“Do too.”
“And he’s scared off every man who’s approached us. Maybe I should stand away from you. I might have a chance of getting laid then.”
“Oh, shut up. We both know there’s only one man you’re interested in.”
Everyone in their circle of friends knew about Melody’s feelings for Brye.
“Yeah, well, he thinks of me as a little sister so maybe it’s time to move on.”
“I know how that feels.”
“Girl, that man does not see you as his sister. Are you going to tell me why he’s really here? And don’t give me that bullshit that he came to tell you something. That’s what phones are for.”
A new song came on, and Melody grabbed her hand. “Hey, it’s our song! Come on!”
Whew. Saved from having to answer that question.
She dragged Jenna over to the dance floor. Mel was spontaneous and fun, although she didn’t always think things through. Jenna knew Curt wouldn’t like her just taking off but she wasn’t out of his sight and as she danced to the beat she felt some of her tension drain away.
She threw her arms up into the air, jiggling her hips. Arms wrapped around her from behind. For one crazy moment she thought it was Curt, but the scent was off, and this guy was smaller. She pushed at his arms, but he didn’t move.
“Hey, let go of her,” Mel said, moving closer.
“Let go! Now!” Jenna yelled, feeling the panic rise. Old fears swamped her. Being restrained. Hurt. No. She wouldn’t let him hurt her.
Then her training took over and she slammed her foot down on the top of his. Then as he loosened his grip with a shout, she turned and rammed her knee into his balls, quickly following up with a punch to his nose.
As he crumpled to the ground with a cry, she stood there breathing heavily. Someone touched her shoulder, and she turned, her fists raised. Brye took a step back, holding his hands up.
“Hey, Jenna, it’s okay. You got him.”
Around them people had stopped dancing and were pointing and staring. She heard a shout then saw Curt push his way through the last of the crowd. His face was like thunder as he approached.
Suddenly, reality flooded in and mortification filled her.
“Oh, God, what did I do?” Tears filled her eyes.
“Are you all right? Did he hurt you?” Curt asked as he grabbed hold of her shoulders. He ran his gaze over her as though checking for injuries.
“I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me. Shit, I can’t believe I did that. Is he okay?” she asked Brye, who was checking the guy over.
“Who cares?” Mel said. “You told him to let go, and he didn’t. You were a total bad ass.”
She didn’t feel like a bad ass. She felt shaken and unsure. She looked up at Curt, who still held her. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist as two of the bouncers helped the guy limp off. She shook, and he ran his hand up and down her back.
“It’s okay. You’re all right,” he spoke against her ear so no one else could hear.
“Jenna, are you okay?” She looked over as Devon, the owner of Dirty Delights, approached.
“She’s fine,” Curt snapped. “You might think about getting more bouncers, though. A woman should be able to dance without getting mauled.”
Devon narrowed his gaze. “You’re the guy that punched Logan and Duncan, right? I have extra bouncers on, but there are a lot of strangers in town. Are you girls out on your own?”
Melody nodded.
“I’m keeping an eye on them,” Brye said.
Mel turned to give him a look, and he just raised an eyebrow.