Page 98 of Oklahoma Storms
Fifteen seconds pass, and I’m dizzy watching him spin. The bartender opens the door and the volunteer stumbles to the left, then the right, smacks into the wall, and collapses on the floor.
The entire bar falls quiet before loud cheers sound.
“Reina and I are going to the mechanical bull. We will see you later,” Westin tells us.
My brows raise when I watch the pair walk away. Reina turns around and mouths, “Oh my god” to me.
“Dance with me?” Oklahoma asks, spinning me in his arms so he can see me.
“I can’t say no to that. Do you want to get a drink first?”
“You can’t drink, so I can’t drink. Do you want anything else?”
There he goes, making me swoon again. At this rate, it’s all I’ll be doing. I’ll have to retire from storm chasing.
“I’m okay for now. I’d love to dance.”
He takes my hand and tugs me behind him, staying close. He never leaves too much space between us.
The dance floor is huge, and it’s packed with people. To the sides are small tables where people can set their drinks. Half-empty pint glasses sit in dozens. The bartenders are too busy to clean up. A disco ball hangs from the top of the ceiling that isn’t being used.
Boot Scootin’ Boogieby Brooks and Dunn comes on, and everyone steals a space on the dance floor.
Oklahoma is to my left. Millie and Jess are to my right. We step right, our left foot coming from behind for another step, and then we step out again. We kick our left foot out onto the heel of our boots, and everyone in the room claps once at the same time.
I glance over at Oklahoma, whose eyes are on me.
They are always on me.
“Pay attention to the steps,” I shout at him over the music and loud stomping of boots.
“I know these steps like the back of my hand, Sugar. I’m looking right where I want to. I have the best view in the house.”
I’m not sure if he can see me given how low the lights are and how dark it is in here. He tilts his hat at me before stepping left, grape vining our legs, kicking our right foot out on our heels, then clapping again.
I’m smiling ear to ear, happiness overwhelming me as I watch Ruka trip over himself as he tries to keep up. He’s never been good at dancing, but he always tries.
“Shit. Sorry!” Ruka shouts when he rams into another guy’s back. “I have no idea what I’m doing!” My brother takes a drink of his beer and tries his best. He never quits.
We all needed this. We needed to have fun and remember there is more to life than work.
In four counts, we kick each foot out, then raise our hands above our heads and clap, then swivel our hips and legs.
Oklahoma runs into me, grinning like he meant to. He takes my hand and spins me around, then lets me go to fall back into step.
I lift my hair from my back, allowing the humid air to dry the sweat gathering between my shoulders. I dance, allowing myself to feel swarmed with happiness. I have everything I need in my life.
I’m complete.
There isn’t anything else I can think of wanting. Tonight is the perfect night.
The song ends, and Oklahoma sweeps me in his arms, spinning us in circles. I grab his cowboy hat and plop it on top of my head.
His eyes flash blood red, his nostrils flaring, the tips of his fangs glittering against the low lights.
“You better be real careful. I’m already on edge. I’ll take you back in one of these disgusting bathrooms, pull your jeans down,and fuck you against the wall while someone is in the stall next to us. I do not care where or when or how I take you—just know I will.” He sets me down on my feet, my body sliding against his as he lowers me.
Every hard edge of him teases me.
