Older || 18+

29. Emma

Skylar's enthusiasm is the spark that ignites the night further. "Let's dance!" she declares, her hand clasping mine with a contagious excitement.

I'm swept up in her energy, laughter bubbling from my lips as we navigate through the crowd to the heart of the dance floor. A glance back at Alex captures a snapshot of happiness and pride, a silent cheerleader for our fun.

The music envelops us, a pulsing rhythm that seems to sync with the collective heartbeat of the club. It's a world of sound and movement, each beat a command we're all too happy to follow. Skylar and I move together, lost in the music, our spirits lifted by the sheer joy of the moment.

Eventually Alex comes up and joins us, his hands finding their way to Skylar's hips. I step back, giving them a moment.

I close my eyes, losing myself in the moment. The music is loud, the bass vibrating in my chest. The room is packed, the energy palpable.

"You're beautiful," I hear a deep voice murmur, the words close to my ear.

I open my eyes, surprised to see one of Alex's teammates standing in front of me. He's handsome, with dark hair and hazel eyes.

"Thank you," I say, feeling a rush of heat.

"I'm Luke," he says, a playful smile on his face.

Luke looks familiar, I think he is one of the teammates Alex introduced us to earlier.

"Emma," I reply, a smile tugging at my lips.

"Seems like Parson stole your dance partner," he says, his eyes flicking to Alex and Skylar.

I look over, seeing them wrapped up in each other. Alex's hands are on Skylar's ass, and her arms are wrapped around his neck. They are lost in their own world, oblivious to everything else.

"Yeah, it seems like it," I say, laughing.

"Do you want to dance with me instead?" Luke asks, his tone playful.

I pause for a moment, thinking of Ares. I want to say yes since I'm just out having fun, but will Ares be mad? I shake my head, stopping that train of thought. I'm here to have fun. Dancing with someone isn't something that I need permission for.

"Sure," I say, my smile growing.

"Great," Luke replies, his grin matching mine.

He grabs my hand and pulls me back onto the dance floor, his movements confident and easy. He moves with a grace that matches his athleticism.

As we dance, the crowd shifts around us, the air thick with sweat and alcohol. We laugh, the alcohol and the energy around us making it easy. I can't remember the last time I've felt this carefree.

"So, Emma, do you have a boyfriend?" Luke asks, his body close to mine.

"No, I don't," I reply, my voice quiet. "But I am kind of seeing someone."

Luke smiles, his eyes bright. "Well, he's a lucky guy," he says, his tone playful.

I feel a warmth in my chest at his words. It's nice to have someone notice me. To think I'm pretty or sexy.

"Thanks," I say, a shy smile on my face.

"How did you meet Alex?" Luke asks, his hands resting on my hips.

"We met in college," I explain, enjoying the conversation. "We have the same major, so we've pretty much been in the same classes since we started."

Before he can respond, there is a commotion behind us, drawing our attention. One of Alex's teammates, a stocky, muscular guy, is being hauled out of the bar, his movements unsteady and uncoordinated.