Page 59 of Connected By Stars
Sophia brings over another tray of tequila shots, and Frankie hands one to me and Maverick. I reluctantly let go.
I touch my glass to Mav’s and down the shot with him. This time, it’s me who’s mesmerized as he licks his lip. He gives me a full-on dimpled grin before we’re swept away again on the dance floor. Laughing, I dance with Noah and Luna, who appear beside me. Maverick twirls Luna around, and she squeals in delight.
Needingto get some air after dancing for the last hour, I walk out onto the balcony. Ocean breeze hits me in the face, cooling off my heated skin.
I see Miss Sylvia, who owns the library where Emma works, talking to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson from the deli and Henry fromthe hardware store. I smile at them as I pass by, making my way to the far side railing.
I place my hands on the railing and close my eyes, letting the breeze wash over me. I take a deep breath of the ocean air as I hear the waves crash against the shoreline.
I feel him before I see him. Electricity, thick in the air, as goosebumps appear on my arms. Heat forms behind me as he stands there. He comes up, placing his arms on the railing and caging me in from behind. His presence immediately consumes my senses.
“You found me,” I whisper into the night.
“I could find you in a room filled with thousands of people. I can feel your presence from a mile away. It’s like this magnetic pull that no matter how hard I try, I can’t stay away even when I know I should.”
His lips find my neck, and I moan as he licks the sensitive spot behind my ear. I press back into him and feel him digging into my behind. I gasp at the sheer hardness I’m met with.
“Someone could see,” I manage to get out, even though I couldn’t care less at this point.
“I’ll take my chances,” he all but growls. Grabbing my hand, he pulls me to the darker corner off to the side. Blocking my view, he shields me with his body as my back hits the side of the building.
His lips claim mine in a frenzy. I taste the tequila on him and moan as his tongue tangles with mine. Fisting his shirt, I bring him closer to me, pressing him against my body. I hear him groan as he grabs my ass and squeezes hard. My body is so ready for him. I can feel the desire pool between my legs and a throbbing that has me whimpering against his lips.
“Oh, shit!” I hear someone laugh. Mav breaks away, and I immediately miss his contact. I blink and try to get my bearings.I see Maverick running his hands through his hair and looking uncomfortable.
“Sorry to interrupt. Everyone has been looking for you two, and I got the balcony search.” I realize it’s Cole, and my eyes dart to Maverick to see his reaction.
“It’s okay. Thank God, it was you,” he gives a small laugh and turns to me. “Cole figured it out the night we all went to Roxy’s. I guess I let my emotions show even before I knew what was going on.”
“Roxy’s?” My head is fuzzy from what my body is still feeling.
“Yeah, Mav looked like he was either going to kill someone that night for dancing with you or throw you over his shoulder and claim you,” Cole says, laughing.
I look at Maverick, shocked. He gives me a grin and shrugs his shoulders. “It was a fast song, and his hands were getting too clingy. I could tell he didn’t deserve you.”
“Oh my God,” I laugh.
“This poor guy has probably tortured himself for years, thinking he was protecting you from other guys when deep down he was jealous as hell, and it was him he was protecting you from.”
“Okay, Dr. Phil. Thanks for the therapy session.” Maverick glares at Cole before glancing at me with a small smile playing on his lips. How did I not figure that out?
“There you guys are!” Sophia comes running over with Frankie. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“I just needed some air. Maverick came out, and we just started talking.” The lie slips easily from my lips, making me feel like the worst best friend ever.
“The dance floor is calling your name, Bella, so get your fine ass back in there and shake that thing.” We all turn to Frankie, surprised, and start laughing.
“What? Just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a fine ass when I see one.” He hands Maverick and me the tequila shots he’s holding. We down them before walking back inside.
“As long as he knows who that fine ass belongs to.” I hear Maverick whisper in my ear.
I grin back at him. “Let’s see if that fine ass of yours can keep up.” I join Noah and Emma, along with our friends, on the dance floor. I laugh when Emma throws her arms around me and starts dancing.
We drink and dance the night away, having the best time of our lives. Every chance he can take, I feel the slight touch of Maverick’s hand as it lingers on my body, leaving a scorching trail of heat in its wake. I sneak glances at him and always see his eyes on me. They seem to burn their way into my soul, leaving me in a breathless state.
I feel the alcohol buzzing through my body as I sit down to catch my breath. They’ll be closing the place down soon. Noah and Emma left a few minutes ago after saying goodbye to everyone. I made them promise to FaceTime me on their honeymoon so I could see the place they’re staying at.
Logan walks over and sits down next to me. “Thanks for inviting me. Your friends and family are so much fun. I don’t think I’ve danced this much in my entire life,” he laughs.
