Page 35 of Never To Forever

“Okay,” I answer, taking his hand.

The guy immediately moves closer and puts his hands on my waist. Okay… that’s all right, I guess. We start to dance, but the music suddenly changes into something slower. Before I can make an excuse to step away, he pulls me closer so I’m pressed tight against him.

“Um, I think I should find my friend…”

“Don’t worry, baby,” he murmurs with a hungry grin. “I’ll take care of you.”

His breath, hot on my neck, smells sharply of alcohol. It makes my stomach churn. Ew… this guy’s getting real creepy, real fast.

“That’s okay,” I say, pushing against his chest. “I don’t need to be taken care of.”

His grip on me moves lower toward my ass.

“I like a girl who plays hard to get.”

I push harder and scowl up at him. “Hey, I’m not kidding, and I’m not playing hard to get. I don’t want to dance with you anymore. Let me go.”

“Just relax, baby, and enjoy the ride…”

“I said no!”

Suddenly, a hand reaches past me and shoves the guy away.

“She said no.”

Garrett’s deep voice sends a shiver down my spine. He brings his other arm around my waist and pulls me back against him. I instantly feel more at ease pressed against his body. I’m safe now, and don’t have to worry anymore.

The guy looks pissed, but he turns his gaze up and gets a good look at Garrett

“Whatever,” he grumbles before turning and skulking away, disappearing back into the crowd.

Turning, I tilt my head back and meet Garrett’s eyes. His expression is fierce, but it immediately softens when he looks down at me.

“You okay?” he asks.

I gulp, caught off guard by being so close to him so suddenly. “Um…I am. Thanks.”

He takes my hand and pulls me close. “Wanna dance with me instead?”

My heart is racing and I hesitate, reminding myself that I’m still angry with him. He said some really hurtful things…yet the heat from his body is wrapping around me, and his bright green gaze is unwavering as he stares down at me. He has dark stubble along his jaw and his hair is a little wild, which really works for him. Damn it…why does he have to be so damn gorgeous?

“Sure,” I murmur as he pulls me even closer.

Slipping my arms around his neck, we start to sway to the music. I can’t lie… I’m confused. My feelings for Garrett are a jumbled mess, and I don’t know what it means that he stepped in and saved me from that asshole. Was he just being a good friend? A goodbrother?

Or did he do it because he cares more about me than that? Did he not like seeing another man touching me?

I don’t know, but right this second, I don’t think I care. All that matters is that he’s holding me, chasing off the bad guys, and making me feel cared for and safe.

Letting out a soft breath, I rest my head against his chest. Will he push me away?

He doesn’t. In fact, he drops his chin onto the top of my head. The tension between us is thick, but neither of us address it. In fact, we don’t say anything as we continue to dance.

When the song comes to an end and a more energetic one starts playing, Garrett and I stop. I don’t want to walk away from him, but I don’t know how to be around him anymore. My heart hurts remembering how he declared that our night together was a mistake when it meant so much to me. However, it also can’t seem to let him go.

“Why don’t I take you home?” he asks.

I frown, surprised by the offer. “What about Mason and… those girls? Won’t they be upset if you ditch them?”

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