Page 77 of The Devastation You Reap

"It's nice to meet you, Macie. This one has been tight-lipped about you."

My chin drops to say something but I quickly find I have no response.

"Didn't you have anywhere better to take her on a Friday night than a Harris party?" she asks, turning her attention back to Leon.

"We've actually been to Antonio's for dinner. I just promised Devin that I'd stop in."

A smile twitches at her lips as Leon mentions the Italian restaurant he took me to, she almost looks impressed.

"That makes it a little better," she mutters before Kane drops down beside her and pulls her in for a kiss.

Leon's lips brush my ear now his friend is distracted.

"Letty is the nicest person you'll ever meet. Trust me, her mood is entirely my fault."

A shudder rips through me as his breath tickles down my neck.

"Why?" I breathe.

"Because I haven't told her as much about you as she'd like."

His lips brush down my neck making my already heated body burn from the inside out.

"We can leave if you like."

My agreement is right on the tip of my tongue, but I can't help feeling like I'd be running and hiding if I did.

I glance around once more at everyone enjoying themselves. At the friends laughing, the couples dancing.

This is college life. Surely I should have at least one night like this.

"No, I want to enjoy myself."

"I'm sure we could do that alone," he growls in my ear.

Making a snap decision, I take a huge mouthful of my drink, trying to ignore the burn down my throat before I turn to him and look right into his eyes.

"Dance with me."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Show me how this party thing is done."

He drains his beer, giving me a chance to drink a little more before he lifts me on my feet and guides me to where the others are dancing on the other side of the open-plan room.

Leon walks me over with his hand at the small of my back until he turns on me and steps up into my body, pressing his entire length against me.

"Hey," I squeak, suddenly feeling unsure about this decision.

Now we're in the middle of all the grinding bodies, I realize that I'm totally out of my comfort zone.

I've never danced in my life. Well, unless I'm alone in my room. I've certainly never done it with anyone watching or with someone else.

"Relax," Leon whispers in my ear. "Just do what feels natural.”

Running feels natural, but I don't tell him that.

Instead, I rest my arms over his shoulders and press myself harder against him as his lips find mine.