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Her laughter rings out, drawing the attention of a few people around us, but she no longer seems self-conscious. A few shots and two drinks later, and we’re having a great time. The conversation jumps back and forth between her plans for the future and talking shit about her ex as we watch him strike out with nearly every woman there.
It’s pathetic, and if I didn’t know him and what a dick he is, I’d probably feel sorry for him. Since we’ve been in our little corner, he hasn’t noticed us. I have a feeling that’s about to change.
“Let’s dance,” Mallory suggests. I’m so happy to see her having a good time. It’s the happiest I’ve seen her in a long time.
“Let’s do it!”
We make our way onto the small dance floor just as the live band starts a slow song. Damn it. She shrugs, but before we can retreat and wait for a fast number, a young, blond man smiles down at her. “Would you like to dance?”
Her eyes nearly pop out of her head, but she nods quickly, then throws a stunned smile at me as he leads her a few feet away. Call me petty, but my first reaction is to look for Dennis to see if he’s spotted her.
Hell yes, he has, and the glare on his face must be making her day. There’s nothing more damaging to self-esteem than being cheated on. Even if you know it’s a flaw in the other person, not you, that causes such a thing, you wonder why you weren’t good enough. Question your appearance, behavior, success, everything. To have a young, cute guy show interest in her, even just for a dance, is huge.
I’m almost off the dance floor when an arm circles my waist. “Not so fast, beautiful.”
Ugh, I hate arrogant men. I turn my head to tell him to get his hands off me, but my words fizzle at the sight of deep blue eyes. It’s him. The man from the coffee shop. Damn, is everyone in town here, tonight?
“Cookie guy,” I laugh.
“Nick,” he says. “Dance with me?”
My gaze runs over his dark beard with a little sprinkle of gray thrown in. God, he’s sexy. And that voice makes me never want to wear panties again.
“Okay.” The word comes out so soft I doubt he even heard me, but he attacks me with his smile and pulls me into his arms. His body is firm under his navy button down shirt. I’m affected by him for some reason and it’s messing with my head. I never have trouble talking to men. It’s one of the few things I’m usually good at, but this guy can steal my words with a glance.
“What’s your name?” he asks, as we move to the music.
Oh yeah, most people do introduce themselves, Sam. Get it together. “Samantha. Sam for short.”
“I don’t usually see you here, Samantha. Special occasion?” Oh, it’s like he’s caressing my name with that deep voice.
“Just helping a friend get back in the game.” I’m relieved to find I can speak in intelligible sentences again. “Do you hang out here a lot?” Did I seriously just ask him if he comes here often? Shoot me now.
“My brother owns the place, so the crew meets here once in a while after work for a few beers.”
“The crew?” I tease. “Are you a rapper? Got a posse I should watch out for?”
Laughter rumbles his chest. “Work crew. I’m a roofer. Private contractor. What do you do?”
“I work at Rock Plastics.”
The song changes to one I don’t recognize, but the pulsing beat has everyone getting close. With a wicked grin, Nick grabs my hips and pulls me against him. Alright then, this I can do.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I move my hips with his, grinding to the beat of the music. When my gaze meets his, I watch his pupils dilate slightly. Running my fingers down his neck, I feel his pulse thumping beneath his skin. If there’s one thing I recognize, it’s the sign of a man when he’s turned on, and I’ve got him.
It isn’t until his gaze drops to my lips that I realize, he’s got me too.
Eons pass as he leans in and presses his lips to mine. They’re soft and warm, such contrast to the rasp of his beard against my skin. My thoughts instantly turn to how that beard would feel between my legs.
Warmth washes over me and his lips have barely left mine when I kiss him again with a soft hum. Our bodies move to the music as he drags his mouth down my neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps behind.
“You’re a good dancer,” I breathe.
“Not all I’m good at.”
Before I can respond, there’s a commotion to our right. I turn to see Mallory dancing with a different guy and cover my mouth to hide my surprise. For someone who was so self-conscious a few hours ago, she’s sure loosened up, and it’s amazing. She turns and starts rubbing her ass against the guy’s crotch and he’s all for it, running his hands down her hips and keeping up with her. She’s having a blast, but not for long.
The noise I heard was Dennis slamming a mug on the bar, then jumping off his stool so hard it fell over. He’s making a beeline for Mallory. This could get ugly.
