My attempts at chivalry and gentlemanly behavior seem to annoy her. Maybe, in this case, my instincts are wrong—like all my instincts in my effort to court her appear to be.
With a sigh, I push past the crowd and find her in the sea of bodies.
She’s really dancing up on the guy, her hips a slow sway, her arms over her head, her hair falling down her back. Her eyes are closed, and she’s wearing a seductive smile on her face.
She looks sexy, like the woman on the balcony that night I sat in the dark.
And just like that night, she’s a mystery to me—far away and too distant to touch. Only she’s not distant. I can reach for her. I think she wants me to reach for her.
Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.
I come to stand in front of them, and I tap the dude on the shoulder. “I’m cutting in.”
Cat’s eyes flicker open, and she gives me the most satisfied smile.
Junior shakes his head. “She made her choice, old man.”
Hey, I’m only thirty-six—hardly an old man. I shake my head. “If you think her dancing has anything to do with you, you’re even more stupid than I thought.”
The child turns and puffs out his chest. “You think so?”
I really don’t want to deal with this right now, but it appears this is the way to her heart.
I sigh. “I know so.”
Cat steps between us and puts her hands on our chests. “Now, boys, we can all dance.”
“No!” we both say at the same time.
Cat grins and shrugs. “Fine. I’ll dance on my own.”
Then she twirls off and ends up in the crowd of people in front of the stage.
“Not cool, man,” the guy says.
“Fuck off.” I push past him, once again in pursuit.
Cat
Is it wrong that I’m enjoying myself?
Is it wrong that I’m worried there’s something wrong with enjoying myself?
Before I can get tangled in these thoughts, I push them away. When the singer starts singing “Shout,” I throw myself into the music.
I can think later. Right now I want to dance and be free.
Just as I’m jumping up and screaming hey hey hey hey at the top of my lungs, strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me close. Satisfaction sweeps through me when I breathe in Caden’s spicy, masculine scent.
I’d recognize him everywhere.
Still swaying, I rest against his chest.
He bends his head, and his lips brush over my neck. “You done trying to make me jealous?”
His breath on my overheated skin makes me shiver. I laugh. “Maybe I just wanted to dance.”
His palm flattens against my belly. “I said I’d dance with you.”
“You did, but Junior got there first.”
“I got there way before that child.”
I look up at him. “I don’t think you were jealous anyway.”
He brushes a thumb under the curve of my breast. “You think you know everything.”
“But I’m not wrong about this,” I press, because I want to press, want to get to the truth of him, the one he’s hiding behind the mask of calm civility.
He looks down at me before turning me to face him. “I’m not jealous in the way you’re envisioning, because I know that little show was all about me anyway.”
I wrinkle my nose at him, irritated he’s seen past my ruse so easily.
He puts his hand around my neck. “Doesn’t mean I liked him touching you.” His head dips. “I want to be the one touching you.”
Before I can stop the words, they’re out of my mouth. “It doesn’t feel that way.”
His head snaps back. “What?”
I’m stuck now, and I think about diverting, but realize I don’t want to. I want it out in the open and out of my head. That way I can figure out what direction to turn.
Maybe that’s the alcohol talking, but it seems right.
I raise a brow. “What are you confused about?”
“Why would you think that?” His hand smooths over my back. “Isn’t it obvious I want to touch you?”
I glance away, shrugging. “I get that you’re attracted to me.”
“I am. So what then?” His brow is furrowed.
“Nothing.” I lose my nerve, feeling foolish for bringing it up.
“No, it’s something.” He presses closer. “Tell me.”
I swallow. It reveals my insecurities, but maybe that’s okay. At least I’ll stop thinking about it. “You never let it go too far.”
“Because I know what’s at risk, and I want to be smart about it.”
“I want to be smart about it too.” I blink up at him. “Especially since Wyatt and Jackson are