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I’m chewing my lip, pretending to listen to their conversation, but my eyes are on that side patio. Austin comes out, and the door almost closes… then he steps out.
I can barely breathe with how fast my heart is beating. He’s there, just outside the door, but he’s not moving this way.
Is he not going to come over here? Is he embarrassed to be seen with me in front of his family and friends? Will I survive that?
He glances this way again, holding a beer to his lips and meeting my eyes. My lips part, and I’m right on the edge when a friendly male voice startles me.
“Rachel, hey! We have to stop bumping into each other this way.” Blinking rapidly, I turn to see Sam Allen smiling down at me.
His hands are in his pockets, and he’s waiting.
Pressing my lips together, I force my brain to hear what he just said. “What way?”
“Dancing at the Dare night.” Exhaling a laugh, he lifts his chin at the bar. “That Craig sure is a fan of Chappell Roan.”
Frowning, I tune in to what’s playing and recognize the song as “Apple.”
“That’s Charli xcx.”
He shrugs, looking over his shoulder before turning back to me. “I don’t pay much attention to music.”
“Am I interrupting something?” Zane’s low voice sends a wash of heat through my pussy.
He came. My eyes close briefly, and I turn. He’s here, standing with one hand in his pocket, his dark hair shining in the disco lights. The muscle in his square jaw moves, and he’s frowning as usual.
“Sam doesn’t pay attention to music.”
“Why not?” His frown deepens, and he glances at the guy.
“Ah…” Sam clears his throat. “I guess because there’s so many bands to keep up with these days?”
“Would you like to dance?” Zane takes my hand, and you could knock me over with a feather.
“You dance?”
“I won’t step on your toes.”
“I’d love to dance with you.” I take his hand, following him onto the floor where the driving dance beat fades.
As if he’s watching us, Craig follows up with a gentler song.
Zane wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close, and I rest my nose against the front of his shoulder. I don’t know this song, but it’s perfect.
Closing my eyes, I’m surrounded by the scent of trees and southern breezes and the ocean. Music floats in a dreamy harmony, and I’m falling, low blood sugar not required.
It’s the least scary, the most secure, the happiest thing imaginable.
Warm lips press against my temple, and my eyes flutter open. Zane lifts his head, and I look into his striking, beautiful eyes.
“Sam Allen?” he teases. “Again?”
Exhaling a laugh, I rest my forehead against his chest. His arms are still around me, and I can’t believe the comfort of this place. It’s the best hug, so safe and warm.
“You came to me.” I say the words softly, not expecting him to hear them.
His face lowers again, and he speaks in my ear. “I’ll always come to you.”
Heat pulses in my veins, and I don’t want to leave his embrace. Lifting his head, he studies my eyes, and I think he feels the same way.
