Meeting Him in Between

LAURIE

“Hey, what’s wrong? You look nervous,” Macy said, her brow furrowing with concern.

“No, it’s just... there’s a man looking at me, and I don’t know how to act,” I admitted, twirling a strand of my hair around my finger.

“He’s at the bar. Dark gray suit, white dress shirt, black tie,” I described hesitantly.

Macy scanned the room, her eyes narrowing. “Oh, I think I see him. Wait, no. Is he older? Gray hair?” She laughed, teasing me.

“No, he has dark brown hair, slicked back,” I corrected her.

“Wow, you’ve got quite the detailed description there,” she giggled.

“Shut up,” I laughed, swatting her playfully.

“No one’s staring at you right now, so you can relax,” Macy reassured me with a smirk.

“What are you girls talking about?” Michael asked as he returned to our table from the restroom.

“Nothing,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“Ah, I get it. You were gossiping about me, weren’t you?” he teased.

“Yes, Macy told me you have a nice ass,” I chuckled, causing Macy to burst into laughter.

“Well, thank you for the compliment, Macy. I think you have a nice ass too, if we’re being honest,” Michael said, grinning widely.

Macy’s face flushed pink with embarrassment, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “You two are perfect for each other,” I told them, hoping they’d see it for themselves.

“Laurie, do you mind if I take your best friend for a dance?” Michael asked considerately.

“Of course not, she’s all yours,” I assured him, giving Macy a reassuring smile.

“Are you sure?” she asked softly.

“Yes, go. I’ll be here, watching you two,” I giggled.

“I’m glad I dragged you to this party; you’re more fun today,” Macy said, beaming.

“You did something good for once,” I laughed, earning a wide grin from Michael. Macy shook her head at me before they disappeared onto the crowded dance floor.

I sighed, taking a sip of my wine when I felt someone behind me. Startled, I nearly spilled my drink as a man cleared his throat.

I turned to find myself staring into those dark brown eyes that had been watching me earlier. “Hey,” he greeted, his gaze never leaving mine.

“Hey,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

“You’re not much of a talker,” he observed, a hint of impatience in his voice.

“Neither are you,” I retorted, annoyed.

He frowned at my response, but a small grin appeared on his lips. “That’s true,” he admitted playfully.

I quickly looked back to the dance floor, searching for Macy. I felt nervous under his intense stare and took another sip of my wine.

“Do I make you uncomfortable, Miss...?”

“Laurie. And yes, you make me uncomfortable,” I confessed. His eyes seemed to roam over me, lingering on my lips.

He was so handsome that he made me feel like a teenager again, unsure of how to think or respond to his questions. It was overwhelming to stand so close to him.

I couldn’t maintain eye contact, so I looked down and fiddled with my fingers. He was tall and athletically built, his suit fitting him perfectly. It must have been tailor-made to accommodate his muscular arms. I could tell he spent a lot of time in the gym.

I found myself imagining him in shorts, his bare chest glistening with sweat...

“You look gorgeous, Laurie. Do you have a last name?” he asked, snapping me back to reality.

“I prefer to keep my last name to myself. And thank you, Mr...?” I inquired softly.

“Jeremy,” he replied with a small grin. He was undeniably attractive, and I wondered if he knew the effect he had on women.

My legs felt weak under his mysterious gaze, and his black mask only added to his allure. His lips and eyes were perfect, and his sharp cheekbones could have belonged to a model.

He must be a model, I thought, chuckling at his evasive response to my question.

“I’d like to dance with you, if you’re up for it,” he said firmly, making it sound more like a command than a question.

I looked into his eyes, searching for any hidden intentions, but found none. Even without the mask, he would have been an enigma.

“Yes,” I agreed, holding my head high.

What am I doing? Why didn’t I say no? Now I have to dance with him, let him touch me and stand close to me. How will I keep my composure when I can’t even look him in the eyes for more than a few seconds? Well, I guess I’m about to find out.