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“It was Hunter’s idea, but we just wanted to create something together, as a family.”
“So you participate in all of them?”
“We try to, but there are instances when we just can’t make it. Hunter and his wife are skipping this one.”
The rhythm of the song changed lightly, and Ryker’s hold on my waist tightened. He kept me close enough that I was certain he could feel my heartbeat.
When the song finished, Ryker lowered his hands, taking a step back.
“Pleasure to dance with you. Can’t wait to do it again,” he said.
“What do you mean?”
“This isn’t the only dance I’m bidding on.”
And just like that, my heart rate quickened again. I couldn’t keep my smile under control either.
“On how many, exactly?”
He tilted his head playfully. “Someone’s eager.”
“Just want to be prepared.”
“I’ll keep you guessing. Just know that you’re not getting rid of me tonight.”
“Ryker, you don’t have to buy out every single dance. It’s expensive.”
“It’s worth it.”
Oh, my. What could I say to that?
The next hour went by in a blur. Whenever he had to go to buy tickets for the next dance, my entire body hummed with the need to be closer to him. No matter what I did—even if it was to sit down for a minute or to check on Avery, I longed for the sound of the gong announcing the next round. With every dance, he kept me closer, his touch became more daring, and I leaned into it every chance I got, because this felt damn good.
To my dismay, the last dance came far too quickly. I wasn’t ready to let go, but I had to.
“Forgot to give you the ticket for this last one,” Ryker said.
I laughed. “Not necessary.”
“What if I cheated?”
“Did you?”
“You won’t know until you read it.”
I wanted to tell him that weeding out cheaters was always easy. The real dance partner would have popped up. But that mischievous glint in hi
s eyes... hmmm... he had something in mind. He was insisting on me taking the ticket for a reason, so I did.
I glanced down at it, feeling his gaze on me, the tension sizzling in the air.
Ryker: Meet me behind the red curtain after my speech.
I looked up. Oh, God... there was so much heat in his eyes, so much promise. He was expecting an answer, but before I could give him one, we were flanked by Tess and Skye.
“Don’t forget you’re giving the second speech tonight,” Skye said.
“I know. Ten minutes left.”
