I swipe my face with a hand and push the button for the elevator to take me from the lower ground floor where the ballroom is located to the lobby.
The elevator hums as it moves upward, lifting me away from the clinking glasses and conversations. When the doors open, a familiar scent of peaches and mangos surrounds me.
My mouth dries. I’m as parched as the Sahara Desert when my gaze lands on her.
Erin.
The green floor-length dress hugs her perfectly. My eyes rake up her satin-covered body, ready to meet her beautiful deep brown eyes, only to find that she’s totally checking me out.
“Hey, Bookworm,” I greet as I step off the elevator but keep an arm back to keep the doors from closing. “You made it.”
She doesn’t respond at first. Her eyes roam over my tailored suit—my arms, torso, and lips. When our eyes finally lock, herdelicate little throat bobs as she swallows. The action is painfully slow.
“Hi,” she whispers.
“Careful, baby. You keep looking at me like that and your dress is gonna end up on the floor of this elevator.”
Her breath hitches.
“You look phenomenal, Erin,” I tell her, giving her a peck on her cheek.
“Y-you…clean up pretty good too, Eighty-Seven,” she rushes out. “Were you stepping out?” She gestures behind her to the lobby.
“Not anymore.” I extend my hand out to her. She places her tiny palm in mine, letting me pull her into my arms. When her hands wrap around me, I already know she’s everything I need.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” she says, stepping out of my hold.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I tell her. “Everyone is really looking forward to meeting you.”
“Everyone?”
I grin. “The Tornadoes Bitches minus Rudy. He had an emergency. Brax and Roman will be here, too.”
She snorts, covering her mouth. “The Tornadoes Bitches?”
“Yep.”
We ride the elevator back to the ballroom. I guide her through the chatter and music as she takes in the sea of people. She’s clearly wary of the crowd and steps closer to me.
“You’ll always be safe, Bookworm,” I murmur, offering my hand. She takes it, and I gently lead her to the back of the room where the guys are still standing.
They all turn, eyes locking in on Erin as if they’ve been waiting for this moment.
“Guys, this is Erin.” I introduce her like she’s mine. “Bookworm, meet Hayes, Austin, and Oliver.”
“Hi,” she squeaks, offering an awkward wave.
Austin’s hand reaches out first. My brave girl lifts her trembling one to shake it. I take a step closer, my hand resting on the small of her back, letting her know that I’m right next to her and there’s no reason to be nervous.
“It’s nice to meet you, Erin,” Austin says.
“Y-you too, Austin.”
When her voice wavers, I’m half inclined to lift her up into my arms and carry her to a place where we can be alone together.
“Glad you could be here, Erin,” Hayes says, giving her a wink.
“Hi, Hayes,” she says, her voice steadier this time.
