Page 64 of Calling the Shots

Click, click, click.

“Last pose. The lovely lady rests her hand on the gentleman’s chest and looks up at him. The gentleman drops his hand to her hip. Good. Hold it.”

My breath catches as I stare deep into Mack’s eyes, the photographer snapping away. The way Mack’s gazing at me, his expression serious, sends a rush of heat to my belly and sparks light beneath his fingertips.

“You two make a great couple. Here’s your photo number.” The photographer hands me a paper slip with the details. “Call me when you need wedding photos.”

The photographer winks at us and my cheeks flame. The next couple moves into the balloon arch and we step away.

“That was embarrassing,” I whisper, moving out of earshot of the cameraman.

“He was a big fan of you.” Mack shoots me a sideways glance, taking in my tight dress and my curves.

“Stop! He was not.” I smack his biceps, giggling.

“Oh, yeah he was. If I wasn’t there, he’d definitely be getting your number.” Mack loops his arm around me possessively, pulling me in close to him.

“Good thing I already have the most handsome date in the room.”

“Glad I can outperform the high schoolers.” Mack squeezes my hip, a sly smile tugging at his mouth.

A slow song comes on and half the dance floor clears out, a few new faces moving in.

“Would you dance with me, Firecracker?” Mack asks.

“Absolutely.”

Together we take the floor, sticking to the outer edge. Mack’s hand rests at my waist and I wrap my arms around his neck, moving in closer to him. We shuffle back and forth to the beat, our feet perfectly in sync.

“What are you talking about, you’re not a good dancer? You’re doing great.” I run my thumb back and forth on his neck, warmth radiating from his skin.

“That was kinda a lie. My parents forced me into cotillion, so I know a few of the major steps. But dancing’s not my core strength.”

“Well, I think you’re selling yourself short. I’ve danced with a lot worse.”

“I’ll be sure to let my mother know. She’ll be well pleased to hear the torture paid off.”

I giggle as Mack spins me around, twirling me out before bringing me back in close to him. Resting my head on his well-defined chest, I shut my eyes and sway to the music, breathing in his clean scent.

I’m falling for this man.

He’s everything I never thought I’d find. Strong, handsome, kind. A good listener, an even better lover.

I can’t imagine life without him now that we’re together.

The song fades out and the DJ transitions into “The Cupid Shuffle.”A throng of high school kids rushes onto the dance floor, jostling us.

“And that’s my exit cue. You good?” Mack stares down at me and I nod.

“Yeah. I’m good.”

We leave the dance floor and Mack checks his watch. “I have to use the restroom. You?”

“I’m good. Go ahead, I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I’m a big girl. I’m okay here.”

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