Page 34 of When Sparks Fly

I’ve barely stepped over the threshold when he tugs gently at my hand, pulling me against him and wrapping his other arm around my waist. My free hand grabs the back of his arm instinctively. Our height difference becomes a little clearer knowing my hand usually rests on a shoulder.

Over the years, I’ve danced with my fair share of men. Sutton is the first to immediately manipulate my body and I’m unsure yet if that is in my favor or not.

My eyes slide up his chest as he swiftly guides us around the dance floor. His touch is gentle, secure, and comfortable. I admire his scruffy facial hair and strong jaw.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” There’s a sparkle in his eyes. His voice stays low, unbothered.

“I—" A memory floods me. My eyes linger on the bar tables, but I can almost feel the warm breeze as Nana and I swing on the front porch. She told me about dancing with my grandfather when they first started dating. She always talked about how much fun they had together.

My mouth pulls into a smile at the idea of a sort of shared experience with her.

When I draw my eyes back up, Sutton is still studying my face. “I was remembering something my grandmother told me.”

As we move through a corner, he releases his grip on my waist, gliding his hand along my arm as he pushes me out for a spin. My body moves willingly, expecting him to pull me directly back in after an easy double spin. Instead, he leads me across his body as he turns in a circle. My hand slips from his and slides along his lower back as we move around each other.

For a split second, I think of the rotating Earth and the moon orbiting it. Facing me again, he secures my hand and pulls me firmly back into him.

“Are you trying to impress me?” I attempt to hit with more sarcasm and less awe. This isn’t my first rodeo, but I’m wondering if I’m in over my head.

“You haven’t had a proper dance?” He grins down at me. Before I can respond, he’s tossing me out for another fancy spin series.

Laughter bubbles out of me. It’s like being on a roller coaster. I have no choice but to give in to the glee tunneling through my body. When he pulls me back in, I let the laughter flow from me. “I’ve had plenty of dances before. Nothing like this,” I finally admit.

“I think it’s going to take a lot more than this to impress you.” His smile is playful and his eyes never leave me. He tips his head down. “You were lit up like a sparkler out here earlier. I was hoping to see that fire again if I brought you.”

The heat in my cheeks isn’t the only heat I feel now. As if knowing, he tightens his grip on my waist.

I’ve experienced butterflies before. But the sensation his rugged looks and sure hold ignite is less chaotic, more delicate, and highly flammable. My body warms from the core outward.

How did I miss this last week?Everything seemed so off-kilter. It’s as if I’m looking at the worldwith fresh eyes.

“Should I be keeping an eye out for an angry biker at my back?”

My eyebrows shoot up, but I recover and shake my head as we make another circle. “No. I think he left.” I sweep the area where Leah is once more.

“Boyfriend?” His eyes flash.

I shake my head again. “Just a guy who doesn’t like hearing no, apparently.”

His jaw tenses even though his eyes stay soft on me as he continues to effortlessly move us around the floor. It’s packed tonight. His eyes never leave me and yet I’m not concerned we’ll crash into anyone.

“One more question.” Sutton waits for a response. I cock my head to one side and stare up at him. “Do you trust me?”

“I trust you enough to dance with you.”

“That’s all?” He teases as we move into another corner. I purse my lips playfully, not giving the reason for his question much thought.

The last bars of the song play. Sutton’s eyes stay laser-focused on me. He sends me out for a final double spin, eliciting a smile. Both of my hands come back to his and he pulls me directly to him pinning my hands behind my back with his.

My breath catches. Neither of us moves as people exit around us. It’s only a second before a new song will play and I know we need to move, but I can’t bring myself to break our contact. His eyes drop to my mouth. Just as quickly, they move back up and he slowly releases my hands, sliding his own forward on my hips and then releasing me.

I immediately miss the warmth of his body and his hands on me. When he extends his hand, I grasp it without hesitation.

I’m so screwed.

“Your friend okay?”

We wait for a new round at the bar. Leah is still playing pool with Pete and Colt is nowhere in sight, both of which I verified as soon as we came off the dance floor. “Yeah. She’s playing pool.” I gesture in the direction of the two pool tables.

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