When we reach the Martin residence he turns to me. “This is going to happen, Em. I promise!”
I nod, giving him a hopeful smile. “I can’t wait.”
He wraps me up in his arms quickly, and I can sense his hesitation before he lets me go. He slowly slides his hands down my arms and takes me in with admiration as he pulls away.
He nods and says, “Yes, this is going to happen.” This time he is talking more to himself than anyone.
He finally turns away and begins jogging up the stairs on the back deck. “I’ll see you later tonight!”
“Definitely! Rebecca and I still have cookies to bake, and she wants to do something fun for our last night,” I respond right before he walks inside.
The giddy feeling falters a little as I walk back toward my house. We didn’t get to talk about anything. I don’t know if we are going to be boyfriend and girlfriend now or how we will approach going off to school six hours away from each other, all things Rebecca had asked me about earlier. Idoknow he likesme and wants to kiss me and is determined to make that happen. Plus, we still have time to talk tonight, so I’m sure everything will be fine.
I shrug off the unsure feelings and allow myself to just sit in the joy for now.
CHAPTER 32
Summer 19
We’ve been here about an hour, and I have a delightful little buzz. This isn’t like two summers ago when I drank the margaritas. The world doesn’t spin every time I stand, but I feel a little lighter and giddy. I just can’t stop smiling, and things that are only half funny seem funny.
Andrew has been carefully monitoring my drinking, insisting I pace myself. I could be annoyed with him for being overprotective, but I’m choosing to be thankful I have someone who wants to show me how to have a good relationship with alcohol.
The live band started a little while ago, and we pretty much haven’t left the dance floor. Brendan has alternated between dancing with me and just about every other girl in here. He’s so personable and the perfect balance between being flirty and a gentleman, that it’s no surprise he’s been able to get so many dance partners.
Even with the liquid courage running through my veins, I’m still anxious about the reason we came here in the first place. I don’t think any amount of alcohol will make me want to get ona mechanical bull and ride it for fun, but I also recognize if Rebecca were here, she would’ve already ridden the damn thing five times… at least! Everyone who’s done it so far has seemed to have a good time. I’ve watched closely. There is a part of me that is curious, which is infuriating because that only means I have to try it. But that doesn’t mean I’m not terrified to do so.
The band begins a new song, and I watch Andrew’s face completely light up. “No way! Do you know who this is?”
I squint up at the stage setup. “Rusty Boot? That’s a weird name for a band.”
He frowns. “No, the song they’re singing. It’s by Shane Smith & the Saints!”
Arching an eyebrow, I ask, “Am I supposed to know who that is?”
“I guess not. They’re not the type of band Rebecca would’ve listened to and introduced to you. This is a great song though. Will you dance with me?” He bows down to me with an outstretched hand, looking like Prince Charming asking Cinderella to dance with him.
Smiling, I take his hand, and he pulls me in. “What’s the name of the song?” I ask him, leaning into his ear so he can hear me over the music that is now picking up.
“’All I See is You,’” he responds, sending chills down my spine from the sensual brush of his lips and the sweet meaning behind the song title.
I tune in to the song as the beat picks up, making me want to do a little jig, but instead, I follow Andrew’s lead, bounding and spinning around with glee.
Andrew twirls me around then pulls me in snug against him with his arms crossed over me. There’s a brief moment when our eyes connect, and we exchange a look that says so much more than words ever could. The band plays their upbeat song, the neon lights in the bar flash on the walls, and people all around us drunkenly twirl and bound, but inthat moment, it’s like my surroundings fade. All that’s left is Andrew’s handsome face, radiating warmth and love. The look in his eyes is warm and soft.He’s in love too. I can tell.
“This song is so cute I want to cry!” I shout over the music.
His already smiling face transforms into pure joy as he spins me back out. He releases me and links elbows with me, skipping in a circle, and I can’t help but throw my head back and laugh at his goofiness. He’s not the most amazing dancer, but I’d dance with him any day because he just lets loose and has a good time.
The song winds down, and I catch myself panting from the sporadic and goofy dancing we just did. Andrew grabs me by the waist, drawing me in closer for a soft kiss. It has all the gentleness that leaves me longing for more and makes me forget we are surrounded by people. Or maybe the alcohol is hitting me a little more than I realize, but anyhow, I go in for more, slipping my tongue teasingly into his mouth.
I feel his grip on my waist tighten and can’t help but smirk against his lips as I begin to realize how my kiss is impacting him too. I’m almost certain he is about to pull me out the front door and take me straight home when he pulls away. “So are you ready to ride a bull?”
I wince. “Five more minutes?”
He steps closer to me. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
A wave of relief rolls over me, but it’s quickly followed by guilt.Why do I feel guilty?
