Page 10 of Here With Me

“I’ll make it worth it.”

“Alright, then.” Her lips tilt up in a victorious grin as she reaches for her pocket and pulls out the second folded napkin. She holds it between us.

I’m close to grabbing it before she yanks it out of my reach.

“In case I changed my mind about givin’ you my number, I wrote down my ex-boyfriend’s.”

The hand that was close to stealing it backs away. “Didn’t know women did that.”

“After a couple dozen times of tellin’ boys no, we got smart. Usually pissed off our exes, too, so it was a win-win for us.”

“Clever.”

She crinkles up the napkin and throws it away. “I’m still friends with mine, so I wouldn’t actually wanna do that to him. But it’d be a funny prank.”

Customers pull her away as the music changes to an upbeat country song, and people file onto the dance floor. If she weren’t working, I’d take her out there with me and use any excuse to touch her. My hands wouldn’t leave her body until I was forced to.

That thought shakes me to my core.

My wife and I loved going out on the weekends before our daughter passed. We’d dance and drink until closing. Tonight’s the first time in a decade I’ve even thought about dancing with another woman, and it only took two conversations.

I haven’t had a woman in my bed since I was married. I’ve gone on dates and kissed them good night, but that’s where it ended. The desire to have someone like Noah underneath me should terrify me. But it doesn’t.

We have an unexplainable spark, and I won’t waste time questioning it. I’ve spent years punishing myself for my past and how I handled things, but I don’t want to deprive myself of potential happiness.

Noah hurled herself into my life for a reason. For the first time in only God knows how long, I want to follow my heart and see where it takes me.

Checking my phone, I realize the bar closes in less than twenty minutes. It’s not as busy as it was when I first arrived, but now I’m anxious for the evening to end. I want more time with her. Preferably alone.

Ten minutes later, the band announces their final song and the last call for drinks. People flood the bar, pushing me out of my spot. Standing back, I keep my eye on Noah as I finish my third Budweiser.

Remembering I have her number on the napkin, I program it into my phone, then send her a text.

Fisher

I’ll wait for you outside, and if you stay with me at my camper tonight, I promise to have you screaming within eight seconds.

My phone vibrates just as the bar empties and people file out, me included.

Noah

It takes more than eight seconds to impress me, cowboy.

Smirking, I type out another message.

Fisher

So what would impress you?

Noah

You’ll have to wait and find out…if you can keep up with me.

Her words have my cock twitching as dirty thoughts swirl in my mind. I’ve never wanted someone I just met as much as I want her. I should leave her alone, but I can’t find the strength to walk away. It’s too late now. I’m all in.

Fisher

You’re playing with fire, Noah. I’m gonna make you eat those words.