Page 63 of Caught in the Middle

By the time they took their seats, there were already drinks for each of them. Cam wasn’t sure who knew to order him a beer, but he smiled in appreciation. He was beginning to feel like he knew these people. For the first time, the guilt that normally sprang up was replaced with something more hopeful.

As the conversations began around him, he couldn’t help but steal glances at Emma eating at his side. He had to admit he was thankful for the food because he hadn’t had dinner yet, not that he noticed the moment Emma had come into the bathroom, her decision made.

He reached for his drink and took a swig and his heart felt like it grew a size when her brown eyes met his and she gave him the sweetest smile he’d ever seen.

He was in for it if this all blew up in his face. He’d been lying when he said he didn’t care about the risks of getting involved because the truth was, he knew he was a goner for her. If in three days she decided whatever this was happening between them wasn’t to leave St. Croix with them, he knew it’d hit like a sledgehammer to his heart. But he hadn’t been lying about wanting whatever she’d give him because Cam knew deep down this was more. He just hoped she would want to explore it further and see what it turned into, but that was her decision.

If he only got her for this week, then he’d give her the best of him and pray it was enough.

“It looks like the band is picking up its pace,” Emma was saying.

He leaned back in his chair to watch as people started making their way to the dance floor. His hand found her knee and he saw the corners of her mouth lift in his peripherals. He caressed a small circle with his thumb, feeling pretty damn content to be sitting here on a beautiful night with Emma by his side.

“Let’s go dance,” Lauren said to Asher.

“Let me finish eating and get a few more beers in me.”

Lulu tossed a couple of fries at him. “Don’t be a scaredy cat. We won’t make fun of your two left feet.”

He tossed them back. “I can dance just fine, thank you.”

She gave him a look to suggest she disagreed.

“Stop giving him a hard time, sis. He’s still eating.”

Emma slid her hand under the table to squeeze the top of Cam’s. She wanted to stay here and savor this peaceful moment with him. She felt a sense of calm even though the atmosphere around her was anything but. Yet she knew Asher wouldn’t be giving in and dancing anytime soon. He tended to wait until he was a few deep first.

“I’ll go dance with you,” she offered.

Lauren was already scooting her chair back before she responded, causing Emma to laugh. Lulu decided to join them too and Cam watched as the women made their way amongst the growing throng of people. The music was upbeat and fun, one man twirling the woman he was dancing with, others dancing in groups.

Cam took another bite, unable to keep from watching after Emma, noticing how happy and carefree she appeared with her friends out there. The band started a new song, a familiar and popular one right now, and he saw the excitement bloom across her face as she let loose and swayed her hips with the best damn rhythm he’d ever witnessed. Or maybe he was just that taken up by her, he didn’t care either way.

He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she laughed and danced and drew him in like nothing he’d ever felt before. When he went to take another bite, he caught Henry’s glance who was watching him carefully through those eyes that Cam sensed didn’t miss much. He almost felt the need to squirm a little, but instead, he withstood the man’s analyzing stare then Henry gave him what felt like a slight nod before turning his head.

Cam didn’t give himself much time to think about it as the band transitioned to something slow enough that had him popping out of his seat and saying, “Excuse me, gentleman. But I’ve got a beautiful lady to dance with.” He saw Henry’s smile before turning for the dance floor, approaching the three women and sliding his hands around Emma from behind, luxuriating in the way she turned her head, grinning wide, then melting into his body and arms like she knew she belonged there.

“Sorry ladies, but I’m cutting in.”

“Of course you are,” Lulu said, although her smile belied her insult.

He just smiled and spun Emma around to face him, where she looked up at him with a glowing radiance that he was beginning to think only she held. He slid one hand around her waist and captured her hand with the other as she followed his lead and they began moving with the music.

“Someone’s good on his feet,” she teased in awe.

He gave a half shrug. “I can dance.”

She tilted her head back and raised a brow. “Is that so? And do you like to dance?”

“I don’t mind it. Especially if it means I get to hold you close.”

“You’re smooth, aren’t you?” She’d be lying if she said she didn’t eat it up.

Cam looked into her eyes, feeling like he could drown in their depths and never want to be saved. “Only for you, Emma. Only for you.”

Her smile took over and as he slowed them down further, she leaned her head on his chest.

“Do you like to dance?” he asked.

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