I walk around the guys fighting and grab Courtney by the arm. “Get ahold of yourself!” I yell at her over the music. We rush out of the bathroom and run to the bouncer that is just glaring at everyone dancing around him.
I grab his arm and pull while shouting, “Fight!” He stops resisting my pulling and follows quickly.
Tate has Keith in a headlock in the hallway, about to choke him out. The bouncer steps in and recognizes Tate instantly and takes control of Keith, escorting him to the back alley and tossing him out by the dumpsters.
Tate grabs my hand, rubbing his large fingers over my knuckles. “You okay?”
I nod, unsure of all the thoughts and feelings swirling through my head.
“You want to get of here?” His voice is low and hoarse. He sounds so sexy and commanding.
“She totally does,” Court pipes in for me.
“Actually, I need a drink,” I croak. My throat is dry, and my hip is aching.
Tate drapes his other arm over my shoulder and says, “Lead the way.”
What am I going to do with him? He’s everything I should run from, but I can’t help but be drawn to him.
As a trio, the three of us make our way to the bar where Tate orders us all a shot. Courtney throws hers back and takes off to join Jen and Phaedra on the dance floor, leaving me alone with my self-proclaimed man.
We toss back a few more shots, and I’m feeling bold. I pull him closer to me by the collar of his shirt. I put my lips up to his ear so he can hear me clearly. “So, what’s this you’re my man business?”
“Let’s dance.” He deflects my question and takes me to the floor as a slower song comes on. Take Your Time by Sam Hunt. My arms are around his neck and his hands are on my waist. He dances better this way than trying to fast dance. His earthy scent envelops me as we sway to the music. I lay my head on his chest and let the moment wash over me.
His fingers tilt my chin up, and I’m afraid he’s about to kiss me, but I’m even more afraid of the thought that I want him to, as he gazes into my eyes. His deep blues are an ocean of promise and wonder. He leans in and I hold my finger to his lips.
“I’m starting to like you. Don’t ruin it, King.”
He sighs and concedes. We dance to another song and he walks me back to my friends.
“I’ll see ya, next class, Teach.”
“Yeah,” I whisper, as he disappears into the crowd.
“You guys ready to head out?” I ask the girls. They all nod. I think Jen drank too much. Her skin is turning green. I hope she doesn’t puke in the cab.
“Girl, if I were you, I would be dragging that sexy beast, Tate, home for the night,” Phaedra says with a wink.
That’s all guys like Tate want—one night.
I get the feeling that one night with a man like him wouldn’t be enough. I don’t need that or want it as tempting as it is. However, during the car ride to the dorm all I can think is…I wish I’d let him kiss me. My fingers press against my lips as I wonder how his mouth would taste.
It must be the alcohol.
It has to be.
I can’t fall for another jock.
I can’t fall for Tate.
Chapter 7
Tate
I
don’t know what came over me tonight. When Keith had his hands on Amaya, I wanted to rip his damn arms off and beat him with them. This feeling of ownership claimed me, and I knew she would be mine.