Page 8 of The Way We Collide

“You have no idea.” Catching her hand in mine, I lead her in the direction of the bar for a refill. “What kind of music do you like?”

The song ends, and a peppy, cheerleader-type dance song begins, causing all the girls to jump up and down again.

“Chappell Roan!” Raven cries, lifting her arms and doing a little twisty move that makes my mouth water.

Dylan’s best friend and former ballet partner Craig is on the improvised dance floor with my brother Garrett doing some YMCA-style spelling choreography.

Craig’s boyfriend Clint was Dylan’s wedding planner and florist, but I’m pretty sure Craig picked out all the music for the reception—with my sister’s help, of course.

I’m not much of a dancer, but I don’t mind faking it if it means I can wrap my arms around Raven. Watching her move, I think she might be the perfect woman.

If there were such a thing.

The bartender hands me two fresh drinks, and I pass one to her.

“Thank you.” She smiles, lifting her chin as she takes a sip.

We return to the tall table where we place our drinks. “So Chappell Roan…”

“Charli xcx, all the Broadway show tunes…” Her full bottom lip goes between her teeth. “Believe it or not, I used to be a pageant girl.”

“No shit?—”

“I know, I don’t look it.” She blinks away, and this time the flush on her cheeks isn’t like before. It’s like she’s really embarrassed.

“I wasn’t going to say that. I was going to say it explains your poise and how you project confidence.”

“I’m a terrific actress.” Her voice is quieter.

I slide a lock of brown hair off her creamy shoulder. “I bet the camera loves you.”

All of my brothers are on the dance floor now, jumping up and down to some Beastie Boys song. Craig yells for me to join them, but I wave him away. Usually, I’m right there with them having fun, acting crazy, but not tonight.

Tonight, I’ve found something way better.

She sways closer, the warmth of her body noticeable through the cotton of my shirt, and I can’t resist. “Tell me, Raven Gale, do you have a boyfriend back in Atlanta missing you this weekend?”

“Nope.” She pops theP, and my eyebrow arches.

“Something I should know?”

Her eyes roll, and a cute little growl rumbles in her throat. “The only person back home is Lawrence Calder O’Halloran.”

“I already don’t like him. What’s his story?”

“He’s the son of my dad’s business partner.” She slides another cherry between her teeth. “He’s also an entitled asshole who likes to keep me informed of the availability of weight-loss drugs—for my health, of course.”

“Hang on.” Shaking my head, I process what she just said. “He actuallysaidyou need to take weight-loss drugs?”

“Oh, no. He would never be so crass. He simply implies I’m a big girl, and don’t I think I should be smaller?”

Stepping directly in front of her, I put both hands on each side of the table, effectively caging her in my arms. “Look at me, Raven Gale.” She lifts her chin, and her breasts rise and fall as she breathes. “Your body is fucking gorgeous. There are women who would pay good money to have your curves, and I would give my left nut for one night to devour every… single… inch of you.”

I lean closer with each word, and her thick lashes flutter. That cute flush creeps up her neck again, and it makes me grin.

“What about you?” It’s a breathy question, and her pink tongue wets her bottom lip. “Is there some girl in LA waiting for you?”

“No.” My eyes flicker down hungrily. “I don’t date.”

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