Free Time Changes Everything by Melinda Dozier

direction.
    Ryan cleared his throat. “You knew Jake way back when, huh?”
    “I sure did.”
    Ryan smirked. “Sweet. Then I guess you know he has a thing for you now, then.”
    A thing? What did that mean? 
    Amanda looked for Jake, but he wasn’t there. Then, he appeared from the other corner of the room, with Charisse. She looked smug and they were heading to the dance floor. Fury gripped Amanda.  
    Once Jake and Charisse danced next to her and Ryan, Jake leaned down and whispered at her, “Let’s amuse these two. Then we’ll go discuss those surprises you informed me about.”
    Ryan raised his eyebrows and whispered. “It’s just one dance.”
    Jake pointed at them. “Just keep your hands in the safety zone. I’m watching.”
    Ryan laughed and tried to steer Amanda away, but she forced him to stay put by taking the lead. No way would she let Jake and Charisse out of her sight.
    “See what I mean.” Ryan smiled.
    She liked the possessive Jake and she couldn’t wait to be close to him like this.
    She looked over. His jaw clenched and he stopped dancing. He said something to Charisse, but Amanda didn’t hear. Whatever he said, Charisse didn’t take the hint and tried to move closer to him, jutting her breasts against his chest.
    Amanda asked, “Is Charisse your girlfriend?”
    Ryan laughed. “Hell no. We both just needed a date. She’s too pushy for me.”
    Amanda nodded in Jake’s direction. “I can see that.”
    Ryan looked at Charisse. She was grinding against Jake while he stood with his arms crossed in front of him.
    An awkwardness swept around the dance floor as curses fell from Ryan’s mouth. “Hold on a second.” Ryan led Amanda over to Jake and Charisse, grabbed Charisse’s arm and dragged her away. Charisse glowered at Amanda as if she caused the breakup of their dance.
    Jake circled his arms around Amanda. “That was awkward.” He pulled her away to another corner of the dance floor.
    “Charisse is a maniac. Do you have to see her every day?” Amanda frowned.
    Jake shook his head. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”
    As the music drummed out the last notes, another slow song began. “Forget them. Let’s dance.” He pulled her closer. “And think about good surprises.”
    Jake tucked her head in the perfect crook under his chin. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest and she almost forgot about the little incident with Charisse and how it made her feel like a lovesick adolescent.
    They swayed together to the rhythm of the song.
    Everyone and everything around them disappeared as Jake’s breath whispered in her ear. “This really hasn’t gone as planned. Mr. Grimes wants to talk business and I only want to spend my time with you.”
    “Now you can.” Amanda looked up into his eyes and smiled.
    He held the small of her back with one hand and twirled her around.
    “Remember when we danced at my homecoming seven years ago? All the girls envied that you were my date. And I was glad your date bailed. It gave me a chance to finally take you out. Plus, there was that kiss afterwards...” He let out a whistle, “it was well worth it.”
    “The good ol’ days.” Amanda swayed to the music.
    “How about the time – I think I was ten – our parents made us dance at the families’ Christmas gathering.” Jake smiled down at her. “In front of everyone.”
    “How could I forget? We were both so mortified. We didn’t even want to touch each other.”
    Jake pressed his cheek into hers. “But we certainly aren’t mortified now, are we?”
    Perfect.
    There were no words. To hell with reason. To hell with sanity.
    Jake pulled himself away a little and looked down at her. He raised his eyebrows and glanced at her suggestively, a half smile revealing a dimple in his cheek. What question did he ask with his eyes?
    She attempted to change the subject.  “Do you usually do this with your dates?”
    “You’re special. With other women, I have no past. With you I do.” He