Page 8 of One of Them Girls

Then I checked my phone and deflated.

Eleven messages, all from Jared.

I ignored them all and went about my day, excited to be going to my favorite country bar tonight, but then he found me at dinner.

The look on his face when I told him I needed space still haunts me.

“I need you, Cassi,” Jared pleads.

My heart hurt for him. He’s still so lost while I’m moving on. I don’t know how to help him.

First thing I did when I got to Saddle Up was find Virgil. He always brightens my day.

“You ready?” he asks as he leads me to the dance floor.

“Never been more ready. Are you? You’re not getting any younger,” I tease.

“I still got moves, young lady. Don’t you worry about that.”

Next thing I know, we’re moving. I love dancing with Virgil. I let go of everything and let him lead. He makes me feel as if I’m floating on air as he moves me around the dance floor, adding spins, twisting me to his will.

I can’t help but laugh as we dance.

I love when his face lights up. He enjoys dancing as much as I enjoy dancing with him.

At the end of the song, we’re both out of breath. He kisses my hand, going back to his spot, waiting for the next girl who wants to dance. And there’s never a shortage.

I know I’ll be back in that line before the end of the night.

Making my way back to Mara, I smile as she hands me water.

“Thanks,” I breathe out before taking a long drink.

I’m not old enough to drink, but even if I was, I don’t drink anymore.

Never since that night.

Shaking my demons away, I smile as Mara drones on about some guy she spotted already.

“You’re such a hussy.” I smile.

“Hey, I’m just playing the game. Who says the guys get to be the only players?”

“Touché.”

“Well, hello there, girlfriend,” he says from behind me.

I know I only met him last night, but I swear I could recognize his voice anywhere.

A deep, warm tone that warms up the ice that formed a year ago.

Turning, I smile as I see the same black X’s on his hands.

“Hi, boyfriend. What are you doing here?”

He shrugs. “Stalking my girlfriend while she dances with other men.”

We both laugh as Mara watches on with interest.

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