Page 99 of Undone

I couldn’t deny the effect this place had on me. It was more than the beauty of it, more than the simplicity of small-town life. Maybe it was because I wanted to belong here more than I’d admit.

I tried telling myself that there wasn’t anything truly keeping me here. Nothing I couldn’t walk away from if I wanted. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. There was more tethering me here, whether I was ready to admit it or not.

A throat cleared next to me, and I looked over to see Sawyer holding out his hand. “Care to join me for a spin on the floor before someone else steals your attention?”

“Of course,” I said.

I took Sawyer’s hand, letting him lead me to the dance floor as the music picked up, a soft melody filling the space. He spun me around dramatically, earning a laugh from me, and then pulled me closer with a grin.

“So, are you excited for the concert coming up?” Sawyer said.

“I am.” I paused as he moved me closer, his hand finding my waist gently. “I think it will be a good time. I can’t wait to see Gracie’s reaction most of all, though.”

Sawyer was tall, handsome, and a damn NFL star, and I was almost disappointed I felt nothing while dancing with him.

Not a spark.

Not a tingle.

Not a damn thing.

I wanted to believe that everything I felt with Dorian was due to his stupidly handsome face and how he pulled off the perfect balance of handsome and nerdy. And not how his kisses made me feel like I was transporting between universes. I wanted to think it was only because he was just that good-looking and nothing more.

But Sawyer dancing with me only proved that I was full of shit. Unfortunately.

“It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait to see her perform live,” he said.

My smile grew. “So, you really do have a crush on Ellie Miles then?”

Sawyer shrugged, unashamed. “What can I say? The heart wants what it wants, and mine wants Ellie Miles belting it out live and in person.”

I laughed, giving him a playful shove. “I never would’ve pegged you for a pop music guy. Do you have one of her albums stashed away in your truck?”

“Yup, I blast it. Full volume. Windows down,” he said, my dress flowing around as he spun me around. “Nothing like driving down the highway with Ellie on repeat.”

“Oh my God,” I giggled, shaking my head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Very true,” he continued, unbothered by my teasing. “I’m happy G is into her music as much as I am.”

“She definitely is,” I teased, trying to imagine Sawyer and Gracie singing along at full volume.

“I didn’t know you were so deep into the Ellie Miles fan club. Doesn’t hurt she’s pretty too, huh?”

“That she is.” He smiled, pulling me a little closer, his brown eyes sparkling.

Before I could add anything more, a familiar voice interrupted.

“Mind if I cut in?” I looked up to see Dorian standing there, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, the other extended toward me.

His eyes locked on mine, and I could feel that familiar warmth crawling up my neck. Sawyer let out a dramatic sigh but stepped back with a grin.

“If you must,” he replied.

Dorian rolled his eyes but smiled. Sawyer gave me a wink before walking off, leaving me standing there in front of Dorian.

There was something about the way he was looking at me that made my heart skip a beat.

“Shall we?” he asked, as he took my hand.

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