Top Gun Imagines

37. There's Nothing Holding Me Back (Hangman - Jake Seresin)

(Published August 26, 2023) 

   My heart pounded wildly in my chest.  A blush invaded my cheeks as my eyes stared across the room at him.  Jake Seresin.  The man who could make me weak in the knees without even trying.  He definitely knew about it, too.  He knew exactly how he affected me and used it to his advantage.  I didn't really mind so much.  I was mostly just glad he liked me back, even though I wasn't sure how much he truly did or how long it'd last.
  I watched casually as he locked gazes with me for a moment.  With a small nod of acknowledgment, he meandered over to the jukebox and fished some change from his pocket. 
   He had been teasing me for weeks now.  We were sort of dating, but it was mostly us hanging out like friends with a few subtle romantic moments.  He'd toss his arm over my shoulders whenever the chance arose and he'd give me a chaste kiss now and then.  Two nights ago, we had made out heatedly for a while on a dark beach, but nothing came of it.  It was an exciting but confusing relationship.  I was falling for him hard.  But were we really a thing or was he just playing?  I couldn't tell. 
   The jukebox began to play an upbeat song that I wasn't familiar with.  Turning around to face me again, Jake lifted one eyebrow and grinned confidently.  I raised my own eyebrows and grinned back, only my confidence was thwarted by my evident blush.  I watched as he chuckled before lifting a hand and beckoning me over with his index finger.  I obliged, setting my drink down on the bar and moving through the crowd towards him without a moment's hesitation.  I had learned early in our relationship that if I hesitated, he'd think I was scared or didn't want to do what he was asking me to.  So, I didn't make him wait anymore.   
   When I was within arms reach, his hands darted out and grasped my waist.  I couldn't help but smile at him as he pulled me close.  My hands found his upper arms, uncertain of where else to go since I didn't know what to expect.
   "Dance with me," He requested. 
   Nodding silently, I gladly let him take the lead.  We rocked back and forth to the quick tempo and he spun us around a couple of times throughout.  My hands snaked up his arms to clasp behind his neck, keeping me close to his solid chest.  He rested his head against mine, humming along with the song.  I let my eyes slide closed in bliss. 
   Normally I wouldn't dare dance in a crowded bar without others doing the same.  I didn't like attention.  Jake somehow took all my inhibitions, though.  I felt so free when he was with me, and I loved it.  Judgment from others didn't worry me.  It was just me and him in our own little world of craziness. 
   "Does this embarrass you?" He murmured in my ear after a minute. 
   "No," I answered just as quietly.  
   "I'm glad.  We needed to dance tonight," He stated in a completely serious tone. 
   "Did we?" I pulled back to give him a questioning look with my ever-present grin. 
   "Yes.  Several women are on the prowl tonight and I needed them to know I wasn't alone," He said with a small chuckle.  "You should see some of the looks we're getting, baby."
   I groaned playfully.  "I'd rather not.  So you decided to draw attention to yourself so people would stop giving you attention?"
   "Pretty much."
   "Oh boy."
   "What?" He dropped his mouth close to my ear.  "Are you mad I did?"
   "No," I laughed softly.  "I can't blame you.  Plus, I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to dance with you!  I am surprised you're brave enough to dance in front of everyone including your co-workers."
   He pulled back to look at me and smirked.  "You know nothing really scares me.  There's a trick to it: just picture everybody naked."
   Groaning for real this time, I smacked his shoulder playfully.  He laughed at my reaction.  Right at that moment, the song came to a close and he dipped me dramatically.  I kept my gaze on his, my smile probably ridiculously large.  Sometimes, he was so romantic that you wanted to marry him then and there!  Not that I would...  Would I? 
   "Thank you for the dance, my sunshine." He pulled me up to a standing position again and smirked down at me. 
   "Anytime, my darling," I replied happily.