Nice Until Proven Naughty
“Yes.”
“But our night isn’t even halfway over. You bought me fair and square.”
“Is it wrong of me to say I hope that maybe if you go get her, I can get the guy she’s with to twirl me around like he did her on the dance floor? No offense, but that looked like a lot of fun.”
“None taken. You like Ethan?”
“Is that his name?”
“Yes, and he would probably kill to dance with you.”
“You think?”
“I know. Stay right here.”
“Where are you going?”
“Just don’t move.” I step away and then turn back toward Lesley, kissing her softly on the cheek. “Thank you for tonight and for buying me. It was a huge donation that the town appreciates. Also, you’re a great person, and whichever guy ends up with you, he’ll be damn lucky.”
She blushes and swats at my arm. “Go talk to Dani.”
She doesn’t have to tell me twice. I all but run across the open space, searching for Dani, but she’s nowhere to be found. Neither is Ethan.
“Everything okay?” Naughty asks, with Lucas at her side. They look happy, with their hands linked together. It’s disgustingly cute and also a little disturbing because even though she and Dani are nothing alike, it’s weird for me to see someone who looks identical to the woman I love with another man.
“Where’s your sister?”
“Dancing with Ethan last time I saw her. Why, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just sick of this. I don’t want to be here with Lesley, and I sure as hell don’t want Dani dancing with Ethan.”
Sam squeaks. “You’re finally going to do it?”
“Yes, if I can find her.”
“Atta boy.” Lucas gives me an approving pat on the back. “There’s Ethan,” he says, nodding toward my left. “But I don’t see Dani.”
I spin around and leave Sam and Lucas in the dust in my haste to get to Ethan. “I’ve been looking for you. Where’s Nice?”
“She went home.”
“What do you mean she went home?”
“Don’t worry, dude, Scott took over the bar. It’s all good.”
“I’m not worried about the damn bar, I’m worried about her. What happened? I just saw her with you, and she looked fine.”
He shrugs and frowns. “She said she wasn’t feeling the best. But between you and me, I think she was jealous.”
“Jealous? Dani? Dani doesn’t get jealous.”
“She does when she’s in love with a guy and has to watch that guy with another woman.”
My heart stutters. “Lesley bought me fair and square. What was I supposed to do, just ditch her?”
“No, but you didn’t have to dance so close.”
“We weren’t even touching,” I yell. “Plus, she likes you.”