“Yes. Are you keeping track?”
“Always. You should also know we are staking our claim on you, Jo. We are making sure the men of Whispering Waters understand that you’re ours.”
“That’s just fine by me. I couldn’t handle more than you two anyway.” I wink and throw a little extra sass at Clay.
“Woman. Just for that, I get the first dance.” Clay takes my hand, dragging me with him.
“Dance? I can’t dance! You know how clumsy I am!” I exclaim as I practically trip over my own feet trying to keep up with him.
He pulls me to the dance floor as Grant laughs and steps away to get us a table. He doesn’t even let me near a chair to try to escape.
“I can’t freaking dance, Clay!” My shouting is useless. “Don’t be mad when we end up on the floor.” He continues to ignore me, and he pulls me in close.
“Jo, if you think my hands are leaving your body, you’re mistaken.” He squeezes my hips.
Oh, well, maybe I can do this. I miss his hands on me.
“I’m not going to let you fall. Never, Jo.”
“Not even for you?”
“I think I can make an exception when it comes to us.”
The music is loud, upbeat, and Clay is doing his best to loosen me up. I try to relax, letting him lead me. I love this playful side to him. He doesn’t have a care in the world. You’d never know he could’ve died days ago, except for the couple of fading bruises. His burns are still there, but covered by his flannel shirt.
After a few songs, I finally stop thinking and just enjoy the moment.
“Don’t think. Just let your body be.” And I do. Trusting that I won’t look completely stupid, but glancing around, no one really cares. And no one probably even knows me.
We dance a few more songs before I can’t keep going. I’m sweating and thirsty. We find Grant, who already has drinks and food ordered. Dang, how long did we dance?
“Sorry, we got a little carried away.”
“I see that. But you know I like to watch.”
I stop downing water to look at him. He gives me that smirk. Now I know my panties are wet.
Damn. Damn. Damn.
“Well, maybe I like to watch too.” There, let’s turn that back on him. There’s no way he dances, at least not in public.
“Is that a challenge, Jo?”
I lift my chin and toss my hair over my shoulders. “Yes, yes, it is. Are you accepting it?” Hell, that has so many meanings.
He nods, taking a drink of something in a short glass.
“Fuck. I’m already hot.” Clay is still drinking water and unbuttoning the top of his flannel shirt. My eyes are now glued to his chest. Sweaty and lickable.
“Good, I like you all sweaty.” Grant finishes his drink and extends his hand to Clay. “Ready, love?”
Clay moans as Grant pulls him away.
No freaking way is this happening right now. I didn’t think he would even dance, let alone with Clay in public. Clearly, I don’t know them that well. That’s what dating is about. I need to keep reminding myself that.
They are anything but shy.
And my show begins. The sexual tension is going to be the death of me. How many dates did Grant say? This is fucking torture… of the very best kind.