“Nope.”
As we found a spot among the sea of bodies, Adam placed his hands on my hips, guiding me to the rhythm. My breath caught in my throat at the closeness.
“Just feel the beat,” he said, his blue eyes twinkling. “Let go.”
Slowly, I began to relax, letting him lead me. Our bodies moved in sync, years of friendship translating into an easy, natural flow.
“See? You’ve got it.” He grinned, spinning me around playfully.
I laughed, genuinely enjoying myself for the first time in a while. “I so don’t got it, but I see it’s not too bad once you get into it,” I replied.
As we danced, I allowed myself to revel in the moment. For now, I could just be here with my best friend, moving to the music and pretending this was enough. That I wasn’t on the cusp of making a life-changing decision that could alter everything between me and Adam.
The pulsing lights of the club shifted, casting a warm glow across hi face. My breath caught as our eyes locked, the world around us fading. A surge of desire coursed through me, electric and overwhelming. Adam’s hands were still on my hips, our bodies swaying together, and I felt as if I might combust from the intensity of my longing.
“You okay?” Adam asked, his words barely audible over the music.
I nodded, not trusting my voice. I was acutely aware of every point of contact between us, of his scent mingling with the heavy air of the club.
“I’m going to get another drink. You want one?” I asked.
“Fuck yeah.”
For the next few hours, we drank, danced, and lost track of time like we had in college. We were definitely way beyond buzzed. Thank fuck we’d walked because there was no way we were in any state to drive anywhere.
Suddenly, a strikingly tall man with a sharp jawline and long hair cascading down his broad shoulders appeared beside us, his piercing hazel eyes fixed on Adam. “Hey there, handsome,” he purred, placing a hand on Adam’s arm. “Care to dance?”
I felt my stomach drop, a familiar ache settling in my chest. That was my first instinct because I was always left behind. But even in my alcohol daze, I realized this was a guy hitting on Adam and he might not like that.
“Thanks, but I’m good here,” Adam said, flashing the man a polite smile before returning his attention to me.
The guy’s expression soured. “Come on, surely you’d rather dance with me than your friend?”
I tensed, preparing for the guy’s reaction. But Adam just shook his head, his blue eyes never leaving my face.
“Sorry, but I’m exactly where I want to be,” he said firmly.
As the guy huffed and walked away, a mix of relief and confusion washed over me. “You handled that really well,” I said softly.
Adam’s brow furrowed. “Handled what?”
“Turning him down. A guy like that is probably not used to being rejected.”
His expression softened. “Meh. He was a six at best. Besides, I’m here with you. That’s all that matters. I’m not leaving my best friend behind to dance with some random dude.”
His reply shocked me into silence. Or maybe the alcohol had the opposite effect on me than Adam because his lips seemed to be way looser than usual.
The music’s pulsing beat faded as we made our way to a secluded corner of the club. I hadn’t changed out of my work clothes, so my shirt, even with the sleeves rolled up, had way too much fabric for a club.
We sank into a plush leather booth, the cool material giving temporary relief.
Adam slid in next to me, our thighs barely touching. “This was a great idea. Thank you for letting me drag you away from work.”
I would do anything for you.I smiled because I couldn’t say what I really wanted to.
“You know,” he said softly, his eyes half-lidded as he almost slurred the words, “I’ve always admired how deeply you care about people. You’re so…intentional about everything.”
My breath caught in my throat. “Yeah?”
