger near the wall of pictures but the majority of the party has migrated outside.
Darkness has fallen, but the string lights and glow from inside the clubhouse give the patio a soft atmosphere. Around the dancefloor, guests are clustered talking and drinking while couples dance. A Johnny Cash ballad is playing from the speakers, so I weave us through the crowd and take Meg’s hands. I’m not a great dancer by any means, but I know enough to make her look good, even if she doesn’t know the steps. She just has to trust me.
I start with a simple rock step, and to my delight, she catches on, and just like that, we’re dancing. I can’t hold back my grin, and her eyes light up. Her delicate fingers relax in my hold. I bring her into a cuddle, her frame nestled against my side. She glances up at me, a look of wonder and maybe joy in her eyes, and my heart leaps inside my chest.
I turn her back, her blonde hair fanning out, catching the light. I keep moving, letting the music be my guide. For someone who was getting around on crutches only a few weeks ago, Meg moves with an ease and quiet confidence. I lead her in a series of turns, then bring her into another sideways cuddle. She arches closer, giving me more of her weight, and when I pivot back, there’s a surge of energy between us.
Someone from the sidelines hoots but I’m focused completely on the woman who has me entranced. Meg laughs like she’s been waiting all night to leave her cares behind. We shuffle and spin, the way our bodies are in tune to the music like nourishment in my blood. The song ramps up for the finale, so I tempt her with just a small dip over my knee. Her mouth opens in surprise but I have her up and spinning before she has time to doubt that I’ll always keep her safe.
The opening lilt of Whitney Houston’s “Dance With Somebody” fills the air, and I can’t help the laugh erupting from my mouth. Of all the tunes…cheesy, maybe, but Meg gives me a playful grin and arches her eyebrow, like she’s daring me to resist.
