Page 59 of Wild Tides
Anya and Drew barely moved as they swayed. It was impossibly cute. Proof that the bigger they are, the harder they fall. It still surprised me, the way Drew melted like butter anytime Anya made a request. While I’d always respected my big brother, his devotion to her gave me new appreciation for the adult he’d become.
Lucy and Clay whispered softly to one another, eyes locked. Whatever they were saying must have been funny. Clay kept cracking up softly, hiding his mirth in Lucy’s shoulder. My taciturn friend looked relaxed in her boyfriend’s arms. At ease in her own skin in a way that was a joy to watch.
And then there was Rae and Zach. For such late-bloomers, they were absolutely besotted now. Though I shouldn’t point fingers. Lee and I hadn’t exactly been quick on the uptake. Hewas too stoic by half, and I’d been too uncertain about pursuing my crush on my brothers’ friend.
Lee’s hand found its way into mine, and I leaned into his shoulder, taking some of the weight off my heels. While the shoes looked fabulous, they were murder on my feet.
The soft strains of a familiar song drifted from the speakers, making my mouth tilt in a smile. Straight out of high school.
Lee cleared his throat beside me, tugging me toward the dance floor, his blue eyes gleaming. “Dance with me, Cupcake?”
“This song goes out to one special lady who is the apple of her guy’s eye, the butter to his scone, the plot twist in his novel. He says ‘thanks for giving me a second chance to get things right.’ And I say best wishes to the happy couple,” the DJ’s low bass rippled over the group.
I smiled at Lee. “Do I know this special lady?”
“You are the most special-est lady.” He dropped a quick kiss on my mouth.
The simple brush wasn’t enough to satisfy me. Not by a mile. But if Lee had gone to lengths to dedicate a song to me, I wouldn’t waste it wishing I were somewhere else. Even if that other place was somewhere private, kissing him.
I sank against him, letting him take most of my weight as I all but melted into his arms. Strong and sure, they wrapped me closer. The hard ridges of muscle beneath my cheek and his firm thighs against mine provided a frame upholding my body, which had gone limp like spaghetti. He was all that kept me upright.
It was perfect. Romantic. Everything I wasn’t prepared to appreciate in high school.
As the song drew to a close, Drew tapped on my shoulder. I blinked, not wanting to return to reality. “Have either of you seen Anya?”
Lee and I shook our heads. Drew’s frown deepened, worry etching his expression.
“Do you want me to go check the bathroom?” I asked.
“Please.”
Drew bit out the word between gritted teeth, his jaw taut. Deep furrows wrinkled his brow. I hated how worried he looked.
“How long has she been missing?” I asked.
“Just a few minutes.”
He paced back and forth, like a guard dog on a short leash. Maybe his reaction to the brief separation was over the top, but that was Drew. And it wasn’t like he didn’t have reason to worry after the mess with her ex.
“She probably just got cornered chatting with someone from the studio.” I scanned the crowd for her.
“I’ve searched. Twice,” Drew said.
He blew out a breath, long and slow, like he was trying not to lose his shit. And failing.
Lee placed a palm on Drew’s shoulder. “I’ll help you look again in here. Let’s check the exits too. Maybe she just needed some air.”
“I’ll check the ladies’ room and find you,” I said.
I wasn’t worried. Yet.
I smiled a quick greeting at Deb Jones, who was washing her hands at the sink. There were no feet beneath either stall. “Have you seen Anya?” The other woman shook her head.
I kept my head on a swivel, scanning for her as I walked the perimeter of the dance floor. Gran was cheek-to-cheek with Mr. Reyes, so I couldn’t blame her for kidnapping our friend.
Drew and Lee met me at the main door, expressions grim.
“Did you try her cell phone?” I asked.
