Like hell. She wants to be my somebody?
I’m never turning that down.
By the time the song ends, I’m breathing fast but there’senough energy between us to keep me dancing all night. Meg circles my neck and smiles up at me. I lean down, my eyes falling closed as my mouth is drawn to hers. She sucks in a breath, her breasts brushing my chest, her lips embracing mine, keeping me close.
Another hoot from the crowd reminds me that we’re not alone, but nothing could keep me from kissing this woman. I savor the heat crackling between us and the hungry, sensual hold of her kiss. Of her warmth and her soft curves against my frame, her shaky inhale and her spicy lemony scent. The moment feels too fragile, and even if it lasted a hundred years, I know it’s going to end too soon.
The music changes, and I lean back, feeling buzzed and not from the beer I drank at the start of the night.
Meg gives me a shy grin, then caresses down my arms to take my hands. All around us, guests have joined us on the dance floor, giving us a welcome sense of privacy.
“I think I have enough juice left for one dance with my dad, and then…” she bites her lip. “we can go?”
I glance down. She’s resting her weight on her right leg.
I bite back a curse. “Are you hurting?”
“A little.” She squeezes my hands. “But as long as I get off my feet soon, I’ll be okay.”
“Did I wear you out?”
She rocks to her tiptoes to kiss me. “Not even close, cowboy,” she whispers.
I close my eyes and try to keep her close, but she breaks away and flashes me that gorgeous smile. “Promise me this isn’t the only time we dance together?”
Flutters tickle up my chest and crowd into my throat. “You’ve got yourself a promise.”
The song comes to an end, and Meg waves her dad down. I don’t want to relinquish her, but I force myself to do it anyway. Iweave to the bar for a glass of water, then guzzle it down and grab one for Meg. On my way back to the dance floor so I can keep an eye on her, I bump into Zach and Evergreen paramedic Ryan Hutchins, so I stop to chat. Hutch’s wife Ava is eight months pregnant, so we spend most of the time trying to reassure him.
I remember the excitement and terror that consumed me in the days before Greta came into my life. Would I screw it up? Would I have the patience required to balance being a father and a partner? Would I be able to love my kid the way I loved Kelly? Would I know how to take care of them? Back then, I barely knew how to take care of myself. Kelly was still living with her parents and I was just about to graduate from the fire academy. We weren’t even married yet—she wanted to wait until we were settled. It was hard at first, but with Greta bringing so much joy to our lives, we found our rhythm.
Watching Hutch’s excitement brings it all back—the sleepless nights, my exhaustion, but also, the joy. Though Kelly destroyed me, I’d suffer through it a second time if it meant I could hold my baby girl in my arms like that again. Soothe her with my off-key singing. Delight in her adorable baby giggle. I always thought we’d have more, give Greta at least a little brother or sister, but it didn’t work out that way.
Through the crowd, I get glimpses of Meg and her dad on the dance floor, swaying to the music and talking, their cheeks rosy like they’re happy. It’s a hopeful sign, but my chest aches because of what Meg shared.
I can’t lose my dad too.
Does Lonnie James know what an amazing gift his daughter is?
If he knew she was feeling squeezed out, would he do something about it?
I know I would, if I was in his shoes.
Would Greta ever feel left behind, if I was with someone new?
The idea guts me.
It makes me want to call her. Even if it’s just to hear her groan “Daaad.” Even if it’s just to tell her I love her.
We’re joined by William and some young guys I peg as former teammates, so I say goodbye and weave back to the dance floor.
Just in time to see Russel cornering Meg, his eyes angry. What the fuck?
Meg says something to him while trying to shift backwards.
I ditch the glass of water on a side table and hurry over.
“It’s not true. They have it all wrong,” Russet says, lunging for Meg’s arm.
