The Girlfriend (Single Wide Female in Love, Book 2) by Lillianna Blake, P. Seymour Page B

waiting at your apartment.  

    Be there in a minute, Steph.  

    I started to step out from behind the building when my phone buzzed again.  

    Have fun tonight. Looking forward to our dessert.  

    I smiled at Max’s text. Then my heart raced. Could he be planning to propose over ice cream? It would be the perfect time. That would explain why he’d said no to dinner. He probably had to plan the evening. I was giddy with excitement as I hurried back to my apartment. Stephanie was waiting for me outside.  
    “Where were you?”  
    “I just went to grab a few things from the corner store.”  
    “Oh?” She looked at my empty hands.  
    “I forgot my wallet.” I grimaced. I wondered if she could tell that I was lying to her. If she could, she didn’t call me on it.  
    “Well, you look fantastic. Are you ready to go dance the night away?”  
    “Yes, I am!” I smiled.
    I couldn’t wait to get out on the dance floor and then get back to my apartment. I had a strong feeling that this was going to be my last night without an engagement ring.  
    The club was packed. As soon as I walked in, I was reminded of why I didn’t go to them very often. The music blasted my ears. The heavy scents of perfume and cologne made me a little sick to my stomach. The flashing lights reminded me that my headache from that morning wasn’t completely gone.
    “It’s great, huh?” Stephanie grinned.
    I nodded and managed to smile. I was more determined than ever to have a great time. I wanted to be in a wonderful mood when I met with Max later. I was already rehearsing in my head the way I would accept his proposal.
    The dance floor was flooded with handsome men, but I barely noticed them. It was strange that the only face I wanted to see belonged to Max.  
    “Dance with me.”  
    Somebody grabbed me from behind and whirled me around.

Chapter 16

    I looked into deep brown eyes that seemed to ooze sensuality. He searched my gaze as he slid his arm around my waist. “Just one dance, bella.”  
    I was prepared to shove him away and decline the offer but it occurred to me that this might be the very last time that I danced with another man. He was devastatingly attractive with a smooth accent to add to the yum factor. Yet I felt no desire for him. It wouldn’t have mattered if a model stepped off the front of a magazine, the desire wouldn’t be there. It seemed safe to dance with him.  
    “Alright, one dance.”  
    I did enjoy having that intimate connection with another human being when we danced together. It was a push and pull of bodies, emotions, and trust. As he swirled me around the dance floor, I could hear the sounds of others around me. Some were laughing, some were whispering, some were singing along to the music that played. Everyone was caught up in a ritual of trying to connect with one another.
    Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of Stephanie dancing with a good-looking man. She seemed so happy and relaxed despite her declaration that she had sworn off dating. I knew that I needed to find a way to be that light and free.
    I had lightened my body with a healthy diet and exercise. I had lightened my soul with yoga and meditation. But my emotions were still quite heavy. Even though I wanted to focus on the moment, they seemed to drag me right back into the past. The man I was dancing with seemed to notice.
    The music died down.
    He took my hand. “Did you enjoy it at all?”
    “I did. Thank you.”  
    “Then why aren’t you smiling?”  
    “I have a lot on my mind.”  
    “Dancing is supposed to erase all of that.” He chuckled. “Maybe you should tell me what’s on your mind.”  
    “I’m sorry. I don’t mind one dance, but you should know that I’m not interested in anything more than that.” I glanced helplessly in Stephanie’s direction. She was already dancing with someone else.  
    “Oh, me either. I just like to dance. But I still don’t mind listening.” He smiled.  
    I