The song shifts, the music thumping through my chest, and I realize I’m moving toward her.
The crowd parts in flashes from the stage lights above. The smell of sweat and alcohol thickens the air. And then she’s there, right in front of me.
Her eyes catch mine like a spark to dry tinder.
We don’t speak. There’s no need to. Our steps tangle with each other as the music drives us closer. My hand finds her waist without asking. Her body jerks, but she doesn't pull away. For one suspended moment, we’re moving together. Years of hurt and silence burn between us.
The hem of her oversized denim shirt sways against my thigh. She smells exactly like I remember. Earthy and floral, a scent I’ve been chasing for longer than I care to admit.
And I’m absolutely fucking wrecked. Because this is what I lost. This is what I ruined.
Her gaze holds mine—fierce, wounded, unflinching. Every word we’ve never said lives in that look.
For a moment, it’s only the two of us. Everyone melts away, leaving us on the dance floor, moving together.
But the moment doesn’t last. She’s pushing away. Her head shakes as she breaks through the crowd.
Never looking back.
I’m left on the dance floor as people glance in my direction. Greer reaches out and touches my forearm, giving me some semblance of comfort. The world feels like it’s crashing in on me, even though the music doesn’t falter and the laughter never stops. It’s another reminder of how messed up everything is.
Baker’s voice changes to “Beer Never Broke My Heart” by Luke Combs as I watch Wren push through the back door toward the outdoor patio, her hair swinging like a curtain closing.
I whip my head in Baker’s direction, flicking him the middle finger, knowing damn well he chose this song on purpose.
I’m left standing in the middle of the dance floor, heart hammering, every scar split wide open.
Levi’s right. If we’re ever going to move on, to coexist in this town, she needs to know the truth.
But fuck, I’m not ready to risk her hating me even more. Right now, I want a chance to get to know the girl who’s consumed my mind for years.
The Bay Buzz
FacebookPage
Sunset Shores Resort & Grill:Thanks everyone for kicking off the season with us last night! It was a packed house after the monthly town hall meeting. Neon Tailgate put on a great show and we can’t wait to have them back.
Neon Tailgate: @Sunsetshoresresortandgrill Thanks for having us!
Betty Jones: Anybody else find Mayor Emerson’s tone to be completely uncalled for?!! Maybe it’s time for a new face behind the podium…
Jody Reeves: @BettyJones Well, maybe if you and @Joewhitely would keep your bickering away he wouldn’t have acted like that…
Joe Whitely: @JodyReeves Come off it, Jody! Don’t you have more people watching (stalking) to do.
Jody Reeves: @JoeWhitely As a matter of fact, my neighbor heard from her grandson who saw Jett and Wren getting awfully cozy on the dance floor last night. @Jettriggsby @Wrendrummond any comment…
Edna Reames: Why didn’t anyone bring up the new resort being built on the southeast side of the lake? We don’t need another resort, especially someone from a large city
City of Silo Bay: @EdnaReames Please stop spreading this false rumor…
Molly Stevens: @Cityofsilobay I’ve also heard this rumor.
Chapter 7
Wren
Myheadthrobsfaintly.It’s not the kind of headache that takes you down, but the dull, lingering reminder of what happens when you let the music pull you in as alcohol softens your edges.
