Through The Pieces by Bobbi Jo Bentz

me. I smiled and he smiled back. In the bathroom, a group of women were loudly discussing their respective dates, one in particular was detailing how she was going to get this guy to bed with her. Tonight was his lucky night. I tried not to let it upset my mood, and was about to come out of the stall when she said, "Well good luck. He’s been hanging out with Annie and her sister." Wait. What?
    "He won't even remember her name when I put my moves on him."
    "I don't know, Jenny. He looks pretty into that chick in the red dress. What's her name anyway--Annie's sister?"
    I needed to leave. I opened the stall door and their mouths dropped open. They all turned to stare at me. I went to the sink and washed my hands. As I started out the door then, I turned and said, "My name is Claire."
    The evil eyes I got from the three women were comical. I weaved my way through the crowd and locked eyes with Buck. I felt brave right now. I strolled up to him and grabbed his hand. I pulled him onto the dance floor and began slow dancing with him. He never once said a word. He merely held me tight as I laid my head on his chest, a feeling of peace settling over me. I opened my eyes to see one of the girls from the bathroom, arms crossed over her chest, staring at us. She was pretty in a fake way. She looked like an angry Barbie. Then Annie and Echo came into view, mocking us as they danced together. I giggled at the sight.
    "What's so funny?" Buck whispered in my ear. It sent goosebumps throughout my body.
    "Well, first that Barbie wannabe was talking about this being the night you two hook up. Then, Echo and Annie were making fun of us by copying us."
    "Barbie wannabe?"
    "Oh, they called her Jenny."
    "I see. You know I think there is a special gal for me, and I’m lucky enough to be dancing with her." On glance in his eyes confirmed this as truth. "As for Echo and Annie copying us, I’ve got an idea of what to do." He smiled at Echo and Annie, who were still mocking us.
    "What..." I was cut off by his lips crashing onto mine. They were soft yet firm. I sighed in his mouth. The kiss was tender yet demanding. He coaxed my mouth open with his tongue and my body clenched in need. His tongue expertly caressed mine. I could now feel his arousal, pressed as he was against me. He took a hand from my waist caressing the skin on my back, lighting a fire along the way. He stopped at the base of neck to pull me closer. He growled and I moaned deep in his mouth, as we explored each others mouths. When he broke the kiss my lips felt swollen and missed the contact. He looked down at me his intense eyes filled with pure lust making my body clench and wanting more. I glanced over to Annie and Echo their mouths hung open, then back into Buck's eyes. Dreamy, I tell you.
    "So you don't like stripper looking Barbie?" He smiled down at me.
    "Not even a little."
    I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Buck pulled me even further into his embrace, my head cradled against his chest. I smiled to myself. This felt right. It felt good. Hope bloomed inside my chest.
    Once the slow song ended, we took our place at the table with Annie and Echo. They were deep in conversation, and I was still trying to grasp the thought of the kiss on the dance floor. I needed to figure this out and I needed air. I let everyone at the table know I would be right back. I ignored Buck’s offer to go with me, and stepped out into the cold air night, letting it wash over me. It cooled my skin, and I took a deep breath. I needed to clear my foggy head and think. Just as I was about to sit on the part of a street bench not covered in snow, the door to the bar opened.
    Annie emerged with my jacket. She handed it to me and tilted her head. "You want to talk about it?"
    I shrugged. "What if we’re moving too fast? What if I think I like him? I am not used to someone treating me nice. Is this the right choice for me and Maggie?"
    Annie put an arm on my shoulder and gently squeezed. "What