Page 61 of Arranging Ayra
“The best,” Jen said. “That’s why we can’t understand why he’s still single. I mean, look at him. He’s cute, he’s kind and he’s really one of the good guys; the kind you can trust and count on. Like my husband always says, Jai is going to make some woman really happy one day.”
As I listened to her, I looked at Jai in a whole new light. Yeah, I knew he was good looking, and I guess I’d always known he was one of the good guys, but... Now it was all coming together, as if...
“Hey! This is my all-time favorite song,” Jen said as she popped out of her seat. “Come on, guys. We’re not just going to sit around all night.”
“I don’t know,” I said as I reluctantly stood. “I’m not that great a dancer.”
“Who cares?” Jen quickly shot back. “The idea is to have fun, not wow the critics.”
She was so right, I just had to laugh.
We hit the dance floor and moved to the funky rhythm. I looked at Jai, curious to see his moves. Though I fully expected a gawky, awkward and stiff dancer, he surprised me with his smooth moves that had his body swaying to the music in a way that was mesmerizing. He seemed completely at ease on the dance floor, as if the music enveloped him. He was a phenomenal dancer.
When the funky song ended and a slower song began, I turned to leave the dance floor.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Jen said as she grasped my hand and brought me closer to Jai.
Jai shrugged as he took me into his arms. “She might seem a little bossy, but she really is a sweetheart.”
“I don’t doubt it,” I said already feeling like I’d known her for years.
I felt stiff and awkward in Jai’s arms, like I didn’t belong there, but as his strong hand came to rest in the small of my back and held me – so tender and yet so firm – it suddenly felt so right.
I glanced up at him and immediately turned away, leaning my head on his shoulder. You smell nice, I wanted to say, but the words stuck in my throat.
“This is nice,” Jai whispered into my ear.
I nodded.
He squeezed me tighter against him and I let out a satisfied sigh. I suddenly felt I belonged in his arms. I felt safe. I felt good.
The music faded from my ears. The dancers and revelers around us disappeared. We were alone in the world. All that mattered were his arms around me and his warm breath in my ear.
That sense of warmth stayed with me the rest of the night as we drank, danced and laughed. I loved his friends, loved my night out with Jai and just loved everything about being with him.
“It’s been great meeting you,” Jen said as we stood outside the club saying our goodbyes.
“I do hope to see you again soon,” I said.
“Goodnight, guys,” Jai said with a wave as he took my hand and led me to the parking lot.
“Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” I said as we approached Jai’s Rover.
“Positive,” he said with a grin. “While you’ve been downing those fruity drinks, I’ve been having sparkling water.”
I could just feel the silly grin on my face. I was deliriously happy. And I could feel my googly eyes as I looked up at him. I knew I looked silly, and I didn’t care. He was so fun and easy to be with. I was myself... completely and totally myself.
“Now, get in so I can take you home,” he said as he helped me into his vehicle and got me buckled up. His hand lingered on my thigh for a moment as he stood there in the open car door. “In case you fall asleep on the way home, I just want you to know, I really had a great time tonight.”
I giggled. “So did I.”
“Watch your hands,” he said with a laugh as he backed away and closed the door.
The city was relatively quiet as we took to the road, and the countryside even quieter. I nearly nodded off, but then sat up straight, not wanting the glorious night to end.
“Oh,” I lamented as we arrived in Derbyshire. “I forgot to call Keely to let her know we’d be back late.”
“Don’t worry,” he said. “I took care of it.”
