by Jacob Chance
We’re partners on the stage twice a week, and have been for two years. There’s no one I’d trust more than Joe, to lift me over their head and balance all my weight on one hand. He’s incredibly strong and sure footed. Dancing together like this requires trust and he has mine implicitly.
We spend the next three minutes performing feats of strength and artistry. As the music winds down, he lowers me from where I’m stretched out over his head and catches me in his arms. My legs grip his hips and we end with our arms wrapped around each other.
The crowd goes crazy, jumping to their feet. Joe releases me and I slide down the front of his
body until I’m on my feet. He catches my hand and we stroll to the edge of the stage, taking our bow.
Vaguely, I see a few women mixed in with the men, but their faces are blurry. The crowd is large for a weeknight. Glancing down at the tables closest to where we stand, my eyes land on Nolan. Oh my God. There he is, front and center. What’s he doing here? His steely gaze meets my own surprised one.
Joe leans over and kisses the top of my head. “Great job, and no farts,” he chuckles.
“Ha ha you’re so funny,” I reply, my eyes never leaving Nolan. His tightly clenched jaw and dark brows pinched together lead me to believe he’s angry, but why?
Joe squeezes my hand and leads me from the stage. I can’t resist peering over my shoulder for a final glimpse of Nolan. His brooding stare is the last thing I see as I round the corner and head to the dressing room.
“Are you going to stay and have some drinks tonight?” Emma looks hopeful.
I sigh, “One round. I don’t want to stay too late. My best friend is having guy troubles and I want to get home at a decent hour in case she needs me.” Grabbing my bag, I pull out a pair of jeans and slip them on over the tiny spandex shorts I danced in.
“You’re a good friend.”
“Thanks, I try.” I slip a black V-neck sweater over my sports bra and sink down onto the bench to tug some socks on. “She’s my cousin and roommate too, so we’re closer than most.” I slip my feet into my favorite Chucks and stand. I place my bag in a locker and slam it shut. “I’m ready if you are.”
“Awesome.” She smiles. “Let’s go. I’m thirsty as hell.”
Following behind her, she leads me down the other end of the hallway, taking a left when we reach the end. She opens the door that leads into the main area of the bar, and I pass through. I’m nervous to see Nolan and I can’t identify why. When we spoke earlier today everything was fine. And now… he seems off. And knowing he watched me dance has me feeling exposed. As if he unexpectedly saw me naked.
Wiping my damp palms on my jeans, I head to the bar. Some situations require liquid courage to make it through and this might be one of them. A stiff drink might be just what’s needed.
We slip onto two empty stools and Oliver, the bartender, comes over. While Emma orders for both of us, my gaze scans the front tables near the stage for Nolan. There’s no sign of him and disappointment assails me.
Why did he leave? What’s the point of him being here if he doesn’t want to talk to me? Did he come to watch someone else?
Oliver slides our drinks along the bar top to us and I groan when the first sip hits my taste buds. “God, that’s good. I really needed this tonight.”
“Rough day?” A large hand lands on my back. I spin around to see who voiced the question and find some guy I’ve never seen before. I shove his hand away from me.
“Can I help you?” I ask scowling.
He leans toward me and toys with the ends of my ponytail draped over my chest. “I’m hoping you can.” My mouth opens to tell him to fuck off, but before I can a large hand grips the stranger’s shoulder, spinning him around.
“Get the fuck away from my girl,” Nolan growls. His girl? My heart leaps and bounds inside my chest.
“She didn’t mention having a boyfriend.”
“Well, she does,” he grits out, staring pointedly at the guy. Nolan puffs up his chest, crossing his muscular arms, drawing my attention to his forearms. With his long sleeves pushed up I see his muscles moving under his skin. Apparently, the stranger does too.
He throws his hands up in the air and steps backward, placing distance between the two of them. “I didn’t realize she belonged to someone.” What a strange thing to say.
“I don’t belong to anyone, buddy.” I fire back. Nolan places his arm across my chest, holding me in place.
“Get out of here, dude,” he directs the stranger, watching as he scampers away. When he disappears out the front door of Score, Nolan aims his heated gaze on me.
“So I’m the last guy you’d go out with, but you’ll dance half naked with one and then sit here while another cops a feel? Yeah, that’s some solid decision making.”
“Fuck you for judging me. I’m a dancer. It’s what I love and I don’t need you trying to make me feel bad about it.” I poke him in the chest. “And I wasn’t letting that guy feel me up. I would’ve taken care of it myself.”
“Are you sure about that?”
Slipping from the stool, I stand in front of him. “Yes, he’s not the first to act like that and he won’t be the last. I’m prepared to handle such situations. You didn’t have to come to the rescue. In fact, I wish you hadn’t. Then you couldn’t throw it in my face.” Glancing at Emma, I shake my head. “I’m not in the mood for a drink anymore.”
Wide eyed, she nods. “No worries.”
