Menopause to Matrimony (Fortytude Series Book 2) by Shelly Hickman

as I squeeze out. I turn and give him a bewildered smile, seeing a side of him lately that I’ve not seen.
    Marie takes me by the hand and leads me further onto the floor, but still in view of Kiran and Seth, and within seconds, the music draws me in and I’m no longer nervous. I’m too engrossed in the crowd, the flashing lights, and the Cirque du Soleil performers who dangle from the ceiling above us. Before long, Marie’s behind me, dancing up against me quite seductively. Finding it amusing, I seek Kiran’s attention to see if he’s witnessing this and give him a check this out expression. He just smiles and shakes his head. Seth is laughing and saying something to him. 
    What the hell? It’s totally harmless, so I play along, lifting my hair provocatively and rolling my shoulders up against her as she dances behind me. And I know for a fact the guys get off on this kind of thing.
    When I glance at Kiran again, he’s slowly sipping his drink, taking in every move. Something about the way he’s looking at me makes my heart beat faster. And because I don’t want him to stop looking at me like that, I turn around to face Marie and move in even closer, never taking my eyes off him.
    She and I continue dancing naughty to a Trey Songz tune, and that’s when things get awkward. Although it’s all for show, when Marie’s hands begin to roam my body, I quickly realize I’ve gotten in too deep. And when she starts to lift my dress, brushing her fingertips along my thighs, a couple of guys next to us are paying very close attention. Just about the time I seriously begin to panic, Kiran comes to my rescue.
    He is out of his seat and on the floor within seconds, but somehow manages to gracefully claim me as his partner. Marie is unaffected because Seth joins her on the floor soon after.
    Kiran and I exchange no words as he pulls me by the waist and holds me against him. Though a hip hop song beats wildly, we simply sway, eyes glued to each other. I can feel his heart beating as he bends to kiss me, his tongue exploring my mouth, and I am massively turned on. Damn! Why didn’t we book that room?
    He looks down at me and grins. “Got yourself into a little trouble there, didn’t you?”
    “Psh! I totally had this thing.” Then I shake my head to indicate I’m full of it.
    “You’re gonna be in some trouble tonight when we get home,” he says and kisses me again.
    “Promise?”
    Kiran laughs. “Well, that is, if I stop drinking. If I keep at it, I’ll be passed out on the floor soon.”
    We dance through a couple more songs, and now I’m glad we decided to come. Kiran was right. I think we’ve both been feeling a little over the hill lately. Admittedly, Seth is a bit impetuous, but tonight has forced us out of our comfort zone, which is healthy on occasion.
    After a while, I leave to use the restroom. Seth and Kiran head back to our seats, and Marie continues dancing. When I return and come around the backside of our booth, a quieter music selection accompanying the acrobats’ performance allows me to overhear part of the guys’ conversation.
    “Don’t get me wrong, Kiri. Anna is a doll…”
    Though I shouldn’t, the second Seth says my name, I stop to listen to what he’s going to say.
    “But are you really sure you want to tie yourself down? I mean, look at you now! Consider the tail that awaits.”
    Hey, what a douchey thing to say!
    “Seth, your green-eyed monster is showing itself,” Kiran says, not at all offended by his remark. “Besides, the only tail I want is Anna’s.”
    Awww! Good answer, my love.
    “I think you’re just jealous because you haven’t found the one yet,” he adds.
    “Agh! There’s no such thing.”
    I make my way to the front of the booth and sit beside Kiran. Neither of them appears to have any concern that I may have heard them. Kiran turns to me and rubs my thigh. “I think I’m clubbed out. How about you?”
    “I’m ready to go if you are.” Though I try