“That’s what you said about the three-legged race, and look how that turned out.”
“This is different. This is my specialty.”
I place my right hand on her waist and take her left hand in mine. She’s tense at first, clearly overthinking every step, but after a few measures she starts to relax.
“See?” I say, spinning her under my arm. “You’re a natural.”
“Don’t get cocky.”
“Too late for that.”
I spin her again, this time bringing her back against my chest for a beat before sending her out again. She shrieks with laughter, loud enough that several people turn to look.
“Hey! Warning next time!”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
The song shifts into a faster tempo, and I match it, spinning her until her hair and dress fly around her. She’s laughing so hard she can barely keep up with the steps.
That’s when Jesse appears beside us, tapping me on the shoulder. At the exact same moment, Wyatt appears on my other side, also reaching for my shoulder. Their hands collide above my shoulder blade.
“Mind if I cut in?” they say in unison, then glare at each other.
Fuck me.
“I was here first,” Jesse argues.
“I’m older,” Wyatt counters.
“I’m better looking,” Jesse shoots back.
“Bullshit,” I say.
While they’re arguing, they’re both trying to physically insert themselves between Callie and me. Jesse grabs her hand while Wyatt takes her waist, and for a moment, she’s being pulled in two directions like a wishbone.
“Guys!” she laughs, stumbling.
They let go immediately, both trying to steady her, which results in them both reaching for the same arm and pulling her in opposite directions again.
“For fuck’s sake,” I mutter, stepping back.
Jesse uses the moment to sweep her into his arms properly, shooting Wyatt a triumphant look. Wyatt responds by “accidentally” backing into him mid-dip, causing Jesse to nearly drop Callie.
“Oops,” Wyatt says flatly. “Didn’t see you there.”
Jesse recovers, pulling Callie back up with a flourish, but now Wyatt’s standing so close that every time Jesse tries to spin her, she collides with him.
“Could you maybe not stand directly on the dance floor?” Jesse asks through gritted teeth.
“It’s a free country,” Wyatt replies.
Jesse attempts another dramatic dip, this time keeping one eye on Wyatt. But I’ve circled around behind him, and when he leans Callie back, I’m right there, grinning down at her upside-down face.
“Hey there,” I say.
Jesse jerks her back up so fast, she gasps. “Boone!”
“What? I’m just standing here.”
