Page 19 of Speed Crush

“Only if June will dance with me,” he taunts—right there, in front of Scott.

Scott’s jaw ticks—just slightly. He hears the challenge. Knows exactly what this is. But instead of answering it, he turns to me with that same steady look he’s always had. “You need a refill?”

I’m good,” I say, half wishing he’d leave me alone long enough to figure out what the hell I’m feeling.

He watches me for a second longer—checking. Like he’s asking without asking if I want him to stay.

When I don’t stop him, he gives a small nod and slips into the crowd.

Noah’s eyes cut to Scott. Then back to me. “So… he’s the hometown hero?”

He nods toward Scott, voice low, almost amused. “Your knight-in-shiny-armor? Everyone seems to think he’s the sure bet.”

My chest tightens. “He’s my best friend.”

“So, not your type.” Noah states quietly. Not a question but a read.

I don’t reply. Because my body’s already betraying me—skin flushed, thighs clenched, mouth still aching from remembering his kiss.

Then the slow song starts.

And Noah? He doesn’t ask this time.

He just steps forward and offers me his hand.

I hesitate a second too long. I notice Scott’s keeping tabs a few feet away. Then, with a nod from me, Scott takes a step back.

Noah pulls me into him, one hand at my waist, the other capturing my hand like it’s his.

The music swells.

We move slow. Close. My chest brushes his, and I swear I feel every breath he takes.

“You look good tonight; first time I’m seeing your hair down.” he murmurs.

“You say that like it’s news.”

His hand slides a little lower.

“I keep waiting to have a chance to talk,” he whispers. “But you keep running.”

I swallow. Hard. “That’s because you’re not safe.”

His grin is pure sin. “Tell me something I don't know.”

My head spins. My body is pure heat.

And when his mouth grazes my ear and he whispers, "Still pretending I didn’t wreck you with my kiss?”

I nearly lose it.

My fingers tighten on his shirt. My knees threaten to buckle as the shape of him brands into me—thick and solid, heat bleeding through every layer between us.

Oh my! I need a chaperone or a fire extinguisher.

And right on cue, my firefighter best friend, Scott appears—always just in time. His hand hands on my shoulder… and not-so-subtly nudges Noah’s away in the same motion. His voice? Cool. Clipped.

“Hey, June. Your mom’s looking for you.”

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