“I can’t believe I’m dropping out. I don’t usually try new things. I tend to stick with what I’m used to.”
“Dance class was brand new for you. And you handled that like a pro.”
Impulsively, I reach over and touch his arm. “Thanks for taking the class with me. I don’t have a clue what possessed me to decide to dance because this is all very unlike me. I’m more of a book girl normally.”
“Maybe you wanted to feel what it was like to have a life partner before your wedding,” he suggests.
“Maybe you’re right.”
The alcohol is still coursing through my veins, and my hand tightens on his arm. He inhales, but he doesn’t lean closer to me.
“Do you want to ask me something, Leleila?” His voice is rough. “You can say whatever you want to.”
My hormones are awake and dancing. “I want to…”
“What?” The word comes out strangled, almost like he can barely speak. “What do you want?”
His hands are fisted in his lap, and he’s clenching his jaw tightly.
I want you.
“I haven’t had good sex in a long time,” I confess. “Really, ever. And I’m worried I never will. I saw a therapist once about what happened, and she said people can shut down sexually. They lose trust in men and in intimacy.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.Why did I just say that? This is exactly why I should never be allowed within a mile of alcohol.
But the light reflecting from the streetlight reveals how the blue of Brayden’s eyes darkens even more at my revelation.
He shifts in his seat, facing me head-on. “I understand. I’m sorry. What’s been not good about your experience?”
I take my hand off his arm and shrug. “Everything. Phillip doesn’t…he doesn’t think I’m very sexual.”
A curt laugh blows out of Brayden’s mouth. “I can assure you, Leleila, that you are absolutely perfect in that department. Maybe your fiancé needs to spend a little more time focusing on you and not trying to get himself off.”
“But you’ve never been with me in bed,” I say, feeling how hot my face is. “So you don’t know.”
“I just spent an hour with my body pressed close to yours on the dance floor.” He tips my chin up with his thumb. “You move like sin and honey. You drove me crazy every minute. In fact, if you were single, I’d be worried I would embarrass myself with a…” He gestures to his crotch. “Full mast situation.”
I bite my lip. “Seriously?”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.” His hand cups my cheek. “Okay? I promise I’ll never lie to you, Leleila.”
“Okay.”
A car drives by us, breaking the moment. I pull back, and Brayden drops his hand and starts up the truck.
“You’ll be fine,” he murmurs, almost to himself. “I promise you’ll be fine.”
Our drive to my house is quiet. The world around me is spinning, and I’m already getting the beginnings of a headache. Tomorrow morning should be fun.
When we reach my house, he pulls up just short of the driveway as usual.
“Phillip’s away.” I realize how the words sound coming out, and I fumble to right things. “I just meant—you won’t run into him and have to chat about how dance class is going. I know you two don’t have much in common.”
Brayden’s already pulling into the driveway. “If you’re alone, I’m going to make sure you get inside okay.”
We walk inside with me apologizing for the cold living room.
“Our house is drafty,” I say. “We try to keep our heat as low as possible and rely on solar. In winter, though, that’s more difficult.”
