“I’m going to get another drink,” Carlene said in my ear. “Do you want something?”
I shook my head. “I’m feeling good.” She and Kayla headed in the direction of the bar.
“My feet hurt,” Sharise complained. “I’m not used to wearing heels on the dance floor anymore. I’m going back upstairs. Come with me?”
I shook my head. “Oh, I love this song!” I shouted as a Doja Cat song came on. “I’ll be up once this one’s over.”
“Maybe I should wait until—”
“Go,” I insisted. I could tell Sharise was starting to feel uncomfortable. She winced in pain, and I felt terrible. “I’m fine. Kayla and Carlene will be right back.”
“Okay.”
I watched as she went in the direction of the stairs. When she disappeared behind a crowd of people, I briefly closed my eyes and let the music penetrate my body. I snapped and swayed to the beat, throwing my back in a circle, feeling myself.
When I opened my eyes, a man grinned down at me. He said something, but the music was too loud. Either that or mouthed the words. When I shook my head, instead of taking the hint, he started to lean in, possibly to repeat himself.
But right before he could even reach my ear, he paused. His eyebrows raised, and a cautious expression appeared on his face. A warmth moved behind my back, and goosebumps sprouted on my arms.
Before I even turned around, I knew what or who had spooked the guy.
“She’s got a dance partner,” Brutus said from behind me, his hands moving around my waist, tugging my back against his hard chest …
The man held up his hands in a surrendering fashion and backed away. My lips twitched, but I fought to keep the laughter at bay.
I spun and wrapped my arms around his neck. Lifting on my tiptoes, I said, “That was rude,” in his ear.
His arm around me tightened. “He wanted to dance with you.”
I glanced around. “I do need a dance partner. I wonder if—” I broke off on a laugh when he growled.
“I’m the only motherfucker you need to dance with for the rest of our lives.”
“Yeah?” I teased. “Then let's see how well you keep up.”
“That’s not even up for debate,” he said, taking my hand and spinning me in a circle that landed me right back in his arms. A fast-paced salsa song came on, which felt perfect.
We moved like liquid, all smooth and fluid, our bodies matching the rhythm of the beat. We’d danced together so many times in the past few months, but it always left me in awe of how well he moved. And how well we moved together. Every time we danced, it was as if my body was telling me we were destined for one another.
“I love you,” I slurred.
He chuckled. “Sounds like you had a little too much to drink.”
I planted my hands on my hips at the same time the song ended. “Are you calling me drunk?”
“Yes.” He kissed my forehead. “Let’s go upstairs.”
“I’m not drunk,” I protested but let him lead the way, my hand in his, up to the VIP section. I probably shouldn’t have been, but I was shocked to see Carter, Joshua, and Aaron beside their wives in the VIP section.
“We’ve got company,” Michelle said, grinning. “I knew they wouldn’t stay away for too long.”
“Damn, straight,” Joshua replied.
“Brutus, I didn’t know you could dance like that,” Patience called over the music.
“He’s a phenomenal dancer,” I said before kissing his cheek.
He tightened his hold on my waist.
