“I have a feeling Caleb will push my needs before his own and follow me to the college I choose,” Addie says. “I mean, I’m probably going to study business because I want to be involved in my grandfather’s empire, but I have no idea what Caleb wants to study. I hope he won’t resent me one day.”
“He won’t,” I assure her. “I know he’ll do what’s best for you and for himself. I don’t want to think about being separated from Kylen, either, but his maternal grandparents had a long-distance relationship when they left for college. They were able to do it, and I’m sure we can do it, too. I mean, it’s probably going to be super hard, but we have video call. If our love for each other is strong, nothing can break it.”
Addie grins. “Did you saylove?”
My cheeks burn. “Yes.”
She squeals and flings her arms around me, not caring that she might be messing up my hair and makeup. Then we get a text from the guys telling us that they’re waiting for us downstairs. They’ll escort us to the ballroom that’s on campus.
“And so begins another wonderful night!” Carly says as she grabs her purse.
The four of us make our way downstairs, weaving through some girls who are freaking out in the hallway. One can’t find her shoe while another one popped a pimple and now thinks she looks like a zombie.
It’s pretty cold out, so we have no choice but to bundle up well. The guys won’t see our dresses until we take off our coats and hand them in to the coat room.
All of them, including Kylen’s friends, are waiting outside. I spot Leo with Lilah. They’re both giggling and whispering to each other. I’m glad they’re together—they make such a perfect couple. Leo is so sweet and dedicated to her, and Lilah is always there for him when he needs someone to talk to. Not to mention she can hold her own at video games.
Kylen steps over to me with a soft smile and gathers me in his arms. “You look so beautiful, my Juliet.”
“And you look so handsome, my Romeo.”
He and I lace our fingers together and follow everyone else to the ballroom, where we can hear music playing. After we give in our coats to the attendant in the coat room, Kylen pulls me into his arms again and murmurs in my ear how gorgeous I look.
“Thanks. And you look so dashing in a suit,” I tell him. “Like you’re from a romance novel.”
“Thanks. My grandfather helped me pick it out. You like?” He does a quick spin.
With a laugh, I say, “I love.”
“Well, I love your dress, too.” He leans forward to kiss me.
My friends and their boyfriends are exchanging compliments as well, as are Leo and Lilah. Jasper and Beck look a little out of place, but they still seem very excited to be here. I know they’ll have fun because there’s never a dull moment with those two.
The place is decorated so beautifully in a starry night theme. The stars look so realistic, like they’re twinkling. It will really feel as though we’re dancing under the stars.
Ryder holds out his hand to Carly. “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me, my amazing Carly?”
She smiles brightly as she places her hand in his. “I would love to.” She sends us a happy squeal as she walks off with him.
Sophie and Damian exchange a nod. “Food,” they say before walking off to the refreshment table.
Caleb asks Addie to dance as well, and Leo does the same with Lilah, followed by Jasper and Beck, who waste no time killing it on the dance floor. Only Kylen and I remain.
“I can’t believe I’m here,” Kylen says. “I’ve been waiting for this moment since I first found out about the dance.”
“Me, too.”
He steps closer and whispers in my ear, “Nothing would make me happier than to have the girl of my dreams dance with me. Would you like to dance with me, Raven?”
“Of course. I would love that very much.”
It’s a fast-paced song, so my friends are once again doing a routine that Carly and Ryder create on the spot. Sophie and Damian join us a few minutes later and tell us the food is todie for. I’m curious, but I’d rather be here dancing with my wonderful boyfriend.
Kylen and I can’t stop smiling at each other every time our eyes meet, which is like all the time. My heart feels like it might explode with every good emotion in the world. After the dance at camp, I was left with heartache. I’m so glad I can replace those awful memories with the amazing ones I’m making now.
And then the music shifts to a slow song. The last time this happened was at Fiona’s party. Kylen and I couldn’t get off the dance floor fast enough. But this time, he gives me a tender smile and moves closer to me, his eyes full of so many emotions. I move closer as well, until I stand right before him. He slowly raises his hands and rests them on my waist, drawing me to his chest and causing my skin to prickle. I lock my arms around his neck and stare into his eyes, once again getting sucked inside.
We don’t say anything to each other for what feels like a long time. We just sway to the beat of the slow song, completely enthralled in one another. I don’t think I can ever get bored of just staring into his eyes and seeing all the emotions he’s got buried there. I know him pretty well, but there is still so much to learn about him.
