Page 52 of Running
She nods—which I feel more than see from this position.
“I can lead us.”
“Okay.” Her tone is quiet, almost shy-sounding. Is she as affected by this moment as I am?
The song has a steady beat, even if slow, and I let it carry my motions as I lead our dance.
I know. I know. I’m pushing the boundaries I set for myself.Landon’s sister.
But then a dangerously raw thought flashes through my mind.
She might be the most precious thing I’ve held in my arms since my newborn nephew.
Ummm.
I’m so screwed.
Trying to keep myself grounded, I start making small talk.
“How wild was it that Landon outbid Carter for that signed Taylor Swift album?”
She gives a small giggle, maybe out of relief more than anything at the neutral topic. “I know. I can’t believe he did that for me. I’m tempted to give the album to Carter’s girlfriend anyway, she’s such a fan.” Her voice, muffled in my ear, stays low.
I keep us rocking to the music. “She was at our table, and it sounds like she already has a signed copy of that one, so I think you’re fine.”
“Oh good, because Midnights is my favorite album.”
We keep dancing, and her body relaxes as the beats of the music pass.
“Thank you again for your help, Johnson. Not just with Landon, but with the whole auction.”
I squeeze her hand in reassurance. “Of course, and I’m sure you’ll get an A in your class after all the work you did.”
“That would be nice.”
I try to find words to acknowledge what happened with us at my house, and how I’m glad it didn’t slow her down in the planning.
“I know things have been a little…all over the place with us these last couple of months. So I’m glad it’s been smooth tonight.”
I feel her stiffen. Oh shit, did I say something wrong?
“Yes, it’s been smooth.” Her voice’s gone from soft to icy in a millisecond.
“Did I say some?—“
“I need to check on the rest of the staff, in case anyone needs help.”
And with that, she breaks our contact and walks off.
All I want to do is protest, bring her back into my embrace. There are so many people around us though, and she’s already too far away.
So I just whisper to myself.
“No problem, thanks for the dance.”
CHAPTER 17
Grace
