“Already at Mrs. Johnston’s,” Sean said. “They’re eating dinner over there tonight. We’ll pick them up when we get home.”
I nodded and looked around nervously. Of all the time I’d spent with Sean, this was the most nerve-wracking. I suddenly felt uncomfortable in my own skin, and it wasn’t until he took my hand in his that I finally relaxed.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked, squeezing my fingers gently.
“Yes,” I said, nodding.
He led me out the front door and down the porch steps. He didn’t let me go until we reached his car where he opened the door for me and helped me slide inside. Closing my door, he walked around to the other side and slid behind the wheel.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To dinner,” he said. “Then I thought we could go dancing if that’s something you like.”
“I love dancing,” I said, wiggling with excitement.
Sean laughed and drove us toward town, holding my hand the whole way.
* * *
We ate dinner at a small bistro in town. It only just opened last month, and I hadn’t had a chance to go yet. I felt like Sean could read my mind when he parked out front and led me inside. The food was amazing, but what kept me happy was Sean’s company. We talked the entire time, never once falling into an awkward silence.
* * *
After dinner, Sean drove us to the only dance club in town. It coupled as a bar and was the place to be on any given night. Janie and I usually avoided it on the weekends because it was jam-packed with high school kids carrying fake IDs. During the week, though, it was just busy enough to be fun and still have room to breathe.
* * *
“Drinks?” Sean asked, leading me to the bar.
“Beer,” I said simply.
“Perfect.” He grinned and stepped up to the bar, ordering us each a beer and turning around to place one in my hand.
We found a table and sat down, talking over the music and laughing at the crazy dance moves of the people around us.
“Wait,” Sean said. “You know everyone here, don’t you?”
I looked around and laughed to myself. Sean was right. Everyone in the club were people I’d either grown up with, gone to school with, or knew from afar.
“Basically.” I shrugged. “The curse of growing up in a small town, I guess.”
“It’s nice in a way,” Sean said. “I didn’t even know my neighbors back in San Diego.”
“I’ve always wanted to explore the world,” I said. “I love it here, and it’ll always be home, you know? But I still wish I could see other places, other cities, and countries.”
“Why can’t you?” Sean asked, leaning closer to me. “You can do whatever you want.”
“Maybe one day.” I smiled and leaned against Sean, taking a sip of my drink.
We finished our drinks, and then I led Sean onto the dance floor. We danced for what felt like hours, letting the music drown out everything else. I wrapped my arms around Sean’s neck, and he pulled me close, grinding his pelvis into mine. I giggled and turned around, shoving my ass against his crotch.
“You’re so damn sexy,” he said, leaning down to whisper in my ear.
His words sent shivers down my spine, and I knew it was time to go home. I turned around to kiss him, pulling his face to mine with a rough desperation. He groaned and kissed me back, his hands sliding down to my ass.
“We should get out of here,” he said against my lips. “Now.”
I nodded. “Let me run to the bathroom, and we’ll leave.”