I frowned. I didn’t have any money to give her. I’d have to get some cash from Dad and bring it back here for her. Even though I hadn’t asked for her help, it didn’t feel right to snub her.
Shoving open the door, I walked out of the bathroom. The air conditioning in the hall blasted me, and I shivered. It was suddenly like the arctic in here. Rubbing my hands over my arms, I now cursed myself for not bringing the wrap.
I made a beeline back to the banquet room, but before I reached the end of the hall, I stopped. Someone was behind me, watching me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on edge, and I glanced over my shoulder.
I was alone.
Shuddering, I turned around, determined to get back to my table safely when I ran face first into a hard body.
“Oof.” I stumbled back from the force. “Sorry.”
“It’s my fault. I should know better than to stand in the way like this.”
My ears rang, and I could feel the color drain from my face. That voice. It was him—the guy from the concert. I took several deep breaths and reached for the wall to steady myself, but my suddenly sweaty hand slipped, and my knees buckled.
Before I could hit the floor, his arms were around me, hauling me against him exactly like he had last night. My vision blurred, and the bitter sting of bile coated my tongue. Intense heat washed over me at the same time a debilitating wave of déjà vu slammed into my consciousness.
I’d been in this situation before—shocked, disoriented, physically sick over seeing someone who shouldn’t be there—and I knew clear to my soul that this guy had been there, too. He’d held me, and I’d pushed him away, frightened.
My heart jackhammered, and I blinked. Just as quickly as it had happened, the memories vanished.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I focused my gaze on him. His eyes were a dark shade of blue, insistent and concerned.
I nodded. “Yes,” I whispered. “Sorry I ran into you.”
“It’s okay.” He smiled, and my stomach dropped like I was on a roller coaster, weightless and exciting. He flexed his hands on my waist, and my eyes fluttered closed of their own volition.
Without thinking, I leaned into him, shamelessly using his body as my personal leaning post. I expected him to pull away, but he didn’t. In fact, he moved his hands around to my back and hugged me. I sighed with contentment.
Someone cleared their throat. “Excuse me.”
I jerked away, my face hot with embarrassment, and moved out of the way. “Sorry,” I mumbled with a forced smile. When the woman passed, I returned my attention to the guy. “You were at the concert last night.” I rolled my eyes. Could I have said anything dumber?
He laughed and leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “I was.”
“I never got the chance to thank you.” I willed my heart to slow and my breathing to ease to a staccato that wasn’t so sharp.
He lifted a brow. “For what?”
“Saving me from that guy in the mosh pit. If you hadn’t pulled me out of the way, he would’ve crushed me,” I said.
“Right.” The corner of his mouth quirked into a smirk, and whatever control I’d managed to regain over my heart rate was lost. “Well, it was my pleasure.” His voice was low and suggestive, the sound enveloping me like a favorite blanket. “Shall we return to the party?” He extended his arm toward the banquet hall.
“Yeah, my father is probably wondering where I am.”
There wasn’t a single bone in my body that didn’t trust this guy—which was probably the stupidest thing ever—but I wasn’t going to let him know that. We fell into step, the silence thick between us.
“So, what’re you doing here anyway?” I winced. “I mean, I’m surprised to see you. It’s almost like you’re stalking me.” I laughed nervously.
“My brother is a sucker for a good cause. He dragged me along.” He glanced at me and winked.
My neck and face flushed, and I looked away, not wanting him to see how he affected me. He had a brother? Was it possible he was Jaxon’s brother? I wanted to ask him, but how did I broach the topic?
This whole thing was too bizarre—the constant “accidental” run ins, the intense desire to be closer to him, the lack of fear, the inexplicable familiarity. Despite whatever weird déjà vu memories I had, I knew I’d never met this guy before, nor had I ever embraced him.
We exited the hallway and walked into the main room. The music was louder and more upbeat, and people moved gracefully around the dance floor, including Dad and Larissa. So much for leaving soon. Although, sticking around a bit longer wasn’t such a bad thing anymore.
“Would you like to dance?” he asked.
“Yes.” I smiled. Anything for another moment with him, in his arms.
He took my hand and led me onto the dance floor. His hand was warm and large, but it fit perfectly around mine, and his touch chased away my nerves. We found a spot among the crowd, and he tugged me toward him.
With one hand on my lower back, he clasped my other, lacing our fingers. His palm was like a branding iron, searing me with his touch. Then, he began to sway to the music, his movements elegant and self-assured.
I lost myself to the rhythm, enjoying the moment, savoring the feel of his strong, warm body against mine, and the enticing scent of his woodsy cologne. But no matter how perfect this was, sadness seeped into my mind. I should have been in Keene Valley, shopping for prom dresses with Abby and Ellie weeks ago. But that was just one