Marching off, I move toward the door that leads back to the dressing room. I’m just inside when I’m spun around and pressed against the side wall. His hands cage me in, one on either side of my head. Each palm rests flat against the concrete and acts like a barrier to keep me from fleeing.
His heated stare pins me in place better than his body ever could. “Our conversation wasn’t finished.”
“I said everything I wanted to.”
“Good. Then you can listen to what I have to say. You need to be more careful and more aware of your surroundings. That guy never should’ve gotten close enough to touch you, never mind actually getting a hand on you.”
“What are you, a cop?”
“No, but my uncle is. I know enough to pay attention to what’s around me. Awareness is your best weapon.” My eyes dart away from his. He catches my chin, leaning forward. “Are you hearing me?”
“Yes.”
“This is important, Perri. You’re a beautiful girl. You naturally draw men's attention and I can’t be here every night to protect you from assholes like that guy.”
“Why are you here?”
“Why do you think?”
“You like watching girls dance?”
“I like watching one girl in particular dance.” My stomach does a series of somersaults. “Her dancing is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen. I can’t seem to get enough of it.”
His words render me speechless. What do I say to that? His honesty astounds me. I wish I could be half as brave. But I’m not. If I was, I’d admit how much I like him.
Licking my lips, I silently stare up at him willing him to say more. Give me a little more and then maybe I’ll have the courage to say what he wants to hear.
He shakes his head, exhaling a heavy sigh. “Get your stuff and I’ll walk you to your car.”
“You don’t have to, I’ll be okay.”
“I want to. There’s a difference.” He steps back and gestures for me to do as he said. I surprise myself by complying. Scurrying down the hallway, I round the corner and grab my bag from the locker.
Pausing for a moment, I glance at my reflection in the wide mirror. My eyes are darker than usual and disappointment reflects back at me. Why didn’t I speak up and tell him that I’m intrigued by him? Why did I remain silent?
He’s too young for me. And way too sweet to deal with my snarky ass. It’s better to hurt him a little now than a lot later. My head reminds me of all the reasons to stay away. Now if I can just keep my heart from weighing i
n.
I meet Nolan in the hallway and we walk outside together. We stop at my car and I lean my butt against the driver side door as we stare at one another.
Nolan breaks the silence first. “I’m sorry for how I acted like a caveman in there. I just get protective when I care about someone. That guy put his hands on you and I could tell you weren’t happy about it. It’s like a switch flips in my brain and I can’t help myself. I’ve done it when my friends have needed help too.”
“I accept your apology. But maybe next time you can observe and step in if I really need help.”
He nods. “I can try.”
“Come on. Get in. I’ll give you a ride home.”
He smiles. “Let me get the door for you.” He opens the driver’s side door and closes it once I’m safely inside. He ambles around the front of the car and my heart races. He’s going to be in this vehicle with me for however long it takes to get him home.
Stay cool and remember he’s too young. And more importantly off limits.
He ducks inside bringing his woodsy, masculine scent with him. I inhale and start the engine. Maybe I can drive under the speed limit and inhale enough of his cologne that I’ll never forget what it smells like.
“Do you have an early class in the morning?” Nolan asks.
“No. I don’t have any classes before ten. I purposely did that because of the late work nights.”
“I don’t have one tomorrow, but there are a couple of days that I do. I’ll be glad when this semester is over and I can start later.”
“Freshman year I had early morning classes on Mondays and Fridays. I never made that mistake again.”
“That must’ve sucked.”
“It did.”
We drive in silence for the next few minutes until I pull up outside the frat.
Nolan turns to me. “Will you please text me when you get home? I’m going to worry now that you dropped me off first.”
My eyes meet his and a smile plays on my lips. It’s cute that he’s feeling protective, but I do this all the time.
“You know, I arrive home alone all the time and I’m still here.” I throw my arms out to the side.
“I know you do, but tonight will you please text me?”
“Okay. I will, but just this once.”
He flashes a grin and jumps out of my car. “Be safe. Lock your doors and don’t forget to text me.”
“Yes, dad.”
His deep laugh is cut off when he shuts the door. He stands on the sidewalk and watches me as I drive away.
Me: I’m home.
Nolan: What took you so long?
Me: I had to shower first, if you must know.
Nolan: Next time text me first. I was worried.
Me: There won’t be a next time.
Nolan: How was your shower?
Me: Are you trying to flirt with me? If you are, you suck at it.
Nolan: No. I asked a simple question.
Me: Yeah. A weird one.
Nolan: How was the drive home?
Me: Uneventful, just like I said it would be.
Nolan: I’ll let you get some sleep. Are you working tomorrow night?
Me: Yes.
Nolan: Text me when you get home. Please?
I don’t answer at first. Do I really want to encourage him?
Nolan: I said please.
Me: I know you did. I’m thinking about it.
Nolan: Don’t think so much. Go with your gut.
Little does he know that my gut is telling me to do all kinds of things he wouldn’t expect. My head is screaming at me to keep my distance. Guess which one I’m listening to?
Me: Fine. I’ll text.
Nolan: Thank you. Night.
