Page 115 of The Dance

The man grinned and unhooked the red rope that led up the stairs. “Have a nice night, Stacey.”

“Thanks.”

I walked up the stairs and stopped at the door, where a woman was taking money for the cover charge. The bass of the music in the other room thumped through the walls. Not sure if I had to pay or not, I took out the cash from my bra.

“She’s good, Tiffany,” I heard someone say. I turned to see Blake walking toward me with a huge grin on his face, and he reached out for a hug. “You made it.”

The moment Blake’s arms wrapped around me, something safe and familiar washed over me. It had been a long time since I’d felt his embrace, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it.

“You didn’t think I’d miss your big opening, did you?”

“Wasn’t sure.” He took a step back. “Thought maybe you were still pissed at me.”

“That was over nine months ago.” I waved him off.

“Let’s get a drink and catch up,” he suggested.

“Do you have time for that?” I asked. Considering it was his big night, I wasn’t sure if he needed to mingle or whatever.

“I’ll always make time for you.” He winked.

I smiled warmly. “Then lead the way.”

I followed Blake into the next room, the music getting louder and the massive space growing darker. Multicolored lights flickered around as people danced, talked, and drank. Given the number of people inside, I wasn’t sure all the ones outside would make it in before closing because it was packed.

“It’s so busy.”

“What?” Blake yelled.

I raised my voice. “There’s a lot of people here.”

He smiled the smile that made my belly do silly things. “It’s a nightclub, baby.”

“I know, but it’s so surreal seeing all these people here. You did it. You opened a nightclub.”

“Have little faith in me?” We stepped up to the bar, and he flagged a bartender over.

“Not at all. Just super proud of you.”

“Aw, thanks.” He slung his arm over my shoulder and pulled me against his body, then ordered two Long Islands.

“Aw, not going to make me your special Long Island?” I teased.

Blake chuckled. “My bartending days are over, unless you want it one on one.”

I lifted a shoulder. “Maybe.”

“Are you flirting with me, baby?”

I smiled, loving that even after so long apart, Blake and I were still able to have the same flirty banter we’d always had. “And what if I was?”

He leaned down and whispered into my ear. “Don’t think for one second I won’t bring you to my office and fuck you without peeling this tiny dress off of you.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

“Oh, baby. It ain’t no threat.”

I stood on my tippy toes and whispered into his ear, “And what if I told you I wasn’t wearing panties?”