Page 63 of Trust My Bodyguard

“Come on. The song’s ending. Your favorite’s coming on.” Nick drags me from the bar and onto the dance floor. He puts me in between Zane and him as though I’m a flight risk.

The tune gains momentum and I frown at him. “This is not my favorite song.” It’s my least favorite line dance song, in fact. There’s a little jig in the middle that messes up my groove.

“I can’t hear you,” he shouts back.

I lean in but he leans further back, points at his ears, and shakes his head.The little shit.

The dance begins and I have no choice but to follow. My movements are slow and lackluster at first.

“Pick it up, Brody!”

I search the crowd for the person who said that but I can’t make anyone out. Not with my consistent movements and that of everyone around me.

A flash of brunette hair has my step stuttering.

Zane bumps into my side and grabs my arm. “You good?”

That can’t be Ivy. I know that but my mind is grasping at straws, forming her out of thin air.

“I am,” I tell him and attempt to keep my head on the motions.

Would she think this is ridiculous? Or would she join us if she were here? I can imagine her joining the dance only to prove that she’s better than me.

A smile twitches my lips. I definitely won’t let her out-dance me.

“Hey, is that a smile?” Nick claps my shoulder. “More of that.”

I shake my head but it’s already started. I’m not so angry anymore. Exerting myself this way, even with the jig I’m bad at, doesn’t feel so terrible.

The next song is an old crowd favorite. A cheer fills the air as the singer’s first note comes on, clean and clear. The next line is accompanied by a chorus of voices singing along.

I join in the song, raising my voice at the bass singer’sho ho hopart, switching positions with Nick. The very next part usually gets everyone laughing. At the tenor’sha ha hawe all bunch to the left, bumping into each other. Nick pokes me in my ribs and a bark of laughter leaves my lips. Before I can return the favor, we’re switching places atho ho hoagain. When theha ha hacomes back around, I get my revenge.

Nick doubles over, laughing his head off. I almost envy his ability to display such unrestrained joy. My expression is usually short-lived. Even more so since she left.

I’m only given a moment to worry about that because the song is changing. A few participants switch out for newcomers. The woman at my side is replaced by a boy. No more than sixteen, if the low lights aren’t deceiving me.

He’s just like me and the guys were. I catch him watching my steps to follow the dance. I exaggerate them so he can get them quickly. He does and wears a big grin.

Soon enough, the music dies down.

“Thank you, sir.” His voice rises above the din.

“Sir?” My brows crinkle. “Give me a cane and a cigar while you’re at it, will you?”

He laughs. “My parents taught me manners.”

“They did good.” I thump his shoulder.

Maybe my age is really telling on me. I’m all danced out. I leave the dance floor behind, making way for others.

Only when I break out of the line do I spot my timer going off. The fifteen minutes was up ten minutes ago. I shut it off and grab another beer. I think I’d stick around for a while.

The partnered dance has started and Nick quickly finds someone to dance with. I won’t be surprised if he manages to convince the blonde to spend the night with him.

While my bed will be empty.

I rub the back of my neck to ease the tension cording up there. I can’t believe I only got to spend one night with her against me. IfI could go back in time, I’d have let her to sleep on my chest for a few more seconds before leaving.

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