second3

"You mean he actually let you out of his sight for more than two minutes?" Howie teased as they shared drinks at the table. "Hard to believe isn't it?"
"I know."
AJ pulled her off her stool. "You owe me a dance."
"I do?"
"Yea. For all the times you didn't come dancing with us."
"Okay," she shrugged her shoulders toward Howie.
Howie glared at AJ across the table and he just turned away with Maria in tow.
"What was that all about?" Maria inquired once they were on the dance floor.
"I don't know. I think he has a crush on you."
"Get out!" she turned her head noticing the somewhat discouraged look on Howie's face.
"He won't ever say it though."
Back at the table, Brian and Leigh Anne approached a lone Howie. "I think we're gonna head out here."
"So soon?" he replied sarcastically.
"What bug crawled up your butt?"
He nodded toward the dance floor.
"I see. What's that all about?"
"Probably couldn't find anyone to dance with so he dragged her out there. Who ever knows what his motives are when it comes to women?"
"We're probably better off not knowing. We'll catch up with ya later. In the meantime D, try to enjoy yourself okay?"
"Sure," he agreed reluctantly.
"Tell Maria we said bye," Leigh Anne added and they were off.
"You had your dance. You'll excuse me."
"Running back to Howie?"
She turned. "We were having a pleasant conversation before you butted in."
"One more dance please," he offered his hand innocently.
"I know I'll regret this later but okay," she took his hand and he pulled her closer.
Howie felt his heart drop as he saw AJ pull her in. She sang along with "I wanna be with you" as he held her closer. Her voice was hauntingly familiar but he couldn't place where he'd heard it before. It was almost like a dream. "This isn't so bad after all now is it?"
"If I say no, will you leave me alone after this?" she moved her head off his shoulder.
"I get the feeling you don't like me."
"Not very much," she continued dancing with him.
"Good. Because I'm not real fond of you either," he took control of her mouth catching her off guard and yet the taste of his mouth, the warmth of his body and the heat in his fingertips was fascinating and yet all too familiar a feeling to her. She shoved AJ off of her and hurriedly ran out of the club. Howie followed closely behind her and finally caught up to her. "Are you okay?" she felt his hand upon her shoulder. That comforting touch of his.
"I'm fine Howie," she turned to look at him.
"I don't believe you."
"I'm okay really."
"I'll talk to him okay?"
"Do what you want, just make sure Nick doesn't find out about this."
"What happened out there?"
"I don't know only I know it's never gonna happen again."