Page 59 of What Are the Chances
We pushed our way through, pausing to stand at the edge of it. Grace, Riley, Stella, Ava and Parker were dancing in the centre. They looked like they were having fun, jumping around to what I think was Burning Love by Elvis Presley. Probably Hughesy’s request. She was a music girl.
They were surrounded by countless other bodies, all moving to the beat too. The body that caught my attention though was Hayes Braddock. He came up behind Riley, his hands coming to rest on her hips as he ducked to whisper something in her ear. She tensed before shaking her head, but he didn’t get the message. When she attempted to edge away, his grip on her tightened. That’s when I kicked into gear.
I stomped onto the dance floor, not caring whose vibe I killed as I barged through. I could feel the guys on my heel. We were coming off a brutal loss. If it came to it, there was no doubt we had enough anger to throw down with Hayes and whoever stuck up for him. I was hoping it didn’t come down to that though.
Riley helplessly looked up. When her gaze collided with mine, relief transitioned her face. Once I was close enough she squirmed out of Hayes’s grip and walked straight into my outstretched arm. I tightened it over her shoulder, tugging her back to rest against my chest. She death-gripped my forearm, holding it in place over her collarbone. I could feel it heaving up and down.
“Braddock,” I practically snarled.
Hayes looked surprised to see me, and even more surprised to see Riley in my arms.
She felt so fucking perfect there.
“Caufield,” Hayes returned. “I didn’t realise you knew Riley.”
“I didn’t know you knew her either.”
He sneered. “Do you know her likeIknow her?”
“Doubt it.”
I didn’t like what he was insinuating. I sure fucking hoped he didn’t know her likeIknew her.
Hayes’s hair was currently slicked back, the gel making him seem even sleazier than normal, and he was wearing a buttoned polo tucked into cream chinos like he was about to start a round of golf.
I pivoted Riley and me, turning our backs to Hayes. Hopefully that’d give him the message to scram.
“Levi!”
Hughesy launched herself into Levi’s arms, grinning excitedly. He returned her kiss momentarily before pulling back and scrunching his nose.
“Babe, how much have you had to drink?”
She merely shrugged. Not a good start.
I chanced a look at Riley. Her cheeks were tinged pink, and her skin was radiating at a temperature much higher than normal.
“And how about you?” I asked.
She wriggled out of my embrace like a child being told they had to get off the playground.
“A fun amount.”
“Uh-huh.”
The guys and I were out of place on this dance floor. Everybody else was dancing to the fun beat, bodies moving accordingly. I was currently as stiff as they came.
“I think I’m ready to go home,” Grace announced, sliding down Levi’s body and placing her feet on the sticky floor.
He placed a protective arm around her waist. “I think that’s a good idea.”
I subtly checked over Riley. She was swaying on her feet and her eyes had gone hazy. Before she bumped into the girl dancing behind her, I grabbed her hand and tugged her off the dance floor. She came without objection, which told me she wasn’t in a sober state of mind.
Her interlaced fingers gripped mine tightly when I broke through the crowd. There wasn’t exactly anywhere free from lots of people though, so I continued outside.
Riley inhaled deeply when we burst through the doors, like she’d never tasted fresh air before. She dropped my hand to place both of hers on her knees, hunching over like she’d just crossed the finish line of a marathon. I placed a tender hand on her back, moving it up and down. I wasn’t sure whether she was about to throw up. She’d never been great at handling her alcohol.
The sliver of skin showing above her jeans was covered in goose bumps. I shrugged my hockey jacket off and placed it over her shoulders. Smiling appreciatively, Riley slipped her arms through it. My jacket was at least four sizes too big for her petite frame, she didn’t seem to mind though. And I certainly didn’t. I looked her over appreciatively.
