Every Girl Wants A Moon

Chapter 13: A Dance in the Morning Light

The soft hum of music filtered through the air, pulling me from sleep before I was fully ready to wake. It was slow and low, the kind of song that wrapped itself around you like a warm embrace. I blinked against the morning light spilling through the window, momentarily confused.

Then I remembered—I wasn't home.

The events of last night came back in flashes. The restaurant, the man who grabbed me, Chase stepping in without hesitation. The car ride, the way he'd listened as I told him about my past. The warmth of his hand in mine. And finally, the way he'd left the hallway light on, a silent promise that I wasn't alone.

I sat up, rubbing my fingers over my eyes. The music was coming from the other side of the house, distant but clear. My curiosity got the best of me, and I slipped out of bed, running a hand through my hair as I padded toward the source.

When I stepped into the kitchen, I froze.

Chase was standing there, his back to me, moving in easy rhythm to the music playing from his speaker. He was dressed in dark slacks and a crisp button-up, though the top two buttons were still undone, and his sleeves were rolled to his forearms. The sight of him so relaxed, so effortlessly confident, did something to my stomach—something I wasn't ready to name.

Before I could even find the words to announce myself, Chase turned.

His gaze met mine, and his lips curled into a knowing smile, like he'd been waiting for me.

Then, before I could react, he stepped forward, his hand reaching for mine.

"Come here, sweet girl," he murmured.

I barely had time to process before his fingers curled around mine, and suddenly, I was being pulled into him, into the warmth of his chest, into the slow sway of the music.

"Chase—" My protest was weak, barely a whisper.

His other hand settled at my waist, steady and sure. "Just dance with me."

I hesitated for only a second before he started moving, guiding me into a slow rhythm.

It was effortless, the way he led—gentle yet firm, like he knew I wasn't used to this and wanted me to feel safe. His fingers laced through mine, his touch warm against my skin. My free hand hovered near his chest, unsure of where to rest, until he took it and placed it against him, right over his heart.

"There," he said softly. "Perfect."

My breath hitched.

We swayed, our steps unhurried, as if time had no hold on us. Chase kept his eyes on me, his expression unreadable, but his grip never wavered. The song playing was slow and smooth, something old and filled with longing.

I swallowed, my fingers curling slightly against his shirt. "You're—" I hesitated. "You're awfully confident about this."

Chase huffed a quiet laugh. "I've been told I'm a decent dancer."

"I'm not. I'm totally out of practice."

His lips twitched. "You're doing just fine, sweet girl."

I glanced down at my feet, but Chase was quick to tip my chin back up with the lightest touch of his fingers.

"Eyes on me, baby," he murmured. "I've got you."

Something about the way he said it, the quiet certainty in his voice, made my breath catch.

I let him lead, let him pull me in just a little closer, until I could feel the warmth radiating from him, until my cheek nearly brushed his shoulder. I wasn't sure how long we moved like that, lost in a moment that felt too intimate for words.