Page 98 of Jagger

I nodded.

“I’m glad. Real glad.”

Without a doubt I’d made the right decision and as the band made a few announcements to the audience, I wasn’t paying any attention, instead leaning my head on his arm. Being around him, able to savor his amazing aftershave and feeling close to someone I cared about deeply made all the problems seem easy to solve.

I knew better, but at least tonight had been special and it wasn’t over yet.

“You two should dance,” Denise yelled across the table.

“Not a chance,” Jagger retorted. “Not in the mood right now. Too much shit going on.”

“Then why are you here?” Shephard taunted.

Exhaling, I fiddled with my wine, but was tired of his hot and cold. “Nope. We’re dancing.” Even if it was a country song, which I ordinarily couldn’t stand, I refused to allow anyone to destroy this moment of joy. I stood and held out my hand, challenging him with my expression to deny me.

He lifted his eyebrows and instead of turning into the surly man he was so famous for becoming when times got tough, he grinned. “Careful what you ask for, lady.”

“I’m not asking. I’m telling you. Get up and come on.” Of course I said the words so the others could hear.

“Woo-hoo! I like this girl,” Denise shouted.

Laughing felt good. Being with people I might be able to consider friends one day was amazing. If only Esme could be here, enjoying the view.

Including the hot guys.

She would go nuts.

I made a mental note to hunt her down in the morning, but for now, it was a nice date evening with a grumpy guy turned hero. I dared not call Jagger that again, but I could think it in private.

He didn’t fight me as I led him through the crowd, groups of people already dancing. When I found a spot where we could squeeze in, I turned to face him, curious as to what he would do.

As expected, he seemed uncomfortable, easily noticing the couples who either nodded in our direction or used his name directly. He’d never be the kind of man to enjoy the spotlight. But he managed to break through another barrier, taking me into his arms.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, swaying my hips in time to the music. His steps were awkward, moving one foot to the side then the other. “You really don’t like dancing?”

Snorting, he took a few seconds to glance around the bar. “Does it look like I know what I’m doing?”

“I have a feeling you’re holding out on me. You have many hidden talents.” I tried to move us around in one small circle, but his body was stiff as a board. No go. At least I could enjoy that he’d allowed me to take control for a little while.

“Nah. I’ve never been good at this shit. Music ain’t my thing.”

“No prom dates?”

“Hell, no.”

“No wedding receptions?” I hadn’t realized what I’d said until he got a faraway look in his eyes. Thoughts about Poppy’s declaration seized my mind. I’d betray a trust if I mentioned a word and this bar wasn’t the place.

He snickered. It was another attempt to hide behind his thick mask. “I don’t have friends who’d invite me.”

“Well, maybe we need to change that.”

“You can’t change me, lady. What you see is what you get.”

“Oh, yeah? I think you’re lying to me.” I pushed his chest playfully, throwing back my head and even belting out lyrics to the music. The band had taken a hip rock song and turned it into a country mantra. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the sound.

“You’re calling me a liar?”

“Yep. I am, big he-man. What are you going to do about it?”

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