Page 7 of Wild For You

“Maybe I will."

The corners of Nico's mouth tilted upwards, a sly victory in his smile. But it was the unspoken understanding that passed between us—a recognition of loneliness met with an offer of solace—that sealed my fate.

“Then let's see where the night takes us,” he said, extending his hand, an invitation to leap into the unknown.

With a shaky exhale, I placed my hand in his, the camera forgotten on a nearby table. Tonight, I wasn't just capturing moments; I was daring to live one. This might be the whirlwind romance I read about so much in novels, and not letting myself open up, even just a bit, could ruin the chance of seeing what happened. Take the leap!

The dance floor was a kaleidoscope of colors, shadows, and lights, twirling in harmony under the star-studded Lawson Ridge sky. As Nico led me onto the makeshift stage of celebration, the subtle scent of his cologne wrapped around me, an invisible thread pulling me closer to the enigma that was him.

“Trust me?” he asked, his voice a low hum that vibrated through the music's rhythm.

I nodded even though Nico was a complete stranger. Something about him was comforting. His hand, warm and firm, rested on my waist, guiding me into the first steps of our unexpected dance. I moved with him, body responding instinctively to his lead, our movements blending seamlessly with the soft strums of the acoustic guitar serenading the night.

“See? You're a natural.”

“Photography is my dance,” I replied.

“Then tonight, let's make this our picture,” he suggested, spinning me out and then back into the circle of his arms.

In that moment, as the melody swirled around us, I was floating. The warmth of Nico's touch seeped through the fabric of my dress, igniting a fire within me I had long thoughtextinguished. My heart thumped wildly against my ribcage, each beat in sync with the music and the man who held me.

But beneath the current of attraction, doubt began to churn like a storm cloud on the horizon.Can I really do this? Just one night to feel... something?The question echoed in my mind, clashing with the yearning that Nico's proximity evoked. Memories of past hurts, of trust broken and tears shed, flickered like old film reels, threatening to overshadow the magic of the present.

“Josie?” Nico's voice cut through, his gaze searching mine for signs of retreat.

“Sorry, just…” I faltered, trying to anchor myself in the now, to not get swept away by the fear of what ifs. “I’m still here.”

“Good,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips as if he knew the chaos stirring within me.

As the song reached its crescendo, our bodies drew imperceptibly closer, hands clasping tighter. The air between us crackled with electricity, each glance, each touch sending ripples of desire through the space we shared.

Is it worth the risk?The thought spun through my head like a leaf caught in the wind. The raw need for connection warred with the fortress around my heart, each brick laid with careful precision over years of self-preservation.

“Josie, whatever you're thinking, let it go,” Nico said, his eyes locking onto me with an intensity that left no room for uncertainty. “Just be here, with me, now.”

And in that moment, with the final note hanging in the air, I let myself fall into the allure of the dance, into the promise of a night without consequences, even as the whispers of doubt promised to return with the dawn.

“Looks like we're drawing quite the crowd,” Nico murmured.

I glanced around to find several pairs of eyes on us—some curious, others dreamy. I chuckled, a sound like the tinklingof wind chimes. "Lawson Ridge will have enough gossip to last through winter."

“Let 'em talk,” he said with a conspiratorial wink. His hand was a warm presence at the small of my back, guiding me through the dance with effortless command.

I could almost see the headlines in the local paper now, 'Mysterious Newcomer Whisks Away Beloved Photographer.' My lips quirked at the thought. The townsfolk did love their tales, and Nico and I were unwittingly penning a chapter tonight.

“Are you always this impulsive?” I asked.

“Only on days ending with y,” he responded, his grin infectious.

We spun again, laughter mingling with the lingering chords. In this moment, suspended in time, my usual walls seemed to crumble like sandcastles at high tide.

“Where's this famous spontaneity going to take us after this dance?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

“Somewhere we can talk without eavesdroppers,” Nico said, his voice a promise wrapped in velvet. “Unless you've changed your mind…”

“Try me,” I challenged, emboldened by his confidence.

As the song tapered off, we came to a natural stop, our bodies reluctantly parting like the final pages of a spellbinding novel closing. The applause from the other guests rose like a gentle wave, sweeping across the room and leaving behind a frothy excitement for what was yet to unfold.

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