Me: Goodnight.
Chapter Eight
Nolan
Even though I haven’t seen Perri since the night she gave me a ride home, we’ve texted every night. What began begrudgingly on her part has now turned into something we both look forward to. Our text conversations have become a way to wind down before bed. Although, they have the opposite effect on my libido.
Every time I hear a car I look out the window and there’s no shortage of traffic on this street. I can’t wait to see Perri. We’re going to have so much fun in Vermont. I can’t wait to show her around. I hope she likes the area as much as I do.
Loud knocking catches me by surprise. How did I miss her pulling up? Yanking the front door open, I find Perri on the other side. Catching her hand, I tug her through the doorway and into the house. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I lift her off her feet and she squeals. I spin her around in circles until I’m too dizzy to continue.
I set her down and her hands clutch my shoulders as she struggles to balance on unsteady legs. “What was that for?”
I laugh, “I’m excited. Vacation time has arrived.” Four days of missing her is too much and now we’ll be spending extensive amounts of time together for the next five days.
“Wow, I guess you are. How many cups of coffee have you had so far?”
“Not a single one. This is an all natural high brought on by the thought of being alone in a vehicle for almost three hours with you.” I tap her on the nose with the tip of my index finger.
She slaps her hand into my chest. “I’m sure that’s it.” She glances around the entryway, her eyes landing on my bags. “So, what’s the plan? Where is everybody?”
“Here’s what’s going on. You and I are riding up there now and the rest of the guys are coming tomorrow.”
“What?” Her tone is sharp.
“They can’t make it until tomorrow. Clancy has to help his mom with something and Flynn and Darren are waiting for him.”
“We’re going to be there alone, except for your brother?”
“Actually, my brother isn’t out of school until tomorrow.”
“It’ll be the two of us and no one else?” She looks panicked from this information.
“Yep, but don’t worry, I’m only a serial killer during full moons and we’re not due for one.”
She rolls her eyes. “Funny. Do you want to wait until tomorrow to go? I’m not in a rush. I don’t mind.”
“What’s the point of waiting?”
“They might get lost if they can’t follow us.”
“They all have GPS on their phones and they’re grown men. I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Leaning down, I grip the handles on my large duffle bag and sling it over my shoulder. Holding the handle on my suitcase with one hand, I pick up my backpack with the other and smile at Perri.
“After you.” I tip my head toward the doorway. She walks outside and I follow, kicking the door closed behind us.
She opens the back on what appears to be a new, silver Toyota Highlander.
“Is this yours?” I place my bags inside and close the hatch.
“No, it’s my mom’s. My parents didn’t want me driving my little car in case it snows while we’re there.”
“That’s smart of them. There’s a good chance we’ll be seeing some flakes at some point.”
She shakes her head and walks to the driver side door. “Well, it seems I’m still their baby no matter how old I am.”
“I think that’s a universal parental law that age doesn’t play into.” We both settle inside the sport utility and put our seatbelts on.
“Where to?” She starts the engine.
“Jump on ninety-three north and we’re going to follow that for quite a while. Would you prefer I drive?”
Her head turns toward me. “Why would I want you to drive?”
“Because you don’t know the way and then you could relax.”
“How do I know you’re not a horrible driver? I’m not ready for my life to be in your hands.”
“What’s it take to gain that level of trust from you?”
Perri sits still, contemplating my question. “I’m not sure. I’ve never gotten to that point with anyone besides Eliza.”
I grin. “I’m going to make
it my mission in life to show you how trustworthy I am.”
“Sounds like a huge waste of your precious time.”
“Perspective is everything. You can think that, while I think it’s time well spent.”
She shrugs and directs us into traffic. “It’s your life.”
Remaining silent, I check my phone for a text from my brother, but find none. I can’t wait to see him tomorrow.
Glancing at Perri, I smile. She looks adorable in her green fleece pullover, jeans, and furry boots. I can’t wait to see her on the slopes.
“Hey, I never asked you if you’re a skier.”
She takes the ramp to the highway and once we’re safely ensconced in the flow of cars she answers, “I am, but I prefer snowboarding.”
“Really?”
“Yep. I think it’s more fun than skiing. The poles bother me. I like my arms free.”
“I agree with you one-hundred percent. I can’t wait to see what you can do. Are you going to wow me?”
“I can hold my own.” Her eyes flick side-eye to me. “Do I sense a dare being thrown down?”
“That wasn’t my intent, but just so you realize, I never run from physical challenges.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She plucks her sunglasses from a hidden compartment in the dashboard and slides them on. “So, how cold is it going to be in Vermont? Am I going to regret coming?”
“I checked the weather report and it’s pretty mild. We’re looking at mid thirties for most of the days and later in the week it’s supposed to hit the forties.”
“I can deal with that. I was prepared for low twenties or something crazy. But I’ve got loads of warm clothes with me.”
“Did you bring your bathing suit?” I try to keep my tone even. Although the thought of her in a tiny bikini has me feeling anything but controlled.
