Page 69 of Catch the Sun

“We’ll see about that whenever we finally decide to arm wrestle.”

“We can right now. Let’s settle this once and for all.”

I shake my head. “I’m not bored.”

After twirling her in another successful spin, I take my chances and dip her again. This time her ankle gives out, not expecting the maneuver, and she clings to my biceps with a white-knuckled grip, her leg flying out to wrap around my thigh for steadiness. I’m too busy catching her to fixate on our precariously tangled limbs. My heart stutters for a moment before I pull her into an upright position, ensuring her balance is restored.

We both pause, breathless, faces mere inches apart.

And then she smacks me on the chest.

“What the hell, Max?” A big smile spreads, overriding the outrage in her voice. “You almost dropped me.”

“I would never drop you.” Her leg slides down mine until her heel is planted back on the dance floor and our pace slows to a steadier rhythm. “I’m good at catching things, too.”

It’s not long before Brynn rushes toward us, pulling McKay with her as he continues to text on his phone one-handed.

“Ella!” she shrills over the thundering music. “Oh, my God, I’m so glad you’re here.”

Reluctantly, I release Ella as Brynn slithers between us, a beam of hot pink. Ella’s eyes flick to mine, her smile still gloriously intact, before her gaze pans to Brynn.

“I’m here,” she says, her hair knotted and dance-mussed.

Brynn shoots me a sideways glance. “Do you mind if I steal your girl?” She follows it up with a wink.

My hands slide in my pockets. “She’s not my girl, Brynn. We were just dancing.”

“Guess you don’t mind, then.” She grabs Ella by both hands and flails their arms around. “Woo!”

I can’t help but laugh and Ella can’t, either. I watch the girls bop and sway, hair flying, sequins glittering with grins to match.

McKay sidles up beside me and bumps my shoulder with his. “You looked like you were having fun.”

“I was.”

We both glance over at Libby at the same time. She’s dancing with Jon and another group of girls. I wait for McKay to say something scathing. To bust my balls or give me shit.

But he surprises me.

“Glad to see it.”

We share a soft look and I bump his shoulder right back.

Another hour rolls by, filled with dancing, laughter, and tropical punch. McKay brought a flask to strengthen his drink, which worries me because of our father’s history with substance abuse. I hate that he needs alcohol to have fun.

I sure as hell don’t need it. I’m already soaring, high on a natural buzz, watching Ella let go and set herself free in the school gymnasium, her hair damp with sweat, mascara running, and eyes more vibrant than I’ve ever seen them.

As she gifts me with another smile, I zone in on a smattering of freckles along the bridge of her nose. I’ve never really noticed them before. They resemble a faint constellation, little stars that only come alive when you take the time to truly look.

I frown.

It’s then I realize I might be in trouble, because I shouldn’t be noticing things like that.

Legs? Sure. Tits? Of course.

Nose freckles?

Doomed.

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