“Yes. It’s easy. Put your arms around my neck like this.” He entwined my hands and set them around his neck. “Good. Now, sway side to side with me.”
“I know how to dance, Ronnie.”
“Then why are you nervous?” The littlest frown line appeared between his eyebrows, the urge to touch it surprising me. It was so damn cute.
Good question.“I’m not used to attention like you are.”
“Please.” He held the back of my head so it rested on his chest, his body leading the rhythm. “When you’re on stage, no one can take their eyes off you. Even now. You’re stunning, Greta.”
Don’t cry.My eyes stung, but I swallowed it down. “I guess, but the music is a shield.”
“Well, luckily, you’re with me and my dazzling dance moves will distract everyone.” He let go, spun around with a leg kick and the smile on his face looked funny. It was too big, too expressive. “See?”
I laughed. All eyes were on him, as they should be. His newfound joy, surely to do with his dad making a breakthrough, almost put an aura around him. He radiated happiness, and people began gravitating toward him. Callie and Zade danced to the right of us, their eyes locked on each other as lovers do. My eyes stung for a second, knowing I would never havethatwith Aaron.
“Want another drink, babe?” He guided us off the dance floor, his hands never leaving me. “Let’s stop at the bar back there, where there isn’t a line.”
“Sure.” A drink sounded great. “I’m going to use the restroom.”
He winked and strode off in the other direction. I couldn’t complain. I was having a hell of a night, but it was so muchAaron.The escape to the ladies’ room was well needed. After using it, I wiped my face down with a damp cloth and stepped back into the main hallway. I almost ran into Tanner, who turned around and smiled widely when he noticed it was me.
“Greta! Hey, look at you.” He hugged me, his body just a little taller than Aaron. I returned the gesture, but didn’t get an ounce of warm tingles like I used to.Nada.“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, TJ. You look handsome, as always. You come here with a date?” I glanced to his side, not seeing anyone. No one had been in the bathroom either.
He blushed, the slightest shade of red on the top portion of his cheeks. “No.” He ran a hand over his face. “I came to network. I assume you’re here with Aaron.”
“Yeah.” I looked at the ground, the conversation between the two of them coming to the forefront of my mind.Shit.
“Look, I’m not sure how to say it.” He cleared his throat and checked the surrounding area. He lowered his face to mine, a deep frown replacing his earlier smile. “I just, I care about you, G. You know that. I don’t want you getting hurt. I don’t know when thisfakerelationship turned real for you, but Aaron still thinks it’s fake. I’m fucking pissed at him.”
My eyes stung again. But, I swallowed down the lump in my voice. “Thanks, TJ. I’m under no illusions that it’s real.”
“You’re not hurt?” He reached out, squeezing my shoulder. His eyes bore into mine, searching for the truth. But I didn’t let him find it.
“I know what I’m doing, TJ. Thank you for looking out for me. I appreciate it.” I went to hug him as a thanks, but right as his arms closed around me, just inches from my ass, Aaron rounded the corner with a furious expression on his face
He remained silent as I waved bye to Tanner, who headed in the other direction and avoided the angry glare of Aaron. I walked over to my hot-headed, perfectly handsome,fakeboyfriend and patted his chest. “Stop. Whatever you’re thinking, stop.”
“Why were you hugging him?” His eyes never left the direction Tanner walked in. His chest was as stiff as a board.
“He was being a good friend. I told you, there’s nothing there. He won’t ruin anything, Ronnie.” I comforted him, connecting our hands and leaning against him. How fucked-up was that? I was in over my head and he would hurt me, yet seeing him jealous or worried made me comfort him? I was fucked.
“Hmm,” he grunted, putting his arm around me again. “What did you talk about?”
“Nothing of importance, trust me.” I stood on my tiptoes, kissing his neck and biting his ear. “Are you wanting to stay or head out?”
Thatgot his attention. He turned so our chests had no room between them. “Well, I’ve been a desperate man to rip this dress off.”
“Do you need to stay any longer?” My heart picked up with his intense look. It might be the last time I gave in to him, but it would be the best. I lowered my hand, tracing down the front of his shirt and ending right when I got to the belt buckle.
“Fucking hell. Yeah. There’s a scout I need to talk to around ten.” He checked his watch with a tight jaw, his grip telling me all I needed to know. “Shit.”
“I have an idea. Do you trust me?”
“Of course.” His charcoal eyes lit up.
“Come with me.” I checked the hallway for signs of life. There wasn’t a soul in sight and I pushed the door to the ladies’ room open. “Come on.”
