Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Tidal, Speed and Wilson had done their part and invited their friends and dates for a night of dancing, while the staff from Carter’s Diner served food.
“This,” Dune said as he turned her to look at him, “is a night of dancing, being among friends, and having a good time.”
“You did this for me?”
He nodded. “I had the idea, but my family put it together for me.”
Caroline gazed up at Dune, her bright green eyes shining in the dim lighting. His heart beat a little faster as she looked into his eyes, her lips slowly curving into a smile. She leaned forward, her body close to his, and he could feel her breath on his neck.
“I could kiss you right now,” she said, her voice low and full of longing.
“Please do,” he whispered, hoping she could hear him over the music and laughter. He didn’t care that his parents were watching them or that his brother might give him shit later. Dune wanted Caroline’s lips pressed against his.
He closed his eyes, feeling her soft lips on his. He savored the moment, not wanting it to end. For a second, they were the only two people in the Carter’s backyard nightclub. Everything he worried over earlier in the day dissipated. He felt her pull away, and opened his eyes to see a bright, beautiful smile on her face. He couldn’t help but smile back.
The squeal of his mother broke the moment. Dune hadn’t brought any women around his family, not since high school, and by the way his mom acted, she was giddy with excitement. “I’m sorry,” he muttered.
Before she could ask why, Pearl took the unsuspecting Caroline into her arms, hugging her like they were long-lost friends. Dune appreciated his mother’s enthusiasm, but he wanted his date all to himself. After he made introductions, he finally took Caroline to the dance floor.
Dancing wasn’t his thing, but he’d do it if it made her smile. He kept his hands on her waist and they swayed back and forth. It was prom hell all over again for him. Dune was so out of his element he couldn’t even look at Caroline. Her hands went from his shoulders to the nape of his neck, where her fingers played with his hair. He missed his ball cap and couldn’t recall the last time he had gone out without it.
“You really don’t like dancing, do you?” she asked.
“Nope, and I’m sorry that I don’t.”
“But you did this for me?”
He nodded. “You kept asking and since I really don’t leave the island for much, I thought I’d bring a nightclub to you.”
“Well, I really appreciate it.”
Ana walked in with her boyfriend, and her eyes widened as she made eye contact with Dune. She gave him a thumbs up and instantly took to the dance floor. Dune was thankful she came because at least Caroline would know someone else there. Someone who she could dance with. After the song ended, Dune excused himself to get some drinks and told Caroline to stay and have fun.
With Crew playing music, most of the women danced while the men either stood against the railing or sat at the picnic tables. Dune’s parents had done a standup job converting the outside into something you only see in magazine. He owed his mother big time.
The staff from Carter’s put in overtime and brought out an assortment of food. People grazed on shrimp cocktail, nachos, meatballs, truffled fries, and an assortment of other foods. Every few songs, Caroline would leave the dance floor and come to where Dune sat, resting against the fence. He had a pina colada waiting for her and loved how she sat between his legs. She’d gush about the food, sip her drink, and then loudly proclaim that the song Crew played was her favorite. And then she and Ana would be out there dancing again.
Caroline captivated Dune with the way she moved her body. He imagined this was how she would express herself in the bedroom. He felt like he was in a trance, barely capable of making sense of his own thoughts—all of them turned to her.
Caroline seemed to sense his gaze and kept her eyes on his while her hips gyrated to the beat of the music. Her hands roamed over her body, in places that he wanted to touch, lick, kiss. Her beauty and sex appeal as well as her confidence overwhelmed him. She was out of his league, and he knew it.
She smiled softly, and he felt a sudden rush of electricity in his veins. He wanted to be with her, be more than her friend and boss. He wanted to be her lover. If he didn’t act soon, he feared he’d lose her to someone else on the island. Someone better suited for her.