Page 13 of One Hotlanta Night
Even my body forgets that fibromyalgia is a thing. It takes a backseat, and I almost feel normal again.
But this club, thisplacetakes everything I love about dancing and raises the bar entirely.
It’s more than just dancing. It’s the joy of purelyexisting. Of seeing another day and being grateful for it.
It’s a community that feels like family.
It’s not just the young and pretty shaking their asses over here—although thereisthat. But there’s also middle-aged couples dancing, who’ve probably got kids and PTAs and lawns that need mowing. Tonight is their time to cut loose, the women gorgeous and carefree, smiling and laughing as they move so fluidly. Like they were born doing it.
And there’s older folks doing their own slower version of a two-step, moving with a grace that comes from being in sync for decades. The love you see in their eyes as they move along the dance floor is beautiful to witness.
The atmosphere is euphoric, and I allow myself to be consumed by it. I want to soak up every moment of acceptance that I can.
I’m in my element now as the song shifts to Janet Jackson, letting the softer beats dictate my movements, but my heart squeezes a little bit watching them. I want someone to dance like that with me. Someone who will lead and let me follow for once, instead of expecting me to be in charge.
I want to be held close like I’m the most precious thing in the world.
Like he can’t get enough.
Like I’m worthy.
My chest tightens. Being told you're damaged goods enough times has a way of sinking into your psyche.
Being told without words that you’re a disappointment and a failure is worse.
Finding everlasting love with someone who’s truly honorable? I probably have a better chance at winning the lottery.
Maybe I should just stick with this single gig.
Well, that definitely won’t be a problem tonight as I glance over at my dance partner. Matt is wiggling around, jutting his hips. The effect is like a worm who’s being electrocuted. I sigh.
At least I won’t be tempted as long as I havethatin my vicinity.
Matt is trying to inch his way closer, but he’s still respecting my space, and I allow myself to get lost in the upbeat tempo of “All For You”. Oh, how I wish for something like that… Closing my eyes, I breathe deeply, losing myself in the moment.
And then it hits me. The tingles escalate until a shock runs through me and my eyes fly open.
I seehim.
Right across the room from me. Dark curly hair and even darker eyes pull my gaze right toward his. Eyes that seem to bore right into my very soul with such intensity that my breath catches.
The effect is electrifying. My chest tightens, and my throat goes dry. I’m being branded with eyes of fire from across the room.
A full-out bonfire starts to consume my body just from looking at him.
Breaking free from his intense stare, I follow his sharp jawline down to full lips that are curled in a half-smile.
And shiver.
I want those lips on mine.
He’sthe one that’s been watching me all this time?
Hot damn.
His whole demeanor is strong, commanding, almost arrogant… and he has me pinned to the spot, his eyes commanding my focus. Refusing to let me look away.
The guy—no,man—is leaning against the wall, one hand in his jeans pocket and the other lazily holding a brown bottle that doesn’t look like your average Budweiser. White oxford button-down sleeves are loosely rolled up over what I can see even from a distance are strong forearms. Dark-wash jeans cradle his hips, denim straining over strong legs, and if those jeans look thatgreat on him from the front… I go a little weak wondering what it looks like from the back.
