Loud music boomed from the dance club, located in the center of a suburban strip mall. As promised, Dylan's friend allowed Brianna and Valerie entry without requesting IDs. Club Ice was so packed that the patrons couldn't even lift their elbows.
"Isn't this awesome?" Valerie yelled over the boisterous crowd.
"It's pretty cool." Brianna watched Dylan from the corner of her eye. He had pushed his way through the crowd and was waiting his turn at the bar along the right wall. A few minutes later, he returned with two drinks.
"I got you a soda." Dylan handed the frosty glass to Brianna.
"Thank you." She gulped the drink, but the cold, fizzy liquid did nothing to cure her dry mouth and racing heart.
"Do you want to dance?" he asked.
For a moment Brianna's insecurities left her paralyzed. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Dance? She wasn't a good dancer. Brianna gathered all of her confidence and nodded, though her vocal cords still stuck in her throat. Dylan took her hand and led her toward the dance floor. When they reached the perimeter, she touched his arm, stopping him. "Let's stay here."
The DJ blasted the latest hits. A skimpily-clad brunette waved her hands in the air. Midriff-baring blondes gyrated their hips, hoping to attract male attention. Nearby, a chubby girl was booty shaking and shoulder popping. Brianna timidly swayed her hips back and forth to the beat. Dylan put his hands on her waist and pulled her close.
Dylan’s baby blue gaze caught hers. They moved to the beat, eyes locked. She couldn't believe this college guy seemed interested in her. Brianna's lips stretched into a smile so wide her cheeks ached. Dylan leaned his head forward so their noses almost touched. Boldly, she moved her face a little closer. Millimeters separated their lips. He was moving in to close the gap. Then his head snapped around.
"Who's that?" Dylan's hands dropped from her waist as he gravitated toward the center of the dance floor. Hypnotized, he walked away, leaving Brianna mortified and alone.