Page 45 of Most Likely to Fear Love

One of the girls stumbled over to the jukebox in the corner. After fumbling with some coins, she managed to select a song. The opening notes of an upbeat pop song filled the bar, and suddenly all the women perked up.

“Oh my God, I love this song!” Jen squealed, grabbing Nikki’s hand. “Come on, let’s dance!”

Before I knew it, the entire group was moving towards the small dance floor near the jukebox, dragging Cassidy with them. She resisted for a moment, swaying slightly as she steadied herself against the bar.

“You coming?” Hiccup.

I’d never expected to find hiccups adorable, but here we were.

I shook my head, chuckling. “Nah, I think I’ll sit this one out. You go have fun.”

She shrugged, smiling hazily at me. “Your loss.” The other girl tugged on her arm and she was off, joining the others on the dance floor.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her as she started to move to the music. Her hips swayed in time with the beat, her arms raised above her head. The other women formed a circle around her, all of them laughing and singing along to the lyrics.

Cassidy’s face was flushed, her hair slightly mussed from the heat and movement. She looked free. Uninhibited in a way I’d never seen her before. It was mesmerizing. Bringing her out tonight was the best idea I’d had all year.

BringingCassidy out tonight was the worst idea I’d had all year. The past hour I’d spent watching her dance was absolute fucking torture.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her as she swayed to the music, her blonde hair catching the light. Every move she made was hypnotic, and I found myself gripping my beer bottle tighter with each passing minute.

After what felt like an eternity, Cassidy broke away from the group and made her way back to the bar. Her cheeks were flushed, and a few strands of hair clung to her forehead. She sidled up next to me, her body pressing against mine as she flagged down the bartender.

“Having fun?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She grinned at me, her green eyes sparkling. “So much fun! Thank you for bringing me here.”

With one arm wrapped around my shoulders, she leaned into me as she waited for her drink. The scent of her perfume mixed with the faint smell of sweat from dancing filled my sense, making my head spin.

Her fingers traced patterns on my arm. “You’re the best, Harle. You know that?”

I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to wrap my arm around her waist and pull her closer. “Appreciate it, darlin’.”

“It’s nice when you call me darlin’. No one ever called me darlin’ before. Did you know that?”

“I didn’t know that, no.”

“Well that’s fucking weird. I thought you were a smart guy.”

“Sorry to disappoint.”

She giggled, tapping her finger to my nose. “You’re a funny guy. A fun guy. You’re a mushroom!”

“You’re hilarious.”

“I know!”

The bartender set Cassidy’s drink in front of her, but she made no move to take it. Instead, she nuzzled closer, her breath warm against my neck.

“Cass—”

Cassidy’s eyes lit up at the opening notes of a familiar song. “I love Olivia Rodrigo!”

“Cass! This is our jam! Get over here!”

Without a word, Cassidy snatched up her drink and bounced away from me. I felt the loss of her warmth immediately, suddenly cold where she’d been pressed against me.

On the dance floor, Cassidy moved like she didn’t have a single care in the world, her arms in the air, her hips swaying with the rhythm. She was still laughing with her new friends, spinning in lazy circles as the music thumped around her. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

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