Page 10 of Without Bound
Once the party got into full swing, the dance floor has been non-stop. I’ve danced with all the guys –but Bishop– and the girls pulled me into a few “girls only” dances. Dagen has dragged me out a couple of times, and Cami’s dad tugged me to the center when one of his favorite Tejano songs came on.
The only man left on my list is Bishop, and he has found himself on the other side of the room every time I have tried to track him down. But as the night winds down, he is left without anywhere else to hide.
The song ends and Hayes gives me a hug. “Thanks for the dance, darlin’. Be sure to bring those cowboy boots with you. We have lots of line dancing to do at Billy’s.”
He winks and I melt a little. These men have got to be the hottest group of guys I’ve ever laid eyes on. No wonder these ladies were quick to snatch them up.
I walk over to the table where my mom and gramma sit talking with Viv, and reach for the glass of water, chugging it down in one gulp.
“Hayes wear you out?” Viv asks.
“Just a little. I have one more guy to go, then I think I’ve danced with every male at this wedding.”
Viv’s eyes flick to look at something over my shoulder and she says, “I think she means you, big guy.”
I spin around to see Bishop hovering at the edge of the dance floor looking unsure and like he wants to run.
“What do you say, Bishop? One quick dance?” I ask him.
He gulps, his large Adam's apple bobbing in his thick throat, and he dips his chin. “Sure,” he says and holds out his hand.
I slide mine into his and my body suddenly feels like it’s been set on fire. Every inch of me burns and it burns for one person.
The low rumble of an acoustic guitar sounds, and he places one hand high on my waist while the other grips tight to mine. He’s so big that I’m thankful I still have my heels on because I barely reach his chin with them.
Lightly I rest my free hand on his shoulder and the raspy, seductive voice of Lenny Kravitz begins singing a song I don’t recognize.
“It’sButterfly,” Bishop says. The look on my face must be one of confusion because he repeats. “The song. It’sButterflyby Lenny Kravitz.”
“I recognized the voice, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard this song before.”
“That’s because it came out before you were born,” he tells me, a small smirk gracing his gorgeous face.
Jesus, this man is so beautiful. Dark, flawless skin. A short beardthat is beyond perfect, lines cut with precision. Muscles that bulge and stretch shirts to their very end. But the most impressive feature about Bishop is his smile. When he does, it’s the most glorious sight.
The way his face lights up, pure joy evident, is flat out the sexiest thing ever. It’s infectious and draws you in. Like a moth to a flame, to be cheesy about it.
The song plays on, the low hum of the guitar and voice setting a sensual mood. We don’t talk, just take turns glancing, trying not to get caught by the other. My eyes look quickly around the tent to see everyone enmeshed in their own conversations.
I let my fingers lightly dance on his shoulder that I can feel better with his suit jacket off and only his thin button up on. The top two buttons are undone and a gold chain shines against his chest. My eyes focus on that and his breaths turn deep and heavy.
“I’m really excited to start school,” I say as the song starts to draw to a close.
“Good,” he says, hoarsely. “I think you’ll really enjoy Rice.”
“Yeah. I think so, too.” My voice turns low and comes out just above a whisper.
Bishop’s eyes turn down to meet mine and they lock on each other. His jaw flexes as he clenches it, and I feel his fingers press harder into my waist. Our steps fall to a very slow sway.
I open my mouth to…say anything, but he quickly drops his hands and takes two steps back.
“Thanks for the dance, Anais. Good luck with the start of school.”
“But,” I call out as he rushes away from me and out of the tent.
I’m left standing in the middle of the dance floor by myself, wishing he’d give me just a moment of his time. That's all I need.
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