Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Hartford beams, practically bouncing on her toes. “We’re meeting Tripp and Millie for some line dancing!” she says, her voice sing-songy and full of excitement, like this is the most exciting plan in the world.
Great. Just great. Now we’ve got half the family descending on the bar like it’s some kind of reunion, when all I wanted was to lose myself in Violet for a few hours. I glance at her again, hoping she’s still in the same headspace as before, but her smile tells me she’s already shifted gears.
“Line dancing sounds fun!” Violet says, her enthusiasm matching Hartford’s, like we weren’t just seconds away from tearing into each other at the bar.
I try to smile, but it’s forced. The idea of line dancing with my family is the last thing I want right now. My mind is still reeling from the feel of Violet’s body pressed against mine, her scent still lingering in the air. I was ready for a whole different kind of dance.
But family’s family. And as much as I want to be annoyed, I can’t exactly tell them to leave. So, I sigh and try to play it off. “Line dancing, huh? That’s what passes for fun around here?”
Paxton grins, slapping me on the back. “You know it. Come on, man, it’ll be a blast.” He looks over at Violet. “You’re coming, right?”
She shoots me a look, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Depends… You think you can keep up?” she teases, clearly amused by the situation.
I groan inwardly, but seeing her so lighthearted about it, I can’t help but give in. “Fine,” I mutter, shaking my head at Pax. “But I’m still pissed you interrupted.”
Violet laughs, leaning into me, and for a second, the tension melts away. Maybe I can live with a little line dancing. For now. But I’m definitely not done with her yet.
Millie and Tripp show up a while later, and before I know it, we’re all out on the dancefloor, shaking shit up like we’ve forgotten about the world outside this bar. The music’s loud, the energy electric, and for once, I’m not thinking about work or responsibilities. I’m just here, surrounded by family, and Violet—who's right beside me, moving to the rhythm in a way that makes it impossible to focus on anything else.
Hartford throws her head back with a laugh and nudges Paxton. “Oh my god, is Callum actually smiling?” Her voice is incredulous, like she’s witnessing some rare phenomenon.
Paxton looks over at me, an eyebrow raised, his grin spreading wider. “Thought I’d never see the day,” he chuckles, his gaze shifting to Violet, who’s dancing right next to me, her hair swinging with every step. “You’re good for him,” he adds, his tone light but sincere.
Violet’s eyes widen, clearly taken by surprise. “I think he’s good for me,” she says, her voice soft but certain, a little smile playing at the corners of her lips.
Hearing her say that does something to me, something I can’t fully explain. I reach over, taking her hand in mine, the warmth of her skin grounding me in this moment. “I’ve never really done this before,” I admit, squeezing her hand gently as I lean in closer.
She gives me a questioning look, her eyes narrowing playfully. “What before? Have fun?” she asks, a teasing lilt to her voice, though there’s an underlying seriousness.
I stop moving, tugging her a little closer so she’s pressed against me. The air between us thickens, and the music fades into the background. “Yeah,” I say, my voice low, almost a confession. “I guess I forgot what it’s like to just… let go.”
Violet gazes up at me, something tender flickering in her expression. “I guess I’ve been neglecting fun for a while too,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the music.
Our faces inch closer, the heat between us undeniable. Her blue eyes lock onto mine, and it’s like time slows. Millie and Hartford are giggling like schoolgirls off to the side, watching us intently, their squeals getting louder the closer Violet and I get to kissing. But I barely register them.
It’s just Violet and me now, in this bubble of something deeper. I can feel her breath on my lips, her hand in mine, and all I want is to close the gap. To taste her again.
But this time, it's different. This time, it feels real… like something I’ve been waiting for my whole life without even realizing it.
Chapter 23
Violet
My first date with my husband was more than I could’ve imagined. We laughed, we danced, and we spent time with his family, which made the night feel cozy and comfortable. But it was the little moments that made it unforgettable. The way we flirted, subtle but charged, sending shivers down my spine with just a smile or a lingering touch. The stolen glances across the dance floor, his eyes on me like I was the only one there, made my heart race.