Page 17 of Brands

All I can feel is the press of his burning body as he moves me.

I can’t fight the giggles while he holds me tightly, spinning and dipping in a fluid rhythm between the other couples.

The room flies in a blur around us.

He’s all I can focus on.

When the song ends, I hear myself moan in dismay.

He pauses us near the stage while the lead singer crouches to whisper something in his ear.

Blue nods, then pulls me back to the table.

It feels like my head is still dancing, even as I sit.

My glass is empty. Bummer.

Char finds her place on Dixon’s lap, and they talk in hushed tones that only they can hear.

“I’m gonna get you another drink, then I have a surprise for you.” Blue’s hand rests on my back now, not on the chair.

After holding him so tightly, lost in the throes of the music, it’s easier to let myself drop my hand on his thigh. “I love surprises.”

Were my words slurred?

I don’t care.

When he sets my new colorful glass in front of me, he crouches so his knees frame my chair.

“Okay, sit tight. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” He pauses, staring at me as he takes a long breath, then disappears into the crowd.

After having him touch me for so long, I feel alone. So I shuffle over into his seat, closer to Dixon and Char.

But now I’m close enough to understand their words.

“You’re gonna ride my face until I drown,” Dixon whispers to Char.

I catch his hands gripping her hips.

Fucking awkward.

And I’m jealous.

Life is too short.

Mom passed away so young. And now Dad is sick too?

He didn’t get to do the things he wanted to.

Maybe I need to start.

The music fading draws my focus to the stage.

Is that…?

“Let’s give a round of applause to our special guest tonight, Blue Pierce.” The vocalist gestures as Blue takes the center, a guitar hanging against his waist.

“What the—”

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