Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Brett is a flirt, and I’m relieved he moved over to us. It takes some of the sexual tension away from Hudson and me. It’s miserable wanting someone you can never have. I need to get over this. I need to get over him, but then nights like tonight happen, or incidents like this morning, and I fall right back into his trance.
Song after song, we dance. Brett jumps from couple to couple and grinds up on all of us. We’re all smiles and covered in sweat as a beat turns slow. I try to step away yet again from Hudson, but he holds me.
“One more,” he says. I know it’s all in my head, but his voice almost sounds pleading, and how am I supposed to say no to that? I don’t. Instead, I turn in his arms, and give him a small nod.
My eyes scan the floor, and all our friends are still out here dancing. They’re not couples either, but they are coupled up. I spy Brett flirting with the bartender. Something I’ve noticed he does every time we’re here. And it’s not just any of the bartenders, just this particular one. I make a mental note to ask Raven if she’s noticed. Pulling out of my thoughts, I smile up at Hudson, whose eyes are boring into mine.
My hands that have been hanging at my sides slide up and over his chest and behind his neck. There is a slight tremble that I’m sure he can feel, but I lock my fingers behind his neck anyway. He expels a heavy breath and pulls me closer, his hands now resting on the small of my back.
I open my mouth to speak, but I can’t seem to find words for this moment. A moment that will be forever engrained in my memory. A moment I’m trying really hard for my heart not to latch onto. Instead, I avert my gaze, looking around the small bar.
We’re barely swaying to the beat of the slow country tune that plays from the overhead speakers. We both seem to be lost in our own thoughts, holding on tightly to one another. It’s moments like this that make me think he might want more. That there is a possibility he’s harboring the same kinds of feelings for me that I am for him.
The song changes back to an upbeat tempo, and I’m surprised when Hudson doesn’t let go. My heart is acting like a caged animal in my chest, thundering to be released, to be given to the man who is holding me. Taking a chance, I look up at him, and I find his gaze already laser-focused on me.
“Riley” He doesn’t get to finish when Jacob steps next to me, putting his arm around my waist and pulling me into his side, which leaves Hudson no choice but to let me go.
“My turn.” Jacob laces his fingers through mine and spins me out away from him before pulling me back in. He’s smiling like a mad man, and I can’t help but laugh with him. We spend the entirety of the song performing silly outlandish dance moves. I’m laughing so hard by the end of the song, I know it’s time for a break. I need to use the restroom before I pee my pants, and I could use a drink.
“I have to pee.” I laugh. Sure, not the most eloquent way to say it, but it’s a fact, and Jacob is a friend. “And a drink.”
He smiles, his brown eyes sparkling. “Beer?”
“That would be great. I’ll meet you back at the table.” With a nod, he starts toward the bar while I make my way to the bathrooms. I quickly take care of business and wash my hands, taking the wet towel and dabbing my forehead and the back of my neck. I’m sweating up a storm from all the dancing.
Tossing the towel in the trash, I pull open the bathroom door, only to find Hudson leaning against the wall. He has a foot propped up on the wall behind him, and his hands shoved into his faded blue jeans. Faded blue jeans that fit like they were made especially for him.
“Hey.” I smile brightly.
“Riley.” His deep gruff voice greets me.
“What’s up?”
He opens his mouth to speak, but Jacob appears. “There you are. I thought maybe you were abducted.” He grins, handing me my beer. He looks between Hudson and me, and his grin grows wider. “You need to drink that. I have more dance moves I need to show off.” He slides his arm around my shoulder and pulls me into his chest.
I hold up my bottle of beer to keep it from sloshing all over both of us. “I think I’m going to sit this one out,” I tell him.