Page 22 of Journey to Love

Jacob's arm rests casually behind me, his touch sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine. With a slight tilt of his head, he leans in closer, his voice a warm whisper that feels like a secret shared between just the two of us. "Would you like something to drink?" he asks, his eyes locked on mine, making my face flush.

I try to catch my breath and I get a whiff of his cologne. The smell envelops me in a tantalizing embrace, its rich, woody scent mingling with a soft hint of vanilla, creating an intoxicating aroma that leaves me entranced.

It’s not until he leans closer and puts his hand on my arm that I am brought out of it.He asked me something…shit what did he say?

"Sorry, what was that? I kind of spaced out for a moment," I manage to say, a nervous laugh escaping my lips as I try to play off the effect his closeness has on me. With a quick shake of my head, I attempt to regain my composure, hoping he doesn't notice the way my heart is still racing from his proximity. It's a struggle to maintain my cool, but I refuse to let him see just how much he affects me.

With a sultry smile playing on his lips, he leans in closer, his hand lingering on my arm. As his thumb gently glides across my skin, sending a pulse straight to my core. "I'm heading to grab a drink. Care to join me?" he repeats, his voice low and inviting, igniting a flicker of desire within me.

As if acting on autopilot, my hand moves of its own accord, reaching out to grasp his as he leads me toward the bar. We navigate through the pulsing crowd of the club, his arm wrapping securely around my waist, drawing me close to him. The proximity sends my heart into overdrive, each step feeling electric with anticipation. His touch sets my skin ablaze, igniting a fire within me that I struggle to contain.Why does this man affect me so much?

Navigating through the bustling bar, Jacob's hand stays reassuringly planted at the small of my back, guiding me through the crowd. It's packed, and we're constantly bumping into others, but Jacob pulls me closer, protecting me from the chaos around us. With a gentle gesture, he positions me in front of him, silently signaling for me to order.

I shoot him a grateful smile before turning to the bartender, trying to focus on my drink order amidst the noise and commotion. Despite the crowd, I can feel the comforting warmth of Jacob's chest against my back, tempting me to lean into him. But I know I can't let myself get carried away. I've been down that road before, and I can't afford to fall into that trap again.

Resisting the urge to let my emotions take over, I remind myself of the importance of keeping my guard up, determined not to let his proximity cloud my judgment.

As we return to our table, the irresistible beat draws everyone onto the dance floor. Not feeling quite in the mood to join just yet, I opt for a seat. Jacob, seeming to share my sentiment, settles down beside me without hesitation.

I take a large gulp of my drink, momentarily forgetting how strong it is, but manage to cover my reaction with a casual smile. Liquid courage, I remind myself, needing the extra boost to keep my composure around Jacob without succumbing to the overwhelming attraction pulsing between us.Yes, Anya, alcohol will definitely keep you from doing that!I chuckle inwardly at my own sarcasm before taking another sip.

"You wanna dance?" I ask, the words slipping out before I can second-guess myself. Despite the nervous flutter in my stomach, I'm determined to seize the moment and enjoy the evening.

He nods and grabs my hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me, igniting a fire that burns hot beneath my skin. With a playful smile, he pulls me onto the dance floor, our bodies moving in sync with the rhythm of the music. With his hands on my hips, we sway together to the music. He lowers his head, bringing his mouth to my neck, I can feel the heat of his breath against my skin, his proximity sending my heart into overdrive. He brings his arm around my waist and I bring my hand up to his head. His other arm is gripping my hip. My heart is racing as his hand moves lower to my navel and then to the top of my leggings. Each touch sends electric shocks straight to my core.

Lost in the moment, I let myself surrender to the intoxicating allure of the music and the undeniable chemistry between us. With each step, each movement, I can feel the tension between us building, a simmering heat that threatens to consume us both.

As our bodies press closer together, I can't help but lose myself in the sensation of him against me, the heat of his body mingling with mine in a dizzying whirlwind of desire. In that moment, there's no one else in the world but us, no thoughts or worries, just the raw intensity of the connection pulsing between us.

And as the music continues, I find myself drawn irresistibly to him, my body moving of its own accord as I press closer, arching my back so my ass is grinding against his crotch. I feel him getting hard behind his jeans. I push harder to create more friction. He brings his hand up and slides his finger to caress the underside of my breast. I lean my head back, craving the intoxicating heat of his touch. My skin is so sensitive that just his mere touch makes my core pulse. My breathing is heavy and I’m so lost in his touch, this moment, I want more, I want–

“Okay party people! I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the nightclub is shutting down in 5 minutes!” I’m jolted from my arousal at the MC’s voice booming through the dance floor and the grumbles of those around us. I realize where I am standing and where his hands are, I immediately create distance and walk over to Lana. I mouth to her “lets go” and I grab my stuff. Jacob rushes over and touches my arm. My arousal still rushes through me and his touch sends another jolt between my legs.I have to get out of here now. I turn toward Jacob, “it was great to see you again, thanks for the dance” and I turn and leave with Lana trailing behind. Leaving Jacob with a look of shock and confusion plastered on his face.Ugh god! I’m such a bitch!But I can’t get involved with a stranger, even a stranger as good-looking and wonderful as Jacob.

Jacob

I stand at the entrance of the nightclub, stunned, watching as Anya disappears down the corridor without a backward glance. What just happened? I replay the events in my head, the heat of the dance still lingering in my memory. God, that dance was intense. Her body pressed against mine, her skin so soft and inviting. Every movement sent sparks flying between us, igniting a fire that threatened to consume us both.

When her hips ground against mine, I struggled to contain myself, to keep from fully hardening against her. I'm sure she felt it too, but she didn't pull away. In fact, she seemed just as lost in the moment as I was. It was the hottest dance I've ever experienced.

But now, as I stand here, uncertainty gnaws at me. Did I go too far? No, that couldn't be it. Anya was enjoying herself just as much as I was. Did I push her too far, though? The thought sends a chill down my spine. I never meant to make her uncomfortable. I just wanted to share that electric connection we had on the dance floor. I have to talk to her again, I have to make this right!

Chapter Twelve

Jacob

I wake up early the next morning, my mind still consumed by thoughts of Anya. I can't shake the feeling of urgency, the need to find her and clear the air between us. I don't want to wait until tonight—it's too long to endure this uncertainty. After a quick shower, I hastily get ready and head to breakfast with my family.

"Jacob, how was your night?" my mom asks, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"It was good," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant. "Hung out with some friends I met the first night."

My mom smiles knowingly, her expression filled with satisfaction. "See, I told you going to that singles event would do you some good."

I suppress a shudder, knowing the real reason she wanted me out of the room. But deep down, I can't deny that attending the singles event was indeed the best thing that ever happened to me. Now, I just need to find Anya again, before tonight, before the weight of uncertainty becomes too much to bear.

As we sit down at a table, my mind races a mile a minute, still consumed by thoughts of finding Anya. My sister Marissa's voice cuts through my thoughts, answering my mom's question from the food line.

"Tom and I had a wonderful time at the spa yesterday," Marissa says, her tone filled with contentment, "and then we had a relaxing afternoon at the pool. We were too tired to go anywhere else after that."

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