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I exhaled as if impatient. “Did you want something, Beck?”
He dropped his gaze to my mouth and stared at it for the longest time before he lifted his eyes. “Do you really know the guy, Avery?”
I laughed. “Yes, Beck, I really know him. His name is Dexter, and we went to school together before I left for France. I’m back now; Dexter is all grown up and looking rather yummy, if I do say so myself.”
Beck’s nostrils flared.
“And because a guy like Dexter isn’t afraid to go after something he wants, he promptly asked me out on a date, to which I said yes. You can head on back to your evening with my uncles and cousins, and don’t worry about me. My other friends have my back, so you’re off the hook tonight.”
I started to leave, and Beck grabbed my arm. “Don’t play games, Avery.”
Narrowing my eyes, I glared at him. “I don’t play games, Beck. You may not want me because you think I’m too young, but there are plenty of other guys who do. I’m not a child, and I won’t hide in my room because you think I’m not old enough to enjoy myself. So, if you don’t mind,” I jerked my arm free, “I’d like to get back to my friends.”
As I was heading to the table, Josh approached with Nathan. “Hey, Avery.”
They both hugged me, and I tried to relax as I smiled at them. “So, which one of your uncles got you into this place, since you’re not even eighteen?”
Nathan grinned. “Uncle Brock.”
I nodded as I glanced at Beck, who’d finished off the whiskey he ordered and was getting another placed in front of him. He downed it and then headed off toward his table.
Chewing on my lip, I turned back to my cousins. “Is he okay? I mean, was today okay for him?”
Nathan’s gaze followed Beck back to the table, where his father and two uncles all sat. “I think he’s fine. I mean, he’s been beating women off with a stick, but he hasn’t danced with anyone,” he said. “Uncle Brock mentioned leaving soon.”
“Oh,” I said, glancing back to the table. “Well, I guess I’ll see you two at family game night if not before.”
Josh rolled his eyes. “I’m really working on Grams to skip this month.”
Laughing, I said, “Good luck with that.”
“Don’t be a stranger, okay?” Nathan said. “Come around and visit, now that you’re home. I know everyone wants to see you.”
“I’ll try to swing by and visit with everyone tomorrow.”
Nathan and Josh exchanged looks before they both said, “Cool.”
We said our goodbyes, and I made my way to the table. I sat there listening to the conversations, or at least trying to over the loud music. I really didn’t want to be there, and I could tell Lacey was picking up on it. Dexter had turned down a few requests from other women to dance, and he’d just asked me for another. So far, we’d already danced three times.
I looked over at the table where Beck and the family were sitting. They were gone.
“I think I’m going to run to the restroom, then probably take off for home. I’m still trying to get used to the time change.”
Dexter leaned in and put his mouth against my ear. “Can I see you soon?”
I held out my hand. “Give me your phone.”
He reached into his pocket and handed it to me. I typed my name and number into his contacts. “Give me a call, and we’ll see if we can work something out.”
He smiled and leaned in to kiss me, but I drew back.
“Why, Dexter, you don’t really think I’m going to kiss you? This isn’t even a date!”
He laughed. “I must have lost my mind for a moment.”
It was my turn to laugh. Okay, so he might not be Beck, but I could probably have a good time with him.
“Excuse me,” I said as I grabbed my purse and turned to Lacey. “I’m going to head to the restroom, then head on out.”
“Don’t walk out to your car alone, okay? And text me to let me know you’re home safely,” she said as she kissed my cheek.
My gaze went to Dexter, who smiled like he’d just won a secret lottery or something. Looking back at Lacey, I said, “I’ll have one of the bouncers walk me out.”
Dexter dropped his head back and laughed, then said, “I’m so glad you’re home, Avery.”
I gave him a wink, then hugged Lacey. “Talk to you later. Thanks for including me tonight. I had fun.”
She shook her head. “I’m not so sure you did, but thanks for coming. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
After the ladies’ room, I made my way through the bar, glancing around one more time to see if I might have missed Beck. When I didn’t spot him, I started to the exit. The bouncer was busy talking to someone, so I made the decision to just head out to my car. There were plenty of people around.
