Page 51 of Running
“Grace.” My voice is loud enough to cut through the party noise, and she turns her head towards me.
I take a few more steps and then I’m right in front of her. “How did it go with Landon and Rori?”
She has a look of caution on her face. Because she doesn’t know the answer? Or because of our own dynamic?
“It’s hard to say yet. I can tell Landon has mixed emotions. I think he’ll eventually give in to what he wants though—to be with her.”
A struggle I relate to more than she knows.
“And how are you feeling?” She must be proud of how the evening went, but I want to give her space to voice that.
That question does evoke a big smile, and my world tilts a bit. She’s a golden ray of light now in front of me instead of on the stage.
“It was incredible. I can’t believe how much money we raised.”
Has anyone given her the credit she deserves for that? If not, I will. “Thanks to you.”
She blushes and then, as we’re both silent for a moment, she takes a sip of her drink.
Suddenly the music changes to a slower song, and couples pair up. A wistful expression passes over her face.
Does she want to dance? Is she wishing she was here with someone?
Hell, I’ll dance with her in a heartbeat if that’s what she wants. I may be nervous about crossing a line with her, but it’s only a dance.
Just ask her, a voice says.Let her decide.
Fuck it.
“Will you dance with me, Grace?”
She looks at me, seemingly considering the offer. It’s really hard to read her expression in the dim lights near the dance floor. But then I get the answer I want.
“Yes, one dance.” She puts her drink down on the counter.
It’s been a minute since I’ve slow danced with anyone, but I snap to it as soon as I realize it’s my move next.
I put my right hand out, and she places her left on top of it.
Whooph.A jolt of electricity flies up my right arm once our hands meet.
In that moment, I realize it’s the first time we’ve touched like this. Whether it was our college hookup or our hug earlier this month, nothing else between us has held the gentle intimacy of this moment.
We both stare where our hands meet, not dancing yet.
“Your skin is so soft.”
Oh shit, how did that slip out? Where did my ‘Landon’s Sister, Off Limits’mindset go?
I look up at her in alarm, worried she’ll be skittish with the compliment.
Instead, her eyes look like she’s lost in some reverie herself.
Let me not make a simple dance too deep.I squeeze her hand and tug her gently out onto the dance floor. When we reach an open spot, I stop and turn.
Slowly, finally, I bring my left arm around herback and bring her closer, my hand resting on the top of her left hip, and we start to sway.
“You okay?” I keep my voice low and bring my head next to hers, resting along her blonde waves.
