Page 60 of Rough and Rugged
“Anything,” I finally offer. “Within reason.” I hold up a pointed finger.
“Of course there’s a condition.” He wraps his beefy hand around my singular digit and tugs.
“You’re putting a condition on this contest,” I remind him.
“Whatever. Let’s dance.”
With his hand still wrapped around my finger, I lead him to the dance floor.
I don’t know how to polka. I’m certain he doesn’t know how to polka. But the music starts and off we go, following the pack and making fools of ourselves. As we kick our legs and dip our clasped hands, we laugh like I laughed earlier. Loud and carefree. Liberating once again.
Dammit, being with Ellis feels too good.
Chapter Five
Ellis
Shefeelssogoodin my arms, even if I have to keep swinging her away from me and doing this awkward cross body, hand holding thing, skipping around this tent like I’m not a giant of a man among minions. However, I see a few other fellas, equally whipped by a woman, stomping and rocking like fools. I’m not certain we are officially dancing as much as hootenanny-ing and laughing our asses off.
By the time the round is finished, I’m sweltering in my sweatshirt which I’ve had on and off throughout the day. I’m also breathless and need a break.
“Fresh air.” I hitch my thumb over my shoulder, pointing toward the open side of the tent.
Ginger laughs and nods. I grab her hand, and she allows me to lead her out of the confines.
Once free of the tent, and standing beneath the starry sky, I glance upward and take a long inhale of the fresh air, dewy and evergreen scented.
“It’s so beautiful here,” she whispers as if afraid to disturb the murmuring around us of couples breaking off and standing apart to catch their breaths. And sneak a kiss.
My head lowers.She’s beautiful. And I want to kiss her.
But she’s told me where she’s at. No longer engaged, I read the pain etched in her face. The hurt. The heartache. She might even go back to him. Apologies. Flowers. Promises. I’ve seen it happen. My sister did that with her man. Too bad it cost her in the end.
The thought reminds me of Poppy. Like Cinderella, I’ll need to leave soon.
Watching Ginger, I should cut my losses while I can.
“It’s been a great day,” I admit.
She glances up at me, a slow smile curling her lush lips. “I’ve had fun.”
My fingers twitch, eager to brush the curls, sweaty from dancing, back from her flushed cheeks. To run my knuckles along the column of her neck. To bring her closer to me.
“But I need to go.”
“Go?” The question is loud and fast, like the crack of a whip. She stands straighter, surprised. “Where do you need to be?”
I could tease her that someone is waiting for me. I could tell her the truth but it’s too complicated.
We’ve had a great day, and I don’t want to spoil it with tales from the past.
“I just need to go.” It’s better I leave on this high. Her wearing my shirt. Her ring in my pocket.
She’s no longer engaged. The idea elates me.
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip, then she twists them side to side. “Okay. I’ll walk you to your truck. I need to get my things.”
I tip my head to the right, and we walk silently, awkwardly, to where I’m parked. I’ve ruined things but perhaps it’s best.