Page 163 of The Off-Limits Play

“Yeah, you’ve made that abundantly clear. And I’m not some horny sex fiend. I can go one night without hooking up.”

“But this is your perfect night to do that,” I argue. “I don’t want to squash your style. I?—”

He holds up his hand to shut me up. “I promised Jolie I’d make you smile tonight, so just let me do that already.” Holding out his hand, he coaxes me with a tip of his head, and I find myself enamored by the sweet look on his face. “Come on. Let’s do a little dance,notmake a little love, but definitely get down tonight.” He winks, and I can’t help a relieved laugh.

Placing my fingers in his palm, I let him drag me onto the floor as the music slows to a soft sway that I’m actually grateful for. My leg can’t handle too much rhythm anymore, and I drape my arms over Darian’s shoulders with a relieved smile.

“Happy?”

“Yeah.” I nod, surprised that I actually am.

Sure, I wish the guy I was dancing with right now was someone else, but Darian is sweet and funny, and I love that I don’t feel pressured in any way to be more than his friend.

He rests his hands on my waist, and we sway back and forth. I’m just starting to relax when a guy in a suit with slicked-back hair and a pissed-off look on his face appears beside us.

I have no idea why he’s standing so close until I do a double take and choke on my own saliva.

“Carson?” I splutter, my heart rocketing into my throat.

He doesn’t acknowledge me right away; his eyes are currently locked on Darian’s face. “Can I cut in?”

My partner frowns down at Carson and shakes his head. “No.”

“I’m cutting in, asshole.”

“The fuck you are. This woman’s my date. Go find your own.”

“I don’t want anyone else,” Carson growls, and I start to worry that these two are gonna cause a big scene.

Shit.

Clearing my throat, I squeeze Darian’s shoulder and murmur, “It’s okay. I can dance with him.”

The tall basketball player whips back to look at me, slightly incredulous. “You know this guy?”

I look at Carson, drinking in his slightly desperate gaze and feeling something in my chest tug. It’s such a familiar sensation that I end up nodding.

Darian sighs and I glance up in time to see his eyes narrowing, and then he starts to nod. “You sure?”

“Yeah. I… I want to.”

“Okay. I’ll be just over there if you need me.” Stepping back, he allows Carson to take his place, then gives him one more suspicious side-eye before making his way back to Charli.

She’s mouthing at me, “Is that the guy?”

I give her a subtle nod, and she gives me a thumbs-up, which makes my lips twitch, but I’m so nervous right now. I’m seriously not sure whether to be elated or enraged that he’s here.

Shit. I don’t want him to hurt me again, but I’m pretty sure I’ll stop breathing if I let him walk away.

He’s wearing a suit. He looks so freaking hot, and he’s…

Is he doing this for me?

Is he here to win me back?

I look up at Carson, trying to clamp down the riotous hope bursting in my chest. He’s staring at me with a look of pure vulnerability, and my heart is already turning to custard. I wish I could be stronger around this guy, but I’ve been missing him so badly.

He hurt you.

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