Page 15 of Embracing Trust

It’s been so long since I’ve been with a man—touched, caressed, kissed. My inhibitions lower as my sensitive skin sends urgent messages to my aching body.

My face is now only inches from the white dress shirt. I concentrate on the black bowtie, and we continue our slow sway in silence. His body heat radiates from him like a warm summer day and the overhead fans cause his familiar scent to dance with my senses. He lightly lifts my chin as he rests his forehead against mine. My hands sweat, my entire body pulsates and pounds in my ears, the rhythm so loud, I’m practically dizzy.

Please kiss me.

His eyes are hooded as his mouth draws closer to mine. I can feel his warm breath on my face, and it sends a shiver down my spine.

It’s like this is moving in slow motion. Kiss me.

I lick my lips as our faces draw near. My desire to kiss him is undeniable. I want him and I want this.

Suddenly, we’re swathed in bright lights as the song changes to a 1950s rock and roll tune. The new melody has the group on the dance floor spinning their partners as more guests rush in to fill in any empty spots. As quickly as the moment was here, it’s gone.

I let out a heavy sigh and my shoulders drop.

If only the song could’ve lasted a few more minutes.

Ryan blinks a few times and looks around, his eyes still hooded. We break our embrace and hesitate for a moment as we try to work our way through the crowd. A man next to us extends his arm, sending his partner directly into me.

“Sorry,” she calls out as he spins her back into his chest.

Ryan’s smile is tight, and he leans down to my ear. “Thanks for the dance.”

I nod and point back to our table.

I definitely want to get out of this mess. I struggle to work my way through the crowded dance floor. I take a deep breath when I’m finally out of the masses.

When I get back to the table, I take a long drink of water before I sit down. Mark and Merilee are the only ones at the table when I plop down in my chair. Mark stands and digs his cigarettes and lighter from his pocket and he and Ryan make their way down the hallway toward the back door.

Maybe that dance got to him as much as it did to me. He’s headed outside. I hope he plans to come back.

Thank goodness it’s just Merilee and I at the table. Before she can say anything, I give her a pointed look. She holds up her hands in surrender. We sit in silence for a moment, and I take a drink of water.

“Nice dance, Julia,” she says and takes a drink of her cola.

I turn my head her way and roll my eyes. I take a deep breath and let it out. “If that song hadn’t stopped, we’d—”

“Be out in the parking lot doin’ the dirty.”

I let out a chuckle. “Doin’ the dirty? Really?”

“Don’t get all self-righteous on me here.”

“Self-righteous?” I purse my lips. “I hope I have a little more class than the parking lot.”

At that, Merilee covers her mouth and swallows a mouthful of soda, speaking more loudly than necessary. “Good point. How about the ladies’ room? There’s a couch in there.”

I check around the table for anyone within earshot.

“Oh, lighten up,” Merilee says as she bumps her shoulder into mine. “That man is sex on a stick, and you know it. And I saw you two on the dancefloor.”

I wish I could be as light-hearted, outgoing, and fun as my best friend. When I get too serious and too much in my own head, she’s always there to remind me—just like she’s doing now—that I need to lighten up. And she’s right.

Merilee pokes me in the ribs. “I can see your wheels turning.”

“You told me you thought Luke was a good match for me.”

She nods. “I did and I do.”

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