Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Banks turned to us. “And we can’t forget the Mountain Mistress and Mountain Master who put this all together.”
Many looked our way and clapped.
“But most of all, I have to give a big shout out to the South and Rowe Street Mob.”
Absolutely everyone in green whistled or cheered.
Aunt Betty was already over by the stage taking pictures along with Aunt Min who had finally finished her Mahjong winning streak.
DJ Hendrix didn’t miss a beat. He cranked up “Hot Barbecue” again, the horns blaring as the crowd jumped up from their seats, laughing, clapping, and dancing.
The makeshift dance floor from earlier was quickly expanded due to even more people getting up to dance.
Soon, the staff began moving tables and chairs to make room for the growing dancers.
Moni grabbed my arm. “Come on, let’s dance!”
“Who? Me?”
“Yes, Lei.”
“I don’t know. . .”
“Don’t try to tell me you can’t dance, when I saw you dancing already—”
“When?”
“My private show.”
I let out a nervous chuckle. “That was different.”
I laughed, letting her pull me to my feet.
Oh fuck. Let’s hope I don’t embarrass myself.
Chapter thirty-eight
It’s Electric!
Moni
The warmth of the evening wrapped around me. It was several soft breezes carrying the sounds of laughter and music through the backyard.
DJ Hendrix shifted to Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly and Maze and that was when Aunt Betty yelled and yanked Marcelo out of his chair.
No one was sitting anymore. The card games and little competitions had all been abandoned. While staff cleaned up dirty plates and utensils, the entire cookout had transformed into one giant dance party.
I laughed while dragging Lei to the center of the yard, packed with everyone dancing.
This is a great night. This is my life? God, I wish Mom were here.
Once I found a good spot for us to dance, I turned to Lei and to my surprise he was already bopping those shoulders and swaying from side to side.
A surge of excitement rippled through me.
“Okay, baby!” I met his groove.
His strong hands found my hips effortlessly, guiding me into the rhythm with a confidence that made my heart flutter.
Talking about how he can’t dance.
I chuckled.
And here he is dominating and leading.
Warmth filled my chest.
My Mountain Master.
Lei's muscular frame moved fluidly with the upbeat tempo. His long hair fluttered slightly with every sway.
The way he moved was mesmerizing.
Powerful yet tender.
Commanding yet gentle.
As we danced, his presence enveloped me, making everything else fade away. His gaze met mine, sparkling with this playful intensity that made me smile uncontrollably.
Damn, Lei.
He pulled me closer and his face was only inches from mine. We were so close I could see the way his chest rose and fell with each beat of his heart. Those muscles on his arms flexed as he wrapped them around me.
And his grip was soft and comforting, reminding me of the security he provided.
Plus, our connection was fucking electric.
Never had I experienced this with anyone else.
Lei slowly curved his lips into a smile and his gaze slid along my face as if he were taking in every detail for the first time.
As “Before I Let Go” continued to play, memories of weddings and birthday parties flooded my mind. I had always associated this song with joyous celebrations, with people coming together to honor love and milestones.
But. . .tonight and in Lei’s arms, the lyrics took on a deeper meaning. Up until now, I had always thought the song was about having fun with someone you love, enjoying the moment without a care in the world.
But as I stood here in Lei's arms, swaying to the music, I realized there was more to the lyrics. The words resonated differently now. It felt like an ode to someone struggling to let go of a love they deeply cherished—perhaps even hinting at an upcoming love lost. In fact, the bittersweet undertones of the song mirrored the complexities of love and the fear of losing someone irreplaceable.
I swallowed down a tiny bit of sadness and a wave of emotions washed over me.
I wasn’t sure when it had happened exactly—when I had fallen in love with Lei—but here I was, absolutely head over heels. Lei had come into my life like a storm, shaking everything up and now I couldn’t imagine my world without him.
I didn’t want to.
Without thinking, I raised my arms and wrapped them around Lei's neck, pulling him closer. I hoped that I would never have to experience the pain the song seemed to convey.
I needed our love to be forever.
As if he heard me, Lei responded with a passionate kiss, so intense it took my breath away and delivered delicious shivers down my body.
The party faded away.
The laughter and chatter of our friends and family was a distant hum.
The only thing that mattered was Lei.
Damn. If he keeps this up, I will be pregnant by the end of the year.