Free The Do Over by A. L. Zaun Page A

up. "Suit yourself. I'm going downstairs to dance. I cross my heart and promise that I won't stalk your hottie instructor, so you can relax. Anyhow, I want to see if I can encourage things with Chris. That guy has me going a little nuts for him. Oh, the things I want to do to him…" Macy purred before she started heading toward the stairs.
    I turned to Candace. The truth was that I always felt more comfortable talking to Macy about most things because she was Macy. When I needed good advice or honesty, Candace was the one I trusted. She would never steer me wrong.
    "Do you think I'm making the right choice by sitting up here while he's down there?" I asked Candace, hoping she could reassure me.
    "Why are you doubting yourself? For a moment, I was impressed there by the confident Daniela who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to wait for it. You're right, Dani. You aren't desperate. Just because I don't like it when you hide behind your books doesn't mean I want you to cling to the first guy that looks your way."
    "It's just that…well, I got so excited when I saw him here and then he left. It bummed me out. What if he left the club? Or worse, what if he's down there flirting with someone else?"
    "Sweetie, it would be his loss. It's as simple as that. Don't sell yourself short. If he has any sense at all, he'll find you. And if he doesn't, then that's okay. It just wasn't meant to be."
    "You're right. Are you ever wrong?"
    "Nope." She smiled. "Look, I'll never intentionally misguide you. Also, I'm not kidding. He's going to have to get my approval."
    "Yes, Mom."
    "Ha, ha, ha. I'm not your mom. I can also tell when you and Macy act like I am. To be honest, it hurts my feelings. I love you girls. I just don't want anyone to hurt you." Candace pouted.
    I matched her pout. "Candace, hon, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I'm sorry about my Kindle addiction and how it interferes with our friendship. I do appreciate you. Thank you for forcing me to come here tonight and for making sure I felt like Cinderella."
    Candace sipped her Cosmo. "Are you having a good time?"
    "As a matter of fact, I am. It's getting late though, and my feet are killing me. How on earth do you do it?" I slipped off one shoe and rubbed my foot before I slid the shoe back on.
    "I think you've met your quota for clubbing and Cosmos. We'll give Macy a little longer and then leave."
    Candace finished her drink and smiled. Then, she did something very strange. She got up, gave me a hug, and then walked away.
    "Okay…that was really strange," I said to no one in particular. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a drink being placed on my table. I tried to stop the server. "Oh, wait, I didn't order another drink." When I looked up, my face lit up at the sight of Liam.
    Smiling, he slid in next to me. "Hi."
    Internal freak-out, happy dance was in process. I wasn't sure how safe this would be. It was difficult enough to play it cool while I was sober. What are my chances half drunk? How many Cosmos have I had anyway? They seemed to keep coming, and I had lost count a while ago. I tried to keep my smile contained, but I failed miserably.
    "Shall we dance?" he asked.
    I flirted back. "I'll have to check my dance card." I refused to look at him. It was my only weapon of self-defense. Keeping my gaze forward, I only glanced at him from the corner of my eye.
    He smiled, stood up, and held out his hand for me. "I believe I see my name at the top of that dance card, Ms. Ruiz."
    I looked up at him as I placed my hand in his. His smiling eyes met mine. Helping me up, he led me down to the crowded dance floor. We tunneled our way to the middle of the room with his hand resting on the small of my back. I felt an electrical current traveling up my entire body from his touch. Holy hell. It was hot and incredibly sexy.
    It was difficult to move on the crowded dance floor. As we were pressed up against one another, my pulse quickened, and my breathing shallowed. He wrapped