Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,331

need a distraction, so what do I do? I chug my strawberry daiquiri. I’m sure Aiden had them make it weak. However, when chugging, I can still feel the effects.

Hailey grabs me by the arm and pulls me out of the booth. “Come on, roomie, let’s get our dance on.”

I laugh as I let her pull me to the dance floor. Big and Rich are singing about saving a horse and riding a cowboy. I try to clear my thoughts of Liam and just feel the music. I’ve never been dancing. My only slow dances have been with Aiden and his father at their family functions Gran and I would attend if she was feeling up to it. Gran and I would dance around the house. There were many times Aiden would catch us and join in the fun. That about sums up my limited experience. I have my eyes closed, feeling the music when I feel strong hands grab my hips. I open my eyes to see a blond-haired guy about six foot, maybe. He’s built, but Aiden and Liam both put him to shame. He’s obviously drunk and keeps trying to pull me to him. I place my hands on his chest to push him away, but he’s not taking no for an answer. I’m starting to panic, I’ve never been in this type of situation before.

Suddenly, I feel warmth on my back, and strong arms come around me at the same time I see Aiden come up behind Hales. I glance over to see Liam’s striking blue gaze. He leans down and kisses my neck while whispering in my ear, “Work with me, sweetheart, so we can get rid of your friend.” I nod my acceptance. That is all that I can do. The warmth of him wrapped around me and the feel of his kiss on my neck mix with his soft words in my ear. I’m a flippin’ mess! Butterflies take over my stomach. Speech isn’t something I’m currently capable of. Mr. Drunk and Grabby takes the hint and backs away.

I continue swaying my hips, and Liam pulls me closer to him. The song changes to “Dancing While Intoxicated”, and I smile. I most certainly am, or starting to be. I know I’ve only had one drink, but chugging my first alcoholic beverage wasn’t the best choice on my part. I’m feeling pretty relaxed, otherwise, I would’ve never had the courage to grind against Liam. Hailey winks at me as she places her hands behind Aiden’s neck. I decide to take that as advice and mirror her actions with Liam. I’m nervous as to how he’ll react, but I shouldn’t have been. He leans down further and places his face in the crook of my neck. He’s so close to me, and I can hear him breathing me in. I’m trying not to freak out. Liam is so sexy, and I know he’s just being nice to me because of Hailey and Aiden, but for this one moment, I want it to be real. I want him to want me. So, I block out my racing mind and just feel him close to me.

As the music turns slow, I sigh. I know my time with Liam is up, so I release his neck and begin to walk away. Before I can take two steps, Liam has me twirled around and pressed tight against his chest. “Dance with me, sweetheart,” he whispers in my ear. I’m still unable to speak for fear this moment isn’t real, and I’ll wake up from this amazing fantasy to find I’m no longer in his strong arms. I clasp my arms around his waist and lay my head on his chest.

I feel Liam sigh as he pulls me in tighter and begins to softly sing along with the song. My heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest. Liam holds me like I’m his lifeline, and the words he sings…I know he has no idea about my past, or my fear of always being alone, but in this moment I feel safe and… cherished. I feel the words deep in my soul, as though he’s singing them just for me.

The song ends, and I refuse to be the first to let go. I won’t let go of him until he pulls away. I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. I need to feel that a little longer, so I hold