“Emma and I will be at Kellye Joe’s next Saturday, if you’re around. Roxe is playing and we never miss them.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Emma’s cousin is in the band. She is obligated and then drags me.”
“Okay, then.”
I walked to my door and then stopped to see where he was heading.
I screamed out, “Why are you walking that way?” He was heading toward the front of the parking lot.
“My truck is over there.”
“You walked me past your truck?”
“Yep,” he said, and kept walking. “I parked in the front lot.”
I smiled and got into my truck. That was probably the first guy who had ever gone out of his way to do something for me. And he barely knew me.
Maybe there was a reason why he kept showing up where I was.
8
BREIGH
I paced around Kellye Joe’s hoping Wyatt would show up. Unfortunately, my skill at reading signs had been far beneath perfection, and I hoped I wasn't reeking of desperation. I had a talent of failing when reading signs, hence the reason I ended up alone. The person I was looking for wasn't going to come around, at least that was how it felt. I had all but given up. Although it was completely ridiculous, Wyatt had sparked a little flicker of hope.
“He’s still going to show up; something must have held him up.” Emma commented trying to relieve my nervousness.
“Emma, I really do love your positive attitude, but I’m a realist. He isn’t going to show up. Why would he?”
“Because you are YOU! You don’t give yourself enough credit, my friend.”
“No, because I have zero luck when it comes to g…”
“There he is. I TOLD YOU!” Emma stood, pointing with a grin that spanned her entire face.
My heart rate rose to an irregular beat and felt like it was going to pound out of my chest. I tried to play it cool and not turn immediately to see him. He showed.
I waited a few seconds and straightened the blouse I had worn tonight. It sat on my shoulders and was the color of my eyes. My Ariat jeans fit perfectly and gave me the extra confidence I needed. I even wore my brown leather belt with the buckle that hadn't been donned for far too long.
“Hi, Breigh.” I felt his hand on my elbow and I turned to meet his eyes. His gorgeous green eyes. Emma waved and then walked off to give us time. She winked and then wiggled her eyebrows.
Could be a little more subtle, my friend. Geezzz…
“Wow, your eyes tonight with that shirt.”
“Thank you. It’s one of my favorites. I thought you weren't going to show up.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I got held up at work. You know how it goes when you want off early then you get busy.”
“You’re here now.” I smiled. His smile was unique to me, it wasn't perfect and I think that’s what I loved about it. Not to mention his slight stubble, which made him even more attractive.
“You up for a dance?” He held out his hand and I took it without a second thought. I feared after taking it I wouldn't want to let it go.
He pulled me close as we began to dance and I took in his masculine scent. My hand lay on his pressed, long-sleeved shirt and the other didn't let go of his. His shirt was maroon with white contrast and his jeans couldn’t have fit him more perfectly. If only a woman could get away with a grab and feel without being noticed.
He began leading me around the dance floor, pulling me close and then spinning me out before bringing me back to him. The music had a steady beat and although I should’ve recognized the song, my focus was strictly on this man who was holding me. My heart was still pitter-pattering and I was hoping he wouldn't feel it.
I took a deep breath to try to steady it.
“You okay?” he asked, concerned. I could feel his breath on me; smell the scent of peppermint.
“I’m fantastic, actually.” I wondered if he could feel the electricity that was sparking between us. It was intense and I felt as if I had no say in the matter.
He smiled that smile, and took me around the dance floor a couple more times. I wondered how many women he had charmed with that smile. I bet he could get away with murder using it.
When we get farther from the live band, he made small talk asking how the rest of my week had panned out? Then as we got closer to the band, he would then just hold me close. I was tempted several times to hold my head against his chest. The positivity of the magnet moved me toward him but I resisted, fearing to show my weakness.
I could not be weak. Not this soon. I had learned; weakness was not good. It showed I relented and I had to maintain a strong hold on how I was viewed. My father was weak. One of his worst qualities.
I wanted to resist him fiercely but his smell, the way he was holding me, and the warmth of his body made me want to latch on to him. I had always thought of myself as a strong woman, especially through my upbringing and the relationships I’d been through, but I was Jello in his arms. I had forgotten how good it felt to be a man’s arms. His arms.
“You want to dance another song? Or do you want to get a drink?” he asked, still not releasing my hand.
“I want to do what you want to do. I’m just so happy you showed.” Yes, I was fully aware how cheesy I sounded as soon as I spoke, but sometimes a girl just had to live in the moment, and for tonight, this minute, that was what I was intending to do.
“I wouldn't have missed it for the world.” He brought my hand up that was in his and placed a
