I move toward her. I just know I want to be closer to this goddess of a woman.
To be honest, I’m not really sure what the hell I’m going to do once I get over there. I could just stand there with my tongue hanging out. I’m sure Jax would lovethat.
All I know is the closer I get to her, the better I feel. I’m like a moth, gravitating toward a flame. It’s all instincts, baby.
I’m close enough to see the sheen of sweat on her shoulders. She’s whipping her hair around. She seems to really like this song — which only speaks to her good taste, as it’s a classic. Maybe we can bond over that.
Wait. No. What am I thinking?
Jax’s sister, remember?Look but don’t touch.
Now I’m close enough to smell her perfume.
She’s twerking now. And damnis she a natural. I’ve never seen a woman move like that before. I could stare at her forever. I don’t care if it’s dangerous. Jax might lay into me later for breaking the code.
Speaking of Jax, dude looks mortified. He’s pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes. Good. Keep your eyes closed, Jax. I don’t want you to see the way I’m looking at your sister.
Now Bethany is beckoning Julia. Trying to get her to climb on the bar and join her.
But Julia’s refusing, shaking her head. Laughing, but clearly uncomfortable.
Well, maybe I should get up there. Sober as a nun. Can you imagine?
But before I can do anything stupid like that, Katie comes over with her hands on her hips, mad as a mother bear.
“Hey!” she shouts. “What the hell are you doing? You can’t dance on the bar!”
Bethany ignores her.
“Hey!” Katie raises her voice another octave and swats at Bethany’s lower leg.
This time Bethany spins around and loses her balance. She reaches out as she falls, her instincts telling her to grab onto something.
Unfortunately, the only thing to grab onto are wine glasses, hanging upside down from a suspended rack.
The stems crack, and as Bethany falls, several glasses shatter onto the bar.
Jax grabs Julia, and swiftly moves to protect her from any shards.
As for me? I swoop in swiftly and decisively. Sober reflexes and firemen instincts take over.
Bethany falls right into my arms, and even though she’s a ‘whole lotta woman’ — another one of my old man’s phrases — I have no trouble at all, cradling her in my arms.
Our faces are inches apart. She flutters her eyelashes. Her eyes are large, and the loveliest shade of blue-green. Almost turquoise. They match her eyeshadow. Her perfume is floral, but a little zesty too. Her neck is glistening just like her shoulders.
“Hi,” Bethany says, glassy-eyed. She’s smiling. I think I am too. But I’m not sure. I’m kind of in a trance.
“Hey,” I reply gently. “You should be more careful.”
She giggles and hiccups as I let go of her and help her upright. I can’t help but notice how little her jeans leave to the imagination. I’m aching inside for those curves. Even though I’m aware of Jax talking to Julia, asking her if she’s okay and if any of the glass shards cut her. But they might as well be in another universe. I’m totally transfixed by Bethany.
A loud and very angry voice cuts into my appreciation. “Get out. Now!”
It’s Katie. She’s pointing toward the exit. And her face suggests this isn’t up for negotiation. I notice the bouncer by the front door readying himself. If he so much as touches her, I —
“We’ve got her,” Jax says to Katie, raising his palms to placate the livid bartender. “And sorry about the mess . . .”
“Get her out of here,” Katie says, not as loudly, but just as sternly.
