It’s beena long time since I have been on a date, let alone in the presence of a man I have been highly attracted to. The woodsy and citrusy scent of Chance’s cologne has me in a trance-like state. Not to mention how warm I feel from the closeness of our bodies. My body simmers with an electric energy that is comfortable, welcome, and fills me with unbridled excitement. The band’s slow tempo echoes through the room, causing my body to unconsciously sway from side to side. My fingers snap to the beat, and for countless seconds, I get lost in the euphoria of this atmosphere.
Chance didn’t give me a destination for tonight’s date, but I am pleased with where we are. Serenades of Midnight Lounge is the grown-and-sexy vibe any woman would want to be with aman who’s in pursuit of her. The longer the cadence of the music dances in my ears, the more I feel like this thing with Chance is real.
“Do you want to dance?” Chance’s deep voice whispers in my ear, and tingles spread through my body.
My response is immediate, without thought, and with a breathy timbre I’m unable to prevent due to the effects of his invitation.
“Yes.”
Chance slides out of the booth before he extends his hand for me to take as he helps me to my full height. With jolts of passion that surge up my forearm, I allow Chance to lead me to the dance floor. Time, my breathing, and possibly my heartbeat slow to a crawl when Chance pulls me into his body. The minute I’m against his chest, I swallow over the lump in my throat when my eyes connect with Chance’s dark brown orbs.
“I can’t wait to be close to you like this again. Thank you for indulging me, Dia.”
My mouth dries instantly, and I fight not to release the water that wells in my eyes from Chance’s words. The steady, firm delivery allows me to recognize their sincerity. For the first time in a long time, I feel what it’s like to be desired.
“I can feel your heart racing. Does that mean I’m not in this moment alone?”
Words fail me, and all I can do is nod as the music changes, and a feminine voice serenades those of us in attendance. Chance’s arms tighten around my body, and I disconnect our eye contact to lay my head on his chest. For countless minutes, I’m lost in the feel of this man and the woman’s beautiful voice as make-believe wars with reality. The danger of acting like I’m not feeling Chance is about to have me in a boxing match with my heart. My stomach chooses this moment to grumble its protestof not putting something in it before this spin around the dance floor.
Light laughter slips from my mouth when I hear chuckles from Chance that vibrate through me.
“Come on so I can feed you. But just know that I’m looking forward to our next dance.” Chance breaks our connection before he interlocks our hands and heads back to our table.
Every step feels like I’m floating, and we reach the booth in a matter of minutes. I feel like I’m about to self-destruct when Chance, again, slides in beside me, boxing me into the space. But I also feel secure, cherished, and, dare I say, safe and valued in this moment.
“Good evening, folks. I thought I missed you until our host pointed you out on the dance floor. Have you had a chance to look at our menu to decide on drinks? I’m sure you need a minute to determine dinner,” a dark-skinned woman with a short blonde pixie cut asks a minute or so after our arrival.
Chance and I place our drink orders and ask for a few minutes to look over the menu and decide on dinner. I pick up the hardback brown folder, but thanks to my euphoria, I’m unable to register its contents. A thought enters my mind, and I look from the menu to Chance, whose eyes are already on me.
“Before tonight gets away from me, . . . thank you for setting the tone for what’s coming next.”
Chance’s eyes twinkle with merriment and appreciation as a grin slides into place that instantly heats my core.
“Trust me, this is just the beginning. All we needed was a chance.”
Giggles fall from my lips when Chance winks at the pun I have no doubt he intended.
“So tell me, how many of your friends will be entertaining?”
“Four and their wives. It should be a good time.”
“I know we talked about this a little bit ago, but you kind of skated around your answer. Are you sure your friends won’t be mad when they find out that this isn’t real?”
Part of me heard Chance the first time we discussed this matter, but I can’t help but think about the ramifications. Other than Alicia, I don’t have any friends, so what we’re doing won’t affect my circle. But Chance will have eight people invested in a lie. It seems tricky and unfair for the people he calls his friends.
“For the record, the only thing that will be a lie is our timeline. Our connection will be the truth. We can be honest while also keeping some things between us. Stop worrying. Everything will turn out how it should.”
For countless seconds, all I can do is analyze Chance’s words. I can’t deny that there is a strong connection between us, so maybe I just need to go with the flow. I’m going to just let Chance run this narrative, and I’ll follow his lead.
“Alright. I’m going to trust you. Just promise that we can leave if things go wrong.”
“You don’t even have to ask. By the way, is there anything that you need to purchase before we leave? Oh, that reminds me that we’ll be driving instead of flying because I love a good road trip.”
A slight grin upturns my lips because I, too, enjoy a good road trip. I prefer mindless travel to the hustle and bustle that often comes with flying. This route also gives me the ability to relax due to the idea of Chance and me having more time to talk before we’re directly in the hot seat.
“I think I’m good to go. I just need to pack. What kind of snacks do you like? I’m going to the store for goodies and want to get what you like too.”
“I love Slim Jims, Life Savers gummies, but the berry one, and Hot Cheetos. Oh, you can never go wrong with throwing in a few Three Musketeers either.”
