ood. After the way he treated women, I expected karma to pay him back.
"Ash is too good for Tag," I murmur casually while turning around to face Dane.
"Actually," Dane says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as he guides me toward the door, "she's good for him. You don't know what he went through to be with her. It changed him, and for the first time in his life, he's actually happy. Really happy."
We gradually make our way through the next horde of people, and Dane does the obligatory shaking of hands and exchange of cordialities.
"What did he go through to be with her?" I ask as we grab another glass of champagne from a passing tray.
"A crazy stalker, a secret pregnancy, gunshot wound, knife stab, a lunatic father... the list goes on and on. Rene Ballinger actually died during all that, and Ash went through hell."
I gasp and cover my mouth. Damn. And I thought I had it bad. I'd heard about Rene dying, but no one ever elaborated. I didn't really know her, so I never looked into it.
"Wow. I'm surprised Tag stuck it out."
"He never even faltered, surprisingly enough. From the second Ash needed him, he was by her side. It forced him to grow up. Tag was furious about her keeping Trip a secret, but he did something I never expected; he forgave her. That's not really Tag's style when it comes to girls. But he truly forgave her, and now he's... happy."
It seems like he's saying more to me than just explaining Tag's story. Then he turns me around and guides me into a private piece of the country club. My heels click against the slick floors, and every rustle is echoed through the empty room that is devoid of anything but mirrors and ballet bars. In fact, there are mirrors from the floor to the ceiling all the way around the room.
After putting down our champagne glasses, his lips lightly graze mine, and he pushes me into a corner. I grin as his hands come to rest on my hips, and all other thoughts start to shuffle out.
"Let's forget about the time we wasted—move on from it. I can get over the past if you can, but we have to be able to move forward, because I really want this to work."
He thumbs my chin, freeing my bottom lip from my teeth, and stares expectantly into my eyes. His emerald green beauties hold a depth of genuineness I can't deny, and I soak in his words.
He doesn't want to talk about that letter. He doesn't want to explain what happened, and this is his way of telling me that. Tag's story was Dane's way of letting me know he wants forgiveness—real forgiveness. Can I just let it go without discussion?
When he slowly slides his hand up my body, I shiver against his touch. I can forgive him because I love him, and I can forget it because I don't want to lose him. I've never wanted anything like I want Dane. And I refuse to spend any more time being pissed about that damn letter. We were just kids back then. If he wants me now, that's enough.
"I'll do whatever I have to in order to make this work," I say honestly, pulling him to me for a real kiss, one that I fully intend to deepen.
My tongue explores his mouth, and he returns the favor. I moan as he pushes against me, and my body melts against his. Can I really have sex in the country club? Is that a little cheap?
Fuck it.
"We should lock the door," I murmur against his lips, making his already hungry kiss become ravenous.
***
DANE
She wants me to lock the door? Oh hell yes.
She may not have apologized for the past, but I still forgive her. I love her too much to allow us to become Wren and Erica—a set of unresolved issues and festering resentments. We don't have to hash it all out. I can just let go of the past, and that's what I was telling her.
Refusing to leave her for even a second, I pick her up, forcing her dress up as she wraps her legs around my waist. This room is meant for dance lessons—my mother's project—so there's no furniture in here. That only leaves me with one option. The ballet bars.
I can work with that.
Trying to stay cool, I briskly walk to the door and click the lock, thankful this room is full of mirrors instead of windows. Mirrors... I'll get to see every angle of Rain's body.
"Dress off," I mutter against her lips, making it a command unintentionally.
She bends toward me, tightening her grip on me as I start unzipping her dress. I wish I could get the damn thing off her without removing her from me, but I can't. Her feet drop to the ground, and the dress falls to the floor with barely a rustling motion.
My breath ceases as she steps out of her dress. Her breasts are bare, and only a lacy thong covers her lower half. Her silver heels are still on, and I'm quite certain this is better than any fantasy I've ever had.
Absently, I start loosening my tie as she slowly slides her panties down, her eyes connecting with mine the entire time.