Page 33 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

Griff sways his hips to the dance music, and it reminds me of the time we went to a rainbow night at the campus pub. Griff was always the most relaxed on those nights. He always walked with ashield, and his smiles didn’t come as easily…unless he was with me, I noticed.

Those nights with the dance music and sweaty bodies with no eyes passing judgement were when Griff was the most Griff-like. My best friend wasn’t always a force in the bull riding ring with a stern face and an almost super-vigilant stance. He had a laugh that was infectious and dance moves that should remain private. Griff could have even the quietest mouse in the corner talking because he was that personable.

It’s a side of him I’ve not seen in years, and I wonder if he knows it’s been that long.

He points to the backdrop in the corner where two guys attempt a choreographed dance against the logo for a popular social media platform.

“Do you think it’s a new dance challenge? I’m never up on the stuff that’s going around.”

Snorting, I wave down the waitress walking by with beer in buckets of ice and grab two before pushing bills and a large tip into her hand.

“You want to try it, don’t you?”

Griff tilts his hand back and forth as he sways to the music and attempts one of the dance moves the other two are doing. He almost falls over and drops his beer.

Cackling, I take his bottle and set it aside as he scowls. “Knock yourself out and practice. I’ll wing it if you want to try.”

Griff just smiles and wiggles to the music. And then backs into the girl behind him.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” He places a hand onher arm. “Are you okay?”

She just smiles and pulls him closer to me. “I’m fine. I’ve been watching you two, and I need your help.”

Griff and I exchange a glance, and he shrugs.

“So, what do you need help with?” I ask. I’m positive it’s about the dance thing, and I can practically see the yes coming off Griff’s lips before she even asks.

The girl blushes and turns to Griff. “Um, I’m scared to tell my best friend I like her more than a friend. But there’s this video challenge where you sort of surprise them with a kiss and see their reaction. I think it’s the easiest way for me to tell her because I’m not fantastic at words.”

Griff’s eyes widen, and he stares at the girl. “Do you think she likes you? Aren’t you afraid of fucking up the friendship if you know…if you just kiss her like that?”

The girl shrugs a shoulder with a small smile. “I think she might feel the same. But if she doesn’t, we’re solid. I’ll get over it, and it will be awkward, but I’ll have taken the chance. I don’t want to wait, and this is the perfect time, but I’m not good with words and…I just…fuck, I’m nervous, you know. Like I want to kiss her so bad but…”

I jump in since Griff seems to be at a loss for words.

“Show us the video and we can do a practice run.”

“Oh my god, that would be amazing!” She pulls up a video on her phone, chattering the whole time like she’s known us forever. How can she be shy with her crush and so chatty with us? She shows us a few different attempts, and we agree that the one where she sings a line of a song and then leans in to kiss her is the best.

“Here. We can practice it.” I pull Griff over and notice the paleness of his cheeks. “Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He smiles at the girl. “What song is it?”

“Doesn’t matter.” I wave her off. “We’re just lip syncing, anyway. We don’t even have to kiss.” I whisper so the girl can’t hear. “Just pretend so she gains confidence, Griff.”

“Right. Okay.”

Griff and I mimic the dance move, and when we face each other for the confession and kiss part, Griff steps up and takes my face in his hands. He leans in and doesn’t pause. His lips press against mine softly with a breathy sigh. And again. On the third time, I don’t let him pull away and circle my arms around his waist, pulling him closer and kissing him back. God, he tastes like the cherry twists he ate earlier and lemon Jell-O. That’s so perfect for him. Sweet with a bit of bite when needed.

And now I’m kissing Griff.

Griff presses against me with a strangled cry. His fingers slide into my hair, curling tightly as he keeps kissing me. His tongue pushes past my lips and slides against mine with a reverent hunger that short-circuits my brain. My mouth doesn’t want to leave his because this kiss is by far one of the best I’ve ever had, and I really like cherry twists. When we finally break apart with swollen lips and heaving chests, I don’t know what to say.

“Um, guys? Thanks for your help, but I think I’ll just leave you. Thank you!”

“Hey, sorry…good luck.” But the girl has already disappeared into the crowd.

My thoughts scatter like dandelion fluff and Griff looks like he wants to throw up. It wasn’t that bad of a kiss, was it?

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