Page 94 of Never With You
His eyes flick over his reading glasses and land on Nate. “You’re the one in the family that likes to have fun instead of work. Why don’tyoudance with your mother?”
Nate opens his mouth, but I beat him to it.
“Mack, you’re kind of a jerk. Connie won’t tell you that, and neither will Nate. But I will. You have a wife and a son who are both amazing. You should probably start treating them with the respect they deserve.” My lips press into a thin slash of a smile. I grab Nate’s hand and scoot out of the booth. “Come on, Connie. You can dance with us if you want.”
That’s me returning the favor.
I don’t look back as I drag Nate to the middle of the floor, but I feel his breath on my shoulder and neck as he leans in to speak over the music.
“You’re definitely not going to be favorite daughter-in-law after that.”
“Such a shame.” I face him, keeping his hand in mine. “Sorry if I crossed a line back there. I have a short fuse, then I say things I shouldn’t say.”
“I know.” His smile is full of amusement. “I’m usually on the receiving end of your short fuse. I like that trait about you—when it’s not directed at me. Being on this side is much better.”
“Do you think your mom will forgive me?”
“I think my mom loves you even more now.”
“Are you sure? Because I really like her and don’t want things to be awkward.”
“I’m sure.” He glances back to their table. “She’ll be out dancing with us in no time—once she smooths things over with my dad.”
I grimace, making Nate laugh.
“Come on, Catterson.” He gestures to the middle of the dance floor. “Let’s see your moves.”
Dancing with Nate is a party.
There’s no doubt about that.
For the last forty-five minutes, he’s driven this entire dance party. Everyone gravitates toward him, feeding off his energy.
Even me.
I’ve been spinning, jumping, singing, bumping, and dancing right alongside him.
I always knew Nate was fun—the entire foundation of Voyager Travel is built upon the fact that he’s fun to be with—but experiencing it in person is a whole different thing. I actually like Nate’s carefree personality—something I never thought I would say—and admire how easily he’s able to be himself no matter what crowd he’s in.
Nate clears a space in the middle of the dance floor and stands at the opposite end of the circle as me. His smile ticks higher on one side as we wait for the music. Anyone who has seenDirty Dancingat least once in their life knows what’s coming. It’s the “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” lift. Admittedly, I’ve never done it, but I’ve seen the moment enough to fake it. And Nate seems to have enough confidence for both of us, so I’m all in.
The music swells to the chorus. The crowd cheers as I run. I plié and jump. He squats, bracing for my body. I grab his shoulders as his hands go to my hips and push. It takes a second, but he gets me up enough that I can hit an airplane pose. Everyone claps and cheers.
But it’s all fun and games until I have to come down.
Just like the movie, Nate drags me over his body in the slowest, sexiest movement of my life. I wrap my arms around his neck as my feet lower to the ground. Our eyes lock, and suddenly, the dance party is the furthest thing from my mind.
It’s cliché to say it, but everything around us drifts away. The music, the people, the beat…they’re all a thing of the past. All the attraction I’ve been fighting—that I’ve refused to admit exists—quickly bubbles to the surface like it was never that far below.
“And you thought there’d be no reason to hug.” His voice is rough, textured with desire.
“I’d hardly call this a hug.”
His eyes drop to my mouth, triggering my heart.
But then the song ends, and the DJ’s voice comes over the speakers, breaking us apart. I step back and fix my outfit, pulling it up. He fidgets with his shirt, airing it in and out like he’s hot. The DJ announces that this is the last song and to make it count.
Nate leans in, talking over the loud music. “Do you want to get out of here?”
