Chapter 17 Bell's Corner

Colt's POV

I pull her inside, and the heat hits me like a punch to the gut. We move past sliding past the throng of undulating sweaty bodies shoved up against one another and squeeze up to the bar. At least now I can get her something to drink... I just don’t know what.

“What would you like?” I raise my voice just enough to be heard above the crowded room.

“Um… I don’t know… I haven’t…” she blushes with embarrassment.

That’s right. She’s probably not quite legal yet, and I don’t feel like causing trouble tonight. I just want to enjoy her, and I could probably do that better if we were both sober.

“How about a soda?” I ask.

She nods her head and smiles. I love the way her eyes sparkle at me. She seems so happy right now! I wonder if this is the first time she's ever been to a club? It wouldn't surprise me... Especially if she didn't have anything to wear. To be honest, she doesn't look like she gets out much at all! But maybe we can change that?

I order us both Cokes and the bartender gives me a funny look, but just hands them over. Yes, he’s seen me around and he knows I drink whiskey, but not tonight. Tonight I want a clear head. Besides, I’m driving and I don’t want to crash my car, or put Aurora in the hospital.

I pull her over to a small high top table and she takes off my jacket, hanging it off the back of the chair before she scrambles up. Now that we are inside it is too hot and humid to need it anymore.

We sit there and watch people dance and others make their way up to the private rooms. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and having a good time. I’m surprised that, even though it’s been a while, I’m having a good time too. And it’s all because of her.

The bass is pumping blood through my veins and the lights are shining down on her smile as we drink our sodas. I don’t even know what we end up talking about, my brain is too fixated on her pretty smiles and sparkling eyes. This light hearted feeling feels so… natural… But I want… something more.

For a moment I let my mind wander to dangerous territories. What if I wasn't married to Belle? What if I'd met Rory first? What if I had married her and I was here on a date with my wife... Where I could kiss her pretty pink lips and watch her get all flushed... If I was married to her, she'd most definitely have a few more pounds on her body. She looks like she's been starved to death... I'm still planning on fixing that.

I wonder what it would be like to have her body writhing against mine on the dance floor...

And when I just can’t hold back anymore, I stand up and pull her onto the dance floor. She looks surprised but thrilled as I place my hands on her hips and we start to move to the music. I love the feel of her body against mine. I move her around and spin her out and back. I’ve really missed dancing and she is good at following my lead. I can’t help the huge smile plastered on my face for the whole damn club to see.

I don’t know why, but I find the rhythm of her body intoxicating, and I haven’t even had a drop of alcohol! I didn’t know you could actually be drunk on a feeling of happiness. I want to spend forever just feeling like this. This lightness... This... Rightness! It’s all I’ve ever wanted...

Suddenly the song changes. It's a slower one and I automatically pull her up into my arms. She throws her arms around my neck and leans her head on my shoulder as we sway. I can't stop from nuzzling the top of her head. Her hair smells like wild flowers and I love it! There is just something so refreshing about Aurora...

I would love nothing more than just to stay like this for the rest of the night. It just seems so perfect... I wish... My heart constricts as I push the thought away... Maybe I'll dream later, but right now I will enjoy this night just as it is.

I lean down to her ear to ask her if she’s having fun, just as a shrill cry comes from across the dance floor.

“COLT!”

And my whole body freezes. So does Aurora as she looks up at me with confusion in her eyes.

I never told her about Belle because she is irrelevant. But Aurora doesn’t know that.

I grind my teeth and pray for patients.