I set my drink on the bar top, not waiting for Caleb to respond, and head out into thecrowd.
I’ve barely stepped into the sea of bodies and I can already feel the sweat forming along my neck and back. My body caves to the rhythm and I fall in step with the beat, losing myself to the sounds thrumming through thespeakers.
“Where’s yourboyfriend?”
I spin around at the familiar voice to find Tony standing at the edge of the dance floor nearest me, and I make my way over tohim.
Shrugging, I say, “He’s not much into dancing, and he’s also not myboyfriend.”
He motions his head over to the bar. “Does he knowthat?”
My eyes follow his movements and I’m surprised to find Caleb facing the crowd, a grumpy frown lining hislips.
“Huh.”
“Huh,” Tonymimics.
“I swear we’re not dating. He’s my best friend’s ex-boyfriend and myroommate.”
“Take it from me, he wishes you weredating.”
“You think?” I ask, eyes still trained onCaleb.
“Oh, Iknow.”
“But he’s my best friend’s ex-boyfriend.”
Tony laughs. “Quite the hang-up,huh?”
“For me itis.”
“Girl code?” I glance his way, surprised. He shrugs. “I havesisters.”
“Definitely girlcode.”
“You guys will figure itout.”
“How are you sosure?”
“Because these things always go one of two ways: they implode, or they explode into somethingamazing.”
“You’re so encouraging. Your ex doesn’t know what she’smissing.”
He gives me a sad grin. “Tell me aboutit.”
“Sorry I can’t date you, Tony. You seem like you’d be a greatguy.”
“Oh, I know I am.” He winks. “I’m going to go ahead and give you my number just in case things implode.” He slides a torn receipt with his name and number my way. “Use it, trash it, whatever—just can’t let the opportunity pass meby.”
I grin and accept it, slipping it into my back pocket. “Thankyou.”
I give him a small wave and dance my way back into the throng ofpeople.
It’s not long before a set of hands lands on my hips. I don’t have to turn around to know it’s Caleb; I know his warmth, hisscent.
“I thought you didn’t dance,” I say to him over my shoulder, not halting mymovements.
He drags me back until I’m resting against him. “Idon’t.”