Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Riiilleeyyy,” he groans. “This is our moment. Our time to shine. We’ve got this.”
I’m sputtering with laughter. “Fine. Lead the way,” I concede.
“You coming?” Jacob asks Hudson.
I don’t turn to look at him. Instead, I take the coward’s way out, bring my beer to my lips, and take a long pull. My gaze stares down the hall at nothing, but I make it seem interesting.
“Yeah. I’m right behind you.” Hudson’s voice is gruff and, if I’m not mistaken, a little agitated. I have no idea what he was about to say, but I can only guess. He’s sorry for the way we were dancing, and it shouldn’t have happened. That’s my guess, and I can’t take his rejection. Not tonight. Not with the feel of his body pressed to mine still at the forefront of my mind.
Jacob pulls me out on the dance floor, and with our beers in hand, we shake what our mothers gave us. We take turns making stupid dance moves. As one song leads into another, Darcey, April, and Raven all join us. We form a small circle around Jacob, and he thrusts his hips as if he’s auditioning for Magic Mike. He’s gorgeous with sandy blond hair and big brown eyes, but he’s not Hudson.
Pushing thoughts of Hudson out of my mind, I pull my attention back to my friends and my sister as we all laugh and have a good time. Clayton joins us, bringing us each a beer before sliding his arms around my sister's waist and grinding his hips into hers.
These two have danced around each other for years, no pun intended. Neither one of them will admit that there could be something incredible between them. We all know they’re both interested. We all know that would be couples’ goals for the rest of us. However, Clayton leaves soon. He’s going on a mission that will pull him away from our small little town for two years.
Raven is torn up about it, but she refuses to talk about it. Clayton being gone isn’t going to change her feelings for him, though. I just hope that they can work it out. It would be great if it was before he left, but I’m guessing that’s not going to happen.
Eventually, we all need a breather and head back to the table. Bruce, Brett, and Hudson are deep in conversation. Hudson catches my eye, and the corner of his mouth tilts in a grin. I trip over my own feet, pushing into the chair I was about to sit in.
“Whoa, you good?” Raven asks.
“I’m fine.” If you don’t count embarrassment. “I think I’m going to head home.”
“You can’t drive.” Raven gives me a stern look.
“I know that. I’ll leave my car here and just walk. It’s a few blocks. I can manage.” I bought my small little two-bedroom house two years ago. It’s in town, which isn’t ideal, but it was in my price range, and I get to call it my own. Besides, it’s really convenient for nights like tonight, even though they don’t happen often.
“You can’t walk home alone at this hour,” Clayton says.
“He’s right,” Jacob echoes.
“One of us will drive you,” Bruce tells me.
“What they said,” Brett chimes in.
“You’ve all been drinking too.” I point at the beer bottles scattered around the table.
“I’ve only had two,” Clayton speaks up. “And that was as soon as we got here. I was planning on driving everyone home.”
“Water.” Hudson holds up his now empty water bottle. “I’ve got you all,” he tells them.
“I’m staying at April’s,” Darcey speaks up. “That’s literally around the corner.”
“We’re still going to walk you.” Bruce leaves no room for negotiation, causing April and Darcey both to roll their eyes.
These guys are a great group. They’re a blast to be around, and they’re protective of us all. That’s why letting go with them is easy. I know I’m in good hands. That we all are. Hell, there are nights it’s us girls who are taking care of them. That’s just what you do for your friends.
“I’ll take Raven to her place,” Clayton speaks up. “You guys walk April and Darcey home, and I’ll swing back to get you. Hudson, you drop Riley off at hers since you’re going that way.”
I open my mouth to protest, but when Hudson stands and leans in close, he whispers, “I’ve got you, Riley.” It’s all I can do not to melt into a puddle on the floor.
I finish off my beer for that last little bit of liquid courage and make eye contact with my sister. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Ugh. We should have waited to do this tomorrow night.”
She’s right. We should have, but what’s done is done. I move around the table, passing out hugs to everyone before stopping on the other side of Hudson. I could feel his eyes on me the entire trip around the table, but I chose to ignore him. I had to, or our friends, and my sister, his best friend, would see right through me. Hell, I’m not sure they don’t already after tonight.