Free Safe by Ryan Michele

down.
    “Well, she has promised me her first dance. So, all you guys stop bothering her, and let her enjoy the show. She isn’t breaking her promise.”
    Sadie’s face grew red. I didn’t know if she was pissed or embarrassed. I was hoping for the latter. I just wanted to help her out of this, or she would be hounded all night.
    And I would love to feel her body pressed against mine. It was a bit selfish, but also beneficial to her, too. Right?
    “All right, let’s finish this show so I can get my dance.” I winked as Sadie sat.
    The rest of the set went by in a blur. The main thing I noticed was not one man went up to Sadie after my little speech. Damn right! Hopping off the stage, I headed straight for Sadie. I leaned into her ear and whispered, “You owe me a dance.”
    “I don’t owe you anything.”
    “Come on. You don’t wanna disappoint all the guys here who think they have a shot?”
    “No guys have a shot. None.” She glared at me.
    I couldn’t help but smile. She was too damn cute when she was pissed off.
    “It’s just a dance. No big deal. Come on.” I knew I was egging her on, but couldn’t stop. I hadn’t had this much fun with a woman in a long time. Women were always too easy, and it drove me nuts. Sadie saying no … well, it was entertaining.
    I saw Lauryn lean into Sadie and whisper something in her ear. Sadie glared at her and rolled her eyes.
    “Fine. One dance.”
    I held out my hand. She slid her delicate hand in mine. Pulling her to the dance floor, I could feel the eyes on us. Every guy there wanted to be me at the moment … tough shit for them.
    The music was slow, and I wrapped my arms around Sadie’s waist. Looking in her beautiful blue-grey eyes, I could see some indecision there. I’m not repulsive; I knew that. Sadie wrapped her arms around my neck. I pulled her closer to me, thinking she would resist, but she didn’t.
    “I won’t bite. I promise,” I said in her ear.
    “I won’t let you.”
    Her response made me smile. “Come on. Just have fun.”
    It took most of the song before she finally took my advice. Her body pulled closer to mine, and she rested her head on my shoulder. Having her wrapped around me was intoxicating. I inhaled her sweet smell of strawberries and vanilla. I kept inhaling not knowing if I would ever be this close to her again. I wanted this smell etched in my brain. I guess I liked torture.
    “You know as soon as we’re done, the guys will be all over you again,” I whispered in her ear.
    “No they won’t. I’m getting ready to leave.”
    “Why are you leaving so early?” It stunned me. I thought for sure she would stay a while.
    “I don’t like all the attention. It’s just best I go.” Her head still resting on my shoulder made each puff of breath she sent out of her mouth send sparks throughout my body.
    I needed to turn my body down, but it had a mind of its own.
    “I’ll tell you what. You stay. Stay by me, and I’ll keep them away.”
    Sadie pulled away from me, looking me in the eye. “Why would you do that?”
    Silly girl. “Because you are new, and you deserve to have fun. And I get the most beautiful woman here on my arm for the night. It’s a win all around.”
    “Thanks, but it’ll just be better if I go.”
    “Please stay.” Okay, yes, I was fucking begging. Damn it, I never beg, and here I was practically on my knees asking her to stay with me. I wish I could read Sadie’s mind. I would love to know the thoughts that were swimming around in there.
    She seemed to be thinking it over for a minute. “Only for a little bit, then I gotta go.”
    The smile spread across my face, and I felt as if I won a prize. “Great.”
    The song unfortunately ended, and Sadie stepped away from me. Sure enough, guys began to make their way toward us on the dance floor. I grabbed Sadie’s hand. “Come to the table with me and don’t let go of my hand.”
    “Why?” she asked, but she didn’t let go.
    “Why come to the