I'm posting snippets from a story for this year's Challenge.
If you'd like to read the whole tale, please start with A.
J IS FOR JIVE
Laughter shook Danielle's body, and she nearly slipped off the edge of her stool. She gripped the bar with one hand as the other rested across her stomach. Erik assured her through his chuckles that the story was true, and she laughed harder yet.
The bartender shouted "last call," and Erik glanced at his watch, chasing off the laughter.
"I need to get home and relieve the babysitter. I didn't expect to stay out this late." His smile was soft, but not from liquor. Neither of them had anything to drink in the past hour.
Danielle wanted to ask him to stay for one more drink. Anything to make this night last longer. Instead, she nodded. "It was a lot of fun. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time."
"Me either," Erik said and rubbed his hands on his thighs. "We should do this again some time."
"Yeah, that sounds great." Danielle stood at the same time as he did, putting them inches apart. They held out hands to shake, but the closeness made it difficult. After a weird little hand jive, he slid his arms around her. Heat surged through her as she leaned against his hard body and wound her arms around his shoulders. Her heart pounded as she breathed in the fresh scent of his shirt and a hint of Irish Spring soap on his skin.
She wondered how long to hold the embrace. Should she pat him like a buddy or run her hands down his arms like a potential lover? Danielle nipped the inside of one cheek, wishing she had as much confidence in this department as she did killing monsters.
