Page 154 of Reckless Storm
I chuckle as she breathes me in, and I have to admit, she smells amazing herself. Like fancy hotel soap mixed with the floral perfume she always wears, and…home. She smells like home.
“So dancing, huh?” I change the subject, needing to get out of my head.
“Yep.” She bounces her eyebrows. “A few of us found a genuine cowboy bar and we’re going boot scootin’.”
“Please tell me you didn’t call it a ‘genuine cowboy bar’ or say that you were boot scootin’ when you were there.”
“Of course not. I said I was ready to line dance at the boot scootin’ bar.”
“Oh, Hayls.” I huff out a laugh and she grins proudly. “Life is never boring with you.”
“I’m glad you think that, because we’re meeting everyone in an hour.”
“In an hour?” Disappointment fills me but I smile through it. I wanted alone time, though I shouldn’t be surprised. When she gets an idea… “Only my wildcat.” I shake my head and she laughs. “I’m ready. Bring it on.”
An hour and twenty minutes later, we’re in the “cowboy bar” and Hayley’s dancing with her co-stars, lighting up the room as she tries to master the moves from the people around her.
Like always, I watch from the sidelines, keeping my secret for a little while longer, holding back before I dance.
Hiding a smile behind my beer, I stare in amusement as one of the girls spins the wrong way and she and Hayley collide, bringing each other down as they burst out laughing.
My smile breaks free and I feel a sense of something new, finally at peace now that Hayley’s close to me again. And when she finally stops laughing, she winks my way, not so subtly beckoning me over.
Not yet, Hayley Baby.
Raising a finger, I wave my beer, letting her know I’ll be there soon. Then I continue to watch her, the smile never once leaving my face, my heart full and happy.
“Can I buy you a drink?” a stranger asks as she sidles up next to me, her southern accent reminding me of home. “You’ve been sitting here alone for a while now. I figured it was time you had some fun.” Her eyes light up as my gaze flits to hers before settling back on the dance floor.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m here with friends.”
“Friends? Then where are they?”
I raise my beer, gesturing toward the dancers, and the stranger scoffs.
“Shouldn’t you be out there?”
“I will. I’m just waiting for my moment.” The corners of my lips quirk but it’s not for the girl beside me. I’m thinking of Hayley’s reaction when I show her I can “boot scoot” as well as the rest of them. I’ve been doing it for years.
“Which ones are your friends?” the woman asks, drawing my attention as her eyes scan the crowd.
I follow her gaze, watching as Hayley spins to face the man behind her, my body tensing when he grabs her waist. Her co-star—Cameron, I think his name is—mouths off to the guy and I stand up, ready to go over, even though I’m acutely aware that Hayley can hold her own.
They argue for a second before Cameron shifts his attention to Hayley, and something about his move has my hackles rising, seconds before he pulls her in close, pressing a kiss to her lips.
“The fuck.” I jolt, slamming my glass down on the counter. “Excuse me.”
Abandoning the stranger mid-chat, I push through the crowd just as the first guy storms away. But I no longer care about him. I’ve got my sights set on Hayley’s co-star, and when she sees me, she realizes, rushing forward to stop me.
“Reed.” She waves a hand in front of my face, vying for attention. “He was joking around, trying to get the other guy to back off.”
“He kissed you, Hayls. Knowing you have a boyfriend.”
Her gaze softens and she steps closer. “Technically—”
“Stop.You have a boyfriend. And if he touches you again, even an accidental brush of the hand, he’s going to know about it. Same goes for anyone else.”
Hayley nibbles her lip while she nods, a fire in her eyes I haven’t seen before.
