Page 69 of My Heart Still Beats
Several months ago, I might’ve been the first to take to the floor with one of these handsome men.
But I stay glued to my seat.
Kathy rises next, joining the men dancing.
She’s single right now, having recently ended a short relationship with Braden’s father. Bobby Black is a good-looking man, but too old for my tastes.
Seems like no man is quite to my tastes these days.
Except Ben Black.
I still can’t get over the way he makes me feel—safe and secure.
But it’s in my head.
He’s the best man, and I’m the maid of honor, and I’m sure Braden told him to look after me.
I mean, why else would he plan a bachelorette party? That’s certainly not the best man’s job. It’s not the job for any man.
Clearly… Because I told him no strippers. And these hot dudes dancing around?
Definitely strippers.
Although none of them have lost their trunks yet. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. The thought should bother me more than it does, which I suppose is a good thing.
Betsy and Daniela join the fun, and soon I’m sitting at the table alone.
I finish my champagne. Between that and the Skye cocktail I had earlier, I’m done drinking.
I won’t be dancing, either. I’m happy to be the odd one out.
Until Skye pulls the guy she’s dancing with over to me. “Tessa, come dance with us. This is Lucas.”
Lucas is the best-looking one of the bunch. Smooth dark skin, muscles that could rival the best Olympic athlete, and a bald head. Normally I don’t like it when men shave their heads, but it works on Lucas. He’s fucking amazing.
“Why do you do this?” I ask him. “You should be walking a runway somewhere.”
“Because I enjoy this, pretty lady.” He grabs my hand and pulls me into a standing position.
I instinctively pull my hand away.
“Just try to have some fun, Tess,” Skye says.
“Sure.”Deep breath. I’ll do anything for Skye.
I tentatively hold my hand out to Lucas again, and he takes it. He pulls me out onto the sand, and the man can move. I close my eyes, immersing myself in the reggae music. It’s no salsa, but I like reggae.
Skye dances with us. She won’t leave me alone unless I ask her to, and I certainly won’t be doing that.
I dance for several minutes, leaving my hand in Lucas’s.
His hand is warm and inviting, and after a few moments, I no longer fear his touch.
But his touch doesn’t do anything for me other than that. As good-looking as he is, I’m feeling no arousal at all.
When the music stops and the band takes a break, I pull my hand away from Lucas. “Thank you for the dance,” I say, and then I head back to the bar. I need some more water.
The night is warm, and the dancing made me sweat.
