Slow Play (The Rules 3)

“You’re not too tired?” I ask her when she’s done telling her story. “We can leave early if you want.” I’m cool with leaving early, especially considering what she’s wearing. I want to rush her back home and get her in my bed. Or maybe push her against a wall first and run my hands up her legs. Beneath her skirt, find out exactly what she’s wearing underneath there…

“No, I’ll be all right.” I glance in her direction to find her smiling at me. “I’m nervous but excited to go.”

“Shep and Gabe will be there.” Thank Christ.

“I know. Jade texted me earlier asking what I was wearing.”

“Did you tell her it was something indecent?” I raise my brows.

Alexandria laughs. “It’s not indecent. The skirt is kind of short but not that bad.”

“It’s bad. But I’m a fan of bad.” I reach over and rest my hand on her bare thigh. Her skin is cold and she startles at my first touch. “You’re like ice, baby.” I run my hand up and down her leg, my fingers curving around her inner thigh. “You need to warm up.”

“It’s cold out there.” She rests her hand over mine, stopping my progress. “Are you trying to find out if I’m wearing any panties?”

My cock perks up at that question. “Are you?” I hope so because her dress is damn short. She doesn’t need to be flashing her goods at any other guy at the party. I’m the only one allowed to see her goods.

Then again, maybe it’s a good thing she isn’t wearing any because holy hell, that’ll drive me insane, being stuck at the party for the next couple of hours. Making small talk all the while knowing my girl is walking around the room panty less.

Shit. I’m actually breaking out in a sweat contemplating the possibilities. Reaching out, I switch off the seat warmer, then turn down the heat.

“Kelli said I shouldn’t.”

Fucking Kelli. I want to both throttle and thank her for the suggestion. “Did you take her advice?”

“No,” she admits softly. “Did you see how short this dress is? It’s ridiculous.”

I chuckle and reluctantly remove my hand from her thigh. “Says the girl who claimed her skirt wasn’t that bad.”

“Fine, it’s bad. But it covers up everything else. At least I’m not flashing my boobs. Not that I have much boob to flash.”

“They’re perfect.” She’s perfect. I chance another glance at her to find she’s staring at her chest, smoothing the front of her dress down, fidgeting in her seat. In constant motion, like she’s seriously agitated. “Stop worrying. They’re all going to love you.”

Probably too much. They’ll leer at her and say something inappropriate that’ll piss me off. I’m prepared to hear a lot of shit talk. I’ve done my fair share over the years. I loved nothing more than to give a fellow frat brother endless grief for getting tied down with one girl. Could never imagine wanting to do the same.

Well, things change. People change. And though I can’t classify what Alexandria and I are doing—I’m not ready to define it, damn it—I do know that I’m not going anywhere. I like her. I care for her.

I could possibly even fall in love with her.

Whatever that means.

“You don’t dance?”

I glance over at Alexandria, my gaze meeting hers. The music is loud and she has to shout to be heard. We’re the only ones standing at one of those high cocktail tables, the little glass votive sitting in the middle casting its flickering light on her face. Her eyes seem wider tonight and I blame the makeup. Everything about her is brighter, more intense, more obvious.

Like her beautiful face. Her pretty smile. Her infectious laugh. That sexy body, those long legs that slay me dead every time I look at them. Now she wants to dance. I can see it in her eyes. Hear it in her voice.

I don’t fucking dance. I never have. I was forced when I won homecoming king my senior year but that lasted all of two minutes if that, before I bailed. And that was a slow dance. I can shuffle my feet, hold onto a girl and not humiliate myself. Fast dancing? Hell no.

Shep’s out there making an ass of himself but what else is new? That guy just flat out doesn’t give a shit. I’ve never seen anyone act more ridiculous in my life, yet somehow he always manages to look cool. Everyone loves Shep. He’s the life of the party. The rest of us are just lucky we got invited.

“You should ask Shep to dance with you,” I tell her as I lean over and kiss her soft cheek. “He’ll do it.” Shep and Gabe are the only ones I’d allow to dance with my girl. The other assholes would risk getting their hands chopped off.

“I don’t want to dance with Shep,” she says softly, those big eyes imploring. “I’d rather dance with you.”

Sighing, I search the dance floor, frowning when I spot Gabe and Lucy out there too. Lucy can shake it. I’m not surprised. Gabe looks awkward, all flailing arms and elbows and I barely contain the laugh that wants to escape.

“I’ve never been a good dancer,” I admit, polishing off my Coke. I’ve remained sober tonight since I’m responsible for getting us home. Shep and Gabe both booked rooms at the hotel where the party is being held and I wish I had done the same. At the time they suggested it, I thought it was a stupid idea. Why, I’m not exactly sure.

Maybe because when it comes to this relationship thing, I have no idea what I’m doing half the time.

“How about during a slow song?” she asks, sounding hopeful. I don’t want to let her down. The last thing I ever want to do is crush her spirit. All she’s asking for is a little dance. I can manage that, right?

“Maybe,” I say and the smile on her face was worth my conceding. “Have you had fun?”

“Yes. A lot more than I thought I would.”

Me too. Considering I hadn’t been around much for the last year, hardly anyone paid me any mind, which was fine with me. I introduced Alexandria to them and not one guy made a rude comment. Not a one.

Well, Shep did but that’s because he’s a dick. He actually wanted to start something. But no one gave him the reaction he was looking for so he gave up. Well, that and Jade made him stop before he took it too far.

Thank God.

“Want to go soon?” I suggest, hoping she’ll say yes.

She tucks her arm around mine and leans her head on my shoulder. “After our dance, I’ll be ready.”

Sighing, I turn my head and press a kiss to her temple. “Just one slow dance, okay? And then we’re out. I want to get you home and all to myself.”

“Okay.” Her voice is as soft as her smile and I reach out to touch her, draw my thumb across her bottom lip. I can’t not touch her—she’s become an addiction I don’t want to shake.

The song ends. A slow one begins and she grabs hold of my arm, dragging me out onto the dance floor. I take her into my arms and she loops hers around my neck, leaning back so she can smile up at me. She looks so pretty, so pleased with herself for convincing me to get out on the dance floor with her. This is nothing short of a miracle so she better enjoy it while she can.

I twirl her around, making her gasp, making her laugh and as we pass by a swaying Shep and Jade, he gapes at me like I’ve grown two heads.