Page 9 of One of Them Girls

“Virgil’s harmless. He’s like sixty. Although, he is a fantastic dancer.” I take a sip of my water to hide my smile.

“I don’t know about him, but you looked damn good out there.”

“It’s all Virgil. Him and his wife used to dance all the time. When she passed, he kept coming and dancing with anyone who would ask. Before long, he kind of became a local attraction. As long as you can let him lead, he can make you look like you’ve been dancing for years. You have to catch him before he leaves, though. He only stays until eleven. After that, they stop playing two-step music and start playing music to cater to the younger crowd.”

His smile grows as I talk. “I’ll keep that in mind in case I ever want to dance with Virgil,” he teases, making me roll my eyes.

Mara clears her throat.

Turning to her, I shoot her a ‘shut up’ look.

She ignores it, inserting herself next to Xavier. “Hi, I’m Mara, Cassi’s best friend.”

He shakes her hand, but quickly lets go, returning his attention to me. “I’m Xavier.”

“Ah, the fake boyfriend,” Mara says as she lays her hand on his arm.

He moves away from her, closer to me, making me smile.

“That’s what I’ve been told,” he responds.

“Well,” she says as she grabs her drink. “I think I need to go find me a cowboy to ride. If you two will excuse me.”

As she walks off, he turns to me. “She’s interesting.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, she’s something else.”

“So, I don’t want this to seem awkward, but can I get your number?” He rubs the back of his head, like he’s nervous.

I smile sweetly at him. “That depends.”

“On what?” He quirks his brow at me.

“What are you planning to do with it?” I ask, biting my lip.

His eyes follow the movement, darkening with lust. “I thought maybe we could be friends.”

My elation at him asking for my number deflates as he says the dreaded F-word.

Of course he wants to be friends.

I’ve never been overly girly. Not really the type guys want to date. More like one of the guys.

“Sure, I could always use friends.” I force a smile, reaching my hand out for his phone.

When he places it in my hands, I don’t miss the shock I get as his skin touches mine.

I quickly type my phone number in, saving it as Just A Friend to be cheeky. Then I close out of the contacts and hand it back.

“Thanks,” he says, settling in to hang out.

“Anytime.” I turn to the table, setting my water down.

The conversation’s stilted, neither of us sure what to say.

Then the next song comes on and I smile.

“Do you mind watching my drink? I love this dance.”

---