Fighting Faith (12 page)

“Yeah?” Eric cocked his head to the side.

“Yeah.”

“Well then,” he said with a grin. “I guess I’d better pretty up my poker face.”

“I’m not sure you’ll need it.” Van took a drag. “I think your best bet is to lay your cards on the table and go all-in.”

“Maybe” he nodded.

“Eric.”

“What?”

“Don’t dick around, or you’ll lose.”

“I know.”

Van turned and headed back toward the bar. Eric walked in uneven circles, stopping and looking at the building every few rotations. What if she said no? When Taylor kissed her, it looked like Faith might jump into his arms. Would she push him away if he tried? The daydream of their first kiss returned. His heart raced at the thought of tasting her, feeling her smooth tongue against his. Hours kissing her might not be enough. Days would be nice, every waking moment spent in her arms, kissing. The one woman in the world he could imagine following everywhere with his tongue hanging out.

With a deep breath, Eric straightened up, and strode back to the bar.

Navigating the dance floor with Taylor was odd, even compared to Eric’s near motionless style. He was the yin to her…yin, his toes constantly underfoot, turning into her, making her stumble around the floor. She pushed him away to dance on her own.

“Maybe we should just—”

“Yeah, maybe.”

The song called for close contact, and they were the only couple on the floor dancing apart. Finding the slow rhythm and maintaining fluid movement was awkward. She felt like a displaced flower child.

“I need a drink. Do you mind?” she asked.

“No, a drink sounds great,” he turned and nearly ran to the bar. Faith followed.

A waving twenty got the bartender’s attention. “Can I get a Wild Turkey and Coke, and a gin and tonic?”

“You know,” Faith pulled at his sleeve, “will you just get me water?”

“You don’t want water. How about a beer?” He turned to the bar, “Scratch the gin and tonic, and make it a beer.”

“I really just want some water.”

Taylor handed her a can of beer. “Drink this. We are not celebrating my homecoming with water.”

When he turned his back, Faith set the beer on the bar. The bartender handed her a glass of water and winked. She thanked him, took the glass, and followed Taylor back to their table.

Sarah, Jose, Tim, and Daniel surrounded it, but there was no sign of Eric or Van.

No sooner had she settled into her seat than Taylor popped up from his chair. “Let’s play some pool. We can play doubles, and you girls can watch.” He grinned and looked back and forth between them all.

Sarah’s face blanched at being called a ‘girl,’ but the guys stood, anxious to play.

“You guys go. Sarah and I are fine here.”

Taylor pulled her up, into his arms. He nuzzled her ear. “I need a cheerleader, or I’ll get my ass kicked.”

She opened her mouth to tell him she was no cheerleader, but he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her along behind him to the poolroom. Why couldn’t she tell him he was being an asshole? Why was she trying not to hurt the man’s feelings?
Sleep. A little sleep and I won’t care
what he thinks about it.

Sarah stood up and followed, shaking her head. Just as Faith decided to walk out, Van appeared at her side.

“What’s the matter, sweetie? You look like you’re about to burst.”

“Nothing. It’s just been a long day. As I’m sure you know I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

He grinned and rubbed her shoulder. Taylor announced Daniel was his partner and told Faith she had to cheer for them both.

“Do you want to dance again?”

“No, thanks. In fact, I think I’m going to head out here pretty quick. I’m sure if you look around, you’ll find plenty of willing partners.”

“I’m not determined to dance; I just hate seeing you look so miserable.” She smiled, touched by his concern. He was more of a gentleman than he gave himself credit for. “I’m just tired. Nothing some sleep won’t cure.”

“Alright! We’re stripes,” Taylor said, banging his cue on the floor, like that was the object of the game and they won.

Across the room, Eric appeared, his eyes searching. He sighted Faith and came toward her, weaving around the rowdy patrons.

“Eric’s back,” Van said, but he received no acknowledgment. From the moment Eric’s gaze found Faith’s, he held it, even as he dodged bodies in his path, until he stood in front of her.

She held her breath when he stared down at her. Why was he looking at her that way? Did he want to dance again? No, there was something in his eyes, something Faith didn’t recognize.

Fear? Dread?

His open hand reached for her, palming her cheek and wrapping his fingers around the back of her neck. The world around her disappeared as his face drew near her own, his lips meeting hers, the tender touch sending sparks through her body, each cell electrified by the feel of his tongue against her own. His other hand cradled her head from the other side as his kiss deepened. Vaguely, Faith perceived a commotion around her, but she refused to give it notice, focusing only on the lightning bolts coursing to each nerve in celebration of this magical experience. The sensation of falling consumed her, but a strong arm rushed to her waist and pulled her upright. Falling, falling where? To the ground? Away from the earth? Falling in love, her mind told her. Yes. The fall was magnificent.

When his mouth let her go to the sound of throats clearing and giggles, Faith studied his eyes and recognized the meaning they conveyed— love and devotion. She felt it too.

“Faith! What the fuck?” She tore her gaze away and looked beyond Eric to find Van and Jose restraining a red faced, sweating Taylor. One eye showed signs of swelling.

“I love you, Faith,” Eric whispered in her ear. “I can’t promise you things are going to be perfect.” Eric ignored the chaos behind him and continued in a whisper. “We’re going to have to start touring soon, and that could mess things up. But, I promise to do my very best to make you happy and treat you like the incredible creature you are.” Taylor broke free of his guards and lunged toward her. “You bitch! You can’t treat me like this!”

Eric spun around and met Taylor with his fist. The man staggered backward. Van and Jose stepped aside so he could land on his ass without interference.

A smile spread from her lips to her toes when Eric took her hand in his with a squeeze.

“Now, let’s go dance for real.”

“Wait just a minute,” Sarah stopped them. “I think you two have some explaining to do.”

“No kidding,” said Tim. Jose and Daniel nodded, coming to stand beside Sarah.

Eric put his hand on Van’s shoulder as they passed him. “You wanna fill them in?”

“Gladly,” Van grinned.

Her eyes followed this man she loved as he led them away from their friends, but her ears were on Van until she couldn’t hear him anymore.

“Well you see, all that fighting? It was just cover so you guys wouldn’t know they’ve been screwing each other’s brains out this whole time. That video we watched? Well…” Once on the dance floor, Eric pulled her into his arms and swayed to the song. Even though a crowd of people surrounded them, Faith pulled his head to hers. She had to kiss him again. Nothing compared to the feel of his lips on hers. Through several songs, they kissed.

Ignoring calls of, “Get a room,” they continued. When she finally pulled away, tears filled her eyes.

“What’s wrong, Faith?”

She pulled him close. “Nothing, I’m just so amazed and in love with you. I’ve never felt this way before and I’m a little overwhelmed.”

He kissed her temple. “As someone who has been in love for a few more hours than you, I should warn you, it doesn’t go away.”

“Good.”

The End