42 Hours (Time for Love 3)

We danced for hours. Two-stepping, line dancing, and by the end of the night, we were slow dancing. Her arms were around my neck, and mine were wrapped around her waist. As we moved, our bodies brushed seductively together. Her head was tucked under my chin, and her head rested on my chest. I could smell the peach scent of her shampoo, so I closed my eyes and allowed my senses to be filled with her.

My body was taut with need after holding her in my arms for so long. There was no way that Gaby would be able to misinterpret the way I was reacting to holding her close, but she didn’t move away … She’d even sighed a few times, and I took that as a good sign.

“Hey, twinkle-toes,” TJ called out from the edge of the dance floor, interrupting my dream like stupor. “You guys about ready? Shelly’s dead on her feet, so we want to head back.”

“You want to head back, maybe build a fire in the pit?” I asked Gaby, wanting to go back with our friends, but not wanting the night to end yet.

“Yeah, that sounds perfect,” Gaby answered sweetly.

I took her hand and led her off the dance floor. I didn’t let go until we made it back to the house.

Chapter 14 - Gaby

I came down the stairs in my sweats, tank, and a hoodie. It was kind of chilly out, and it might take a while for the bonfire to heat up, so I figured I was better safe than sorry.

Sasha was in the kitchen, the upper half of her body in the fridge.

“Need help?” I laughed.

She popped out and asked, “You want a beer or something stronger?”

Sasha was in her favorite ensemble of pajama pants and tank top, with her hair piled into a messy bun on top of her head.

“Beer’s good,” I responded. “Is everyone else outside already?”

“Yeah, the fire’s started,” she replied, handing me the beer after she popped the top.

“Have you noticed anything weird about Scott?” I whispered, even though she said everyone else was outside.

“What do you mean?” she asked casually.

Too casually.

I narrowed my eyes at her and asked, “What’s going on, Sash?”

Sasha looked around then leaned in and lowered her voice, “Okay, but you didn’t hear shit from me. Promise?” At my nod she continued, “Scott’s making his play.”

After she said the words she smiled broadly and clappe

d her hands.

“His play?” I asked, unsure what the hell she was talking about.

“Yeah, his play. He wants you, Gabs. He planned this entire weekend to show you how good you can be together.”

“WHAT?” I yelled.

Sasha looked around wildly while saying, “Shhhh.” She put her hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes.

“This is what you wanted, isn’t it? You and Scott to finally have a chance to be together? Well, it looks like he wants the same thing. That’s great news, right?”

I could understand her confusion, I had told her and Shelly that I wanted Scott and I to be together. But… “He just broke off his engagement like five minutes ago, I don’t want to be his rebound girl,” I spit out.

“It’s not like that,” Sasha insisted. “Scott wouldn’t do that to you. Just give him a shot.”

I looked at her, unsure of what to say, since my mind and body were infused with a myriad of emotions.

“Please?” Sasha pleaded.