While the couples at the table continue to talk about their speculations for Jase and Holly’s wedding, I can’t help but return my eyes to the couple on the dance floor. They are like night and day in appearance and personality. Jake is as tall as Erin is short, he’s as loud as Erin is quiet. But, it works for them. I love watching them bicker back and forth, especially because once they reach the turning point in their “discussion”, you can see the look in their eyes and the smiles on their faces and know that make-up sex is right around the corner.
“Have you guys noticed that Jake hasn’t taken his hand off of Erin’s stomach all night?” I ask to no one in particular. However, the entire table is instantly quiet and staring at me. And then as if all pulled towards the dance floor by an imaginary string, all seven heads turn towards the couple. “Plus, I’m pretty sure she hasn’t had anything to drink tonight,” I add.
“Holy shit,” Avery replies, wide eyed and with a huge smile, as she stares at her brother and his new wife.
“Now that you mention it, I am pretty sure she didn’t drink the night of the bachelorette party,” Josselyn adds with a smile.
“They’re having a baby,” Maddox states with a smile just before he leans over and kisses Avery on the lips. “We should have another baby,” he whispers against her lips but not quite soft enough to not be heard by everyone at the table.
“Just don’t make that baby right here,” Holly says, feigning disgust. “I know both boys are sleeping right now, but Bean over there doesn’t need to see that.” Everyone turns to Brooklyn who is sitting at the table blowing bubbles leftover from the ceremony between Mr. and Mrs. Stevens. Both Ryder and Grant crashed about an hour ago and were taken by their mothers up to the nursery that Mrs. Stevens has set up for the grandkids. The small, portable monitor sits on the table between Joss and Avery.
Jake looks up from the dance floor and notices us all staring and smiling at them. He whispers something in Erin’s ear and she whips around, shock on her face.
They know that we know.
As soon as their dance is complete, the DJ encourages everyone to join the couple on the dance floor for the next slow song. Nate stands up and takes me by the hand, leading me out to the center of the dance floor. He pulls me tightly into his embrace as we sway in rhythm to the music.
I used to love to dance. Back when Garrett and I first started dating, I used to love to get dressed up for dinner or a party and dance the night away under the big sparkling lights of the banquet hall or hotel. But after his love turned violent and physical, the events became tainted. They were a chore, a requirement. The smiles were forced or fake and the fun and excitement completely void. Dancing became something I avoided.
Now, wrapped up in Nate’s protective arms, I feel the joy of the act again. Nate sways perfectly in time with the beat proving that even big, strong men do have rhythm.
“I have a surprise for you,” he says, pulling my tighter against his chest. Tighter against his chest and against his growing erection.
“Does it have something to do with the hello I’m receiving from your pants right now?” I ask with a chuckle.
“Maybe. I can’t help the way my body reacts to you. This happens every time you’re in the room with me, every time I think about you, and just about every time I take a breath,” he says.
“So, you walk around in a state of arousal all day long?” I ask with a smile.
“Basically, yep,” he says as he kisses me on the forehead.
“I bet that makes for some awkward moments. The grocery store. Dinner with your family. Work with the guys.”
“Now do you see my problem?”
“So what are you going to do about this problem?” I ask coyly.
“I have a bag packed for both you and me out in the trunk of the Mustang and a tent pitched along the creek bank in my spot. I want to take you camping tonight,” he tells me.
I look up into his wide blue-green eyes and ask, “Camping?”
“Yeah. The only way to take care of my problem is to make love to you. Over and over again. Maybe even for days on end. I need to take you somewhere you can’t get away from me that easily,” he adds with a smile.
“Sex in a tent under the stars? Sign me up, cowboy,” I tell him with a huge grin.
Nate pulls back and makes a grab for my hand. “Nate! We can’t go now,” I tell him as he starts to steer me towards the exit.
“Bullshit we can’t. The most beautiful woman in the world just agreed to one of my top five fantasies. Screw Jake and his wedding. He’ll get over it. I’m out of here,” he says over his shoulder as he pulls me stumbling behind him.