When we reached the corner, he leaned against the wall, and I waited for him to drop my hand. But he didn’t.
The song changed from a slow one to a fast one that a bunch of girls must have known a line dance to as they rushed the dance floor. Groups of teenagers danced and jumped around, screaming song lyrics.
A boy came over with a cute blonde by his side. “Hey, Coach.”
“Jacob.”
“I was wondering if we should try switching to conditioning after practice, when our muscles are already tired. I also saw this thing where you scrimmage but you can’t shoot till you have passed the ball at least four times.”
Adam listened thoroughly, weighing and respecting the boy’s opinions. I made eye contact with the girl, she was not impressed that her date was talking about sports while they were at a dance. We both waited a few minutes, but the conversation didn’t seem like a quick one.
I bumped Adam with my shoulder, and he immediately gazed down at me. I gestured to the boy’s date. “Maybe this can be handled later?”
I held my breath, waiting for him to dismiss me or be frustrated that I had made him look a certain way. Adam looked at Jacob’s date and smiled.
“Yes, of course. Thanks for the idea. I will think about it, and we can talk about it”–he winked down at me—“later.”
The girl grinned at me and then dragged her date away.
Speaking up had left me a little shaky. “Sorry, Adam. I shouldn’t have spoken up like that when I had no idea what I was talking about.” Now that the moment was over, anxiety flooded my system.
“What are you talking about?” Adam’s eyebrows pulled down.
“With your captain and the date and sports and I just…”
“Hey.” He looked down at me. “You have every right to speak up when you think or feel something. You know that, right?”
I studied my feet as a new slow song came on. “I wish I could do it without this.” I held up my other hand to show him it was shaking and rolled my eyes.
“Faith, will you dance with me?” He held out his hand.
I stepped closer. “Yes.” I bit my lip and placed my hand in his. He slowly pulled me closer and led me out onto the dance floor as the slow song played through the budget school stereo system. He put one hand on the small of my back, his large palms warming my skin through the soft fabric. I placed my hands on his shoulders and felt his muscles shift underneath them as we moved to the music.
He held me, creating peace and safety from the storm in my mind.
Adam’s mouth lowered to my ear. “Have I told you you look beautiful tonight?”
I grinned and glanced up into his eyes. “You have, but I don’t mind the repetition.”
“In that case, you look beautiful.” His brown eyes stared into mine, and he leaned closer, his lips resting on my forehead.
My breath caught. “Thanks.” Even in heels, I barely made it mid biceps. Time slowed, and I felt safe in his arms, safe and like I never wanted to leave. Like the whole world melted away, and it was just the two of us.
Adam’s hand increased pressure on my back until there was no space between us. I studied his eyes, I wanted to remember everything about tonight. The curve of his lips, the warmth of his eyes. Time stood still and I found myself pulled into a world I never wanted to leave. A pull to be closer physically and mentally. I wanted to know Adam. I wanted to know his favorite dessert and favorite color. I wanted to know his favorite song, and whether he snored when he slept.
I think I was falling in love with Adam.
And for tonight, I could pretend he was mine. The song ended, and he grabbed my hand and kissed it. I felt like I was glowing. “I’m going to go grab some water. Do you want some?”
“Sure.” I pursed my lips together to keep my happy squeals inside.
Adam stepped away to get us some drinks, and a hand clamped tightly around my arm and pulled me spinning around.
“Wha… What?” I was suddenly face-to-face with a furious Jessica.
“You might have Adam fooled for now, but it won’t last. He’ll get bored and move on. Just like he did with me.” Her face was red as she leaned close to my face.
My brain whirled, trying to come up with something to say, but nothing would come. I stood there, rooted.
