Page 175 of Force Play
“I’m going to go grab you another drink,” Ari says, tearing me out of my thoughts. “Vodka soda with lime, right?”
Apparently, he knows more than just my coffee order.
“That sounds great. Thanks, Ari.”
Ari smiles at me before disappearing into the crowd and heading toward the bar.
As soon as I’m alone, the girls all walk over to me.
“That was a cute little display,” Rory teases. “What was that all about?”
I try to shrug it off nonchalantly. “He was just telling me happy birthday.”
“Looked a little more intimate than just ‘Happy birthday,’ babe,” Harlow says, grin spreading wide.
“It wasn’t,” I lie. “He was just being friendly.”
“No, Luc,” Ella chimes in. “Ari is friendly withus.He’s not ‘friendly’ with you.”
“I don’t know what to tell you. We’re just friends.”
Olive sighs. “You’d be really cute together, though.”
We would, and I’d give anything to see that happen.
“Okay, ladies,” I say, veering us away from this conversation. “We’re here to celebrate. Let’s get drunk—not you, Ella—and have some fun! I’m ready to dance my ass off.”
I’m so thankful that works because I don’t want to keep thinking about my future—or lack of a future—with Ari. I want to forget that stress for just a night.
Sabrina Carpenter starts playing through the speakers, so that’s what I focus on. I sway my hips and lose myself in the music.
The girls are all dancing with me, but the guys are mainly hanging out to the side. I think I’ve only seen Knox dance at his wedding. Lane tweaked his knee during yesterday’s game, but I know he’d be up here otherwise. Cole and Josh are just watching their wives with rapt attention.
When Ari comes back over with my drink, I expect him to go over with his friends, but he stays with me instead. He starts dancing with all of us, having a great time.
The next time he heads to the bar to grab me another drink—I’m already three vodka sodas deep—he sneaks over to the DJ as well, requesting a particular song.
Well, I’m assuming that’s what he did because I can’t think of any other reason forBailandoto be playing.
Ari smirks and comes closer to me.
“This your doing, Casanova?”
“I’ll never tell,” he rasps. “I prefer what you’re wearing this time as you dance to it, though.”
I throw my head back and laugh, remembering the time he came home to me dancing in the kitchen while making paella. I was wearing Lane’s jersey that day.
Today’s outfit is definitely cuter. Cream-colored low-cut crop top with a matching miniskirt. I have my favorite strappy heels on with it, as well as my favorite jade pendant.
“Dance with me.” I grab his hand and pull him over to me, positioning my back against his chest as I start dancing.
And Ari dances with me. We’re not grinding, but the way we’re moving is still so sensual, and I swear I can feel the sparks blazing around us. His hands have a firm grasp on my hips, and I have my hand resting on the back of his neck.
It’s sultry and sexy, and I love the feel of his hands on me with everyone around.
The song ends, and I turn to face him, draping my arms around his neck. His gaze is heated, and I can see the lust on his face.
His voice is low and husky when he speaks. “How turned on are you right now, sweetheart? How drenched are your panties after dancing with me like that?”
