One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

I know I only met him last night, but I swear I could recognize his voice anywhere.

A deep, warm tone that warms up the ice that formed a year ago.

Turning, I smile as I see the same black X’s on his hands.

“Hi, boyfriend. What are you doing here?”

He shrugs. “Stalking my girlfriend while she dances with other men.”

We both laugh as Mara watches on with interest.

“Virgil’s harmless. He’s like sixty. Although, he is a fantastic dancer.” I take a sip of my water to hide my smile.

“I don’t know about him, but you looked damn good out there.”

“It’s all Virgil. Him and his wife used to dance all the time. When she passed, he kept coming and dancing with anyone who would ask. Before long, he kind of became a local attraction. As long as you can let him lead, he can make you look like you’ve been dancing for years. You have to catch him before he leaves, though. He only stays until eleven. After that, they stop playing two-step music and start playing music to cater to the younger crowd.”

His smile grows as I talk. “I’ll keep that in mind in case I ever want to dance with Virgil,” he teases, making me roll my eyes.

Mara clears her throat.

Turning to her, I shoot her a ‘shut up’ look.

She ignores it, inserting herself next to Xavier. “Hi, I’m Mara, Cassi’s best friend.”

He shakes her hand, but quickly lets go, returning his attention to me. “I’m Xavier.”

“Ah, the fake boyfriend,” Mara says as she lays her hand on his arm.

He moves away from her, closer to me, making me smile.

“That’s what I’ve been told,” he responds.

“Well,” she says as she grabs her drink. “I think I need to go find me a cowboy to ride. If you two will excuse me.”

As she walks off, he turns to me. “She’s interesting.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, she’s something else.”

“So, I don’t want this to seem awkward, but can I get your number?” He rubs the back of his head, like he’s nervous.

I smile sweetly at him. “That depends.”

“On what?” He quirks his brow at me.

“What are you planning to do with it?” I ask, biting my lip.

His eyes follow the movement, darkening with lust. “I thought maybe we could be friends.”

My elation at him asking for my number deflates as he says the dreaded F-word.

Of course he wants to be friends.

I’ve never been overly girly. Not really the type guys want to date. More like one of the guys.

“Sure, I could always use friends.” I force a smile, reaching my hand out for his phone.

When he places it in my hands, I don’t miss the shock I get as his skin touches mine.

I quickly type my phone number in, saving it as Just A Friend to be cheeky. Then I close out of the contacts and hand it back.

“Thanks,” he says, settling in to hang out.

“Anytime.” I turn to the table, setting my water down.

The conversation’s stilted, neither of us sure what to say.

Then the next song comes on and I smile.

“Do you mind watching my drink? I love this dance.”

He gives me a flirty smile. “Do I get to watch you dance?”

That warm feeling is back. He’s flirting with me. I kind of like it. “You can watch all you want, friend.”

He winces, but laughs as I stroll away, finding my spot on the dance floor.

As I move with the rest of the crowd, I feel his eyes on me. Almost like they are burning a hole into my skin. I don’t know why, but with him watching me, it makes me want to do better. Swivel my hips sexier. Kick higher. It’s empowering knowing he was watching me.

I stay out for three songs before coming back to find him with a fresh glass of water next to him.

“You didn’t poison it, did you?”

He laughs. “You trusted me to watch your drink, but you don’t trust a new one?”

“Fair point. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He smirks, taking a drink of his own water. “So Cassandra, what made you decide to come out tonight?”

“You can call me Cassi since we’re friends and all,” I tease. “Not much to do around here. Same ol’ stuff, different podunk town, so why not go dancing?”

“I wouldn’t call Carver podunk. I’ve driven through some small towns. And last I checked, over thirty thousand residents isn’t podunk.”

I take a second to think. “True. I guess I feel like it’s confining because I’ve only ever lived here. I haven’t traveled much.”

“You grew up in Lubbock?”

“Well, close enough. I’m from Ropesville. It’s about thirty minutes outside of here. Get too far off this main area and there’s nothing but steers and ranches.”

“Not going to lie, I can’t imagine living like that, but it sounds pretty awesome. I’ve lived in cities most of my life. The hustle gets real old real quick. When I was younger, I thought it was glamorous, but now it’s….” He trails off.

“Too much?”

“Impersonal? It feels impersonal. Not like here. I feel like every person I meet wants to be my friend. It’s a different atmosphere completely.”

I chuckle. “Good ol’ small town USA. Where your neighbor treats you like you’re his next of kin. Hell, he might be.”

“Like one big happy family, huh?”

“Something like that. At least we aren’t somewhere like Alabama, where to get married you have to take a DNA test to prove you aren’t related,” I say, making him laugh.

I shake my head. “I’m being serious. It could be worse.”

“Well, fuck. That’s kind of creepy.” He cringes.

“Don’t worry, city boy. No way you’re related to any of my kin. Not with style like that,” I tease.

“Thank god for small favors.” He winks.

My watch vibrates, making me look down.

Timer: time to head home.

I sigh. Just when things were getting started.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just need to head back to the dorms.” I look around, trying to find Mara. “Looks like I need to find a new ride,” I murmur, watching her make-out with some guy