“We have the same friends, but I don’t really know her that well.” He knows me better than most, so I know he won’t let it go easily.
“And why is that? Why haven’t you gotten to know her?”
“You know why.”
“She reminds you of Lily.” When I don’t answer, he continues. “It was a long time ago. Don’t you think it’s time to move on and bring someone new into your life? You’re forty. Don’t you want to settle down and start a family?”
“Says the man who’s dating a girl a couple of years older than his son,” I snort. “I’m not sure you should be giving me relationship advice.”
“Hey, I’ve already been married, and it didn’t work out. Now I want to have fun. You, on the other hand, live like a hermit.”
“I don’t live like a hermit; I’m private. There’s a difference,” I deny. “Plus, I have friends. I go out all the time.”
Ignoring my objection, he continues. “Beck’s great. Funny and smart. April adores her; she says that she is incredibly talented. Not to mention she’s very beautiful.”
“Yes, she’s all of those things, but I’m not interested in pursuing a relationship with her or anyone else.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want a relationship either. Maybe she’s looking for something casual.” He leans back on the bench and raises his chin towards the dance floor. “Like with that guy.”
Turning my gaze back to where the girls are dancing, I see a heavily tattooed man slide up behind Beck and place his hands on her hips. Looking over her shoulder, she grins at the stranger and keeps on moving, never missing a beat.
The sight hits me straight in the chest. Every instinct tells me to stay where I am. To let her have fun. She can dance with anyone she wants. I grip the table to hold myself in place as my pulse picks up.
She must feel me watching her because she turns her head and meets my eyes. Her mouth twists into a smirk. A challenge to see what I’m going to do about it. She wants a reaction. Reaching behind her head, she loops her arm around the back of his neck and winks at me as she continues swaying her hips.
“What’s wrong, buddy?” Vaughan chuckles. “I thought you weren’t interested.”
“I’m not,” I refute as the man spins her around and pulls her closer. His hands slip lower as they grind together with his knee between her thighs.
And that’s it. I don’t think; I just act. I’m on my feet, weaving through the crowd to get to her.
Sliding up behind her, I rest my hands on her waist and pull her towards me. “Thanks for keeping my girl company, but I’ve got her from here,” I say calmly, flashing the guy as polite a smile as I can manage. The last thing I want to do is punch him in the face for touching Beck on Vaughan’s opening night.
Stepping away, he laughs, raising his hands in surrender. “Sorry, man. I didn’t know she was here with someone.” Turning, he disappears into the crowd.
Beck spins around and glares at me. “What the fuck was that?”
Keeping my tone easy, I say, “Oh, I thought I was saving you. From where I was sitting, the way you were contorting your body looked like you were trying to get away from him. My bad.” My hands don’t leave her body. Instead, I pull her towards me, falling back into the rhythm together.
“Seriously, Ryan?” She shakes her head, half laughing, half exasperated. “You’re unbelievable.”
“What? I was looking out for you,” I say in feigned innocence.
“Oh, yeah. That’s what it always is—you just looking out for me.”
“Someone has to,” I counter.
“Oh my God. That was so hot,” April interrupts, grasping Beck’s arm. Reluctantly, I release her and step back to give them space.
“I don’t know about that.” Beck rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
“We’re ready to head out,” Vaughan says as he pulls April to his side.
“You don’t mind walking her back to the hotel, do you, Ryan?” April asks.
“Of course he doesn’t,” Vaughan answers for me, patting me on the back.
“Do you have your room key?” April asks Beck.
