Page 111 of Like A Moth To A Flame

The night went on, and before long, I was happy I’d come out. We played pool, laughed, and danced. I was surprised at how much fun I was having, and I couldn’t help but notice that Amelia and Carl were drawn to each other, affectionately exchanging glances and playful touches.

“They’re cute together,” Stephen said, leaning back in his chair.

He had deep, soulful brown eyes and a warm smile. The faint scent of leather and hay clung to him, a combination of his cowboy lifestyle and the bar we were in, adding to his rugged charm. Although his smile was warm and friendly, his eyes held a certain intensity, like he was feeling more deeply than he let on.

“They are,” I agreed, smiling back at him. “I never would have imagined the two of them would hit it off. It’s so weird!”

He chuckled, nodding.

“Sometimes opposites attract.”

“That’s true.”

I glanced across the room to where Amelia and Carl were dancing together, lost in each other’s eyes.

I was so happy for her. Maybe this would turn into a long-term thing. Wouldn’t that be adorable?

“You know,” Stephen said, grounding me back to reality. “I’ve always thought that wearing something like that would be uncomfortable.” He gestured to my outfit. “Is it?”

I laughed.

“Well, if I wear it for too long, sure.”

“Well, if youneeded any help getting out of it,” he said, leaning in closer. “I’d be happy to lend a hand.”

A hard, heavy ball of emotions dropped into my gullet, and I fought to swallow it down.

“You don’t have to, thanks,” I replied coyly, trying to mask my nervousness.

He smirked, giving me a charming look that told me he wasn’t backing down.

Smooth, Vanessa. Real smooth.

“Alright, alright. I was teasing,” he said, shaking his head. He leaned back, shrugging.

In my purse, my phone dinged, and absent-mindedly, I picked it up and flicked it on.

Once again, it was my little black heart.

If he touches you, I’ll kill him.

I blinked at the message, suddenly very aware of my surroundings and Stephen’s gaze. He was still leaning back in his chair, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he studied me.

I hadn’t heard Amelia saunter up behind me, and I jumped when I felt her lean over the back of my chair, threading her hands around my neck and resting her chin on my shoulder.

“Go with it,” she whispered in my ear, and I gave her a single, barely perceptible nod.

Amelia leaned over, her hand up to shield her lips as she whispered something to Stephen. He pulled back, nodding at her, and then turned to me and offered me his hand.

“Come on, let’s dance,” he said.

My heart stammered in my chest, but I couldn’t resist the magnetic pull of his outstretched hand. It was like stepping into a hidden realm, where the rhythm of the music melded with the rhythm of our bodies and everything else fell away.

Colorful lights from above illuminated the dimly lit dance floor filled with swirling couples. Sweat, perfume, and a faint aroma of alcohol permeated the air.

We danced to an old country song, Stephen leading the way, his strong arms wrapping around me as we moved together. I could feel the heat of his body press against mine, and the scent of leather and hay that I noticed earlier only seemed to grow stronger, wrapping around me like a blanket, but rather than the warmth that I’d felt last night in the tower, now I felt too hot—suffocated.

As we danced, I couldn’t help but notice that Amelia and Carl had vanished into the crowd.

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