“I’m being serious with you.” His thumb wiped a tear from her cheek.
Good grief he shouldn’t touch her, made the thought of her walking away from him so much harder. He could guess that was pretty much how she was feeling when he left her yesterday. Probably a few months ago too.
I guess it’s a lot easier when you’re the one leaving.
Kind of made him feel like shit that he’d done that to her, no matter the reason.
“You know, I’ve probably never told you this and I should have a long time ago. I loved you from day one, the day we met.” He could read her expression as the words sank in.
“I know you never told me that. I’d like to think I wouldn’t forget something that important.”
“I admit, for a guy it might sound a little silly, but you know, that love at first sight thing. That was me.”
Annie shook her head. “No, not silly at all. I’m guilty as well, but I guess I never told you either. I think I was afraidyou’dthink it was silly.”
Josh smiled. Who would have thought they felt the same exact way. Both were guilty of bad communication skills. Seems like they were meant to be.
“Are you sure you have to go Annie?” Josh reached for and clasped his hands around hers. It was time for him to really put himself out there if he wanted to stay in her life. After all, he was the one that left first. Seems like the anger and contempt they both had for each other had dissipated over time. He wouldn’t say they were ready to jump back into a full-fledged relationship, but they were ready for a step in that direction.
“I think I could probably stay around awhile if that would be okay with you?”
“More than okay.” He clasped his fingers with hers and they started to walk toward the reception area when he stopped abruptly.
“You know, I didn’t bring a date, but I’m allowed to have one with me at the head table. Would you join me? I know Brian and Julie would love for you to be involved.”
“I would actually really like that Josh. Thank you.”
***
The night had gone better than Annie could have ever imagined. The food was amazing, everybody seemed to love the cake which thrilled her, and best of all she was so excited her friends had found each other. They were the epitome of happiness. She and Josh had enjoyed themselves, made new memories and had a lot of laughs.
The first bite of cake the couple fed each other was gentle and loving and the crowd cheered accordingly, but then they went for a second piece. As one could only imagine that piece never made it to the inside of either of their mouths. Juliesmeared her piece all over Brian’s face then she took off running around the dance floor. Her groom, however, thought better of it, ate the piece meant for her then went running after his bride. The entire crowd had a good laugh, and the new couple ended the chase with their first dance. After watching the father-daughter dance and participating in the dollar dance with Brian, Annie returned to her seat to catch her breath. It was Josh’s turn to dance with the bride. Annie was mesmerized by the way he moved effortlessly across the floor. She admired his grace, and her heart ached a little bit more with love each time his genuine smile beamed while making Julie laugh.
The true love she felt for him was a bit overwhelming and she silently prayed they would get their second chance. If she were so lucky, she would do everything in her power to make that chance count. Lost in her dream world and oblivious to her surroundings, Josh startled her with a touch on her shoulder and she jumped.
“Annie, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.
She let out a laugh and shrugged. “It’s okay, I was kind of out in lala land. Looked like you were having a good time out there.”
“Yeah, I’m having more fun that I thought I would. I’m glad you decided to stay.”
“I am too Josh. Thanks for twisting my arm.” He took a seat beside her, drank the rest of his champagne then turned to face her. He was kind of intimidating and tense sometimes, but those traits made him even more sexy to her.
“Do you think you could handle dancing with me?”
She hesitated only for a second.
Is he kidding?
She’d been waiting all night, hoping he’d ask.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
She could think of nothing she wanted more and took hold when he held out a hand. As Josh folded her into his embrace, she melted right into place. Her body remembered the place so well.
His beautiful eyes were fixed, igniting a fire deep in her soul.
“Annie, I want so badly to just say all is forgiven but it was a little more complicated for me.” He whispered softly into her ear, “but maybe we could make a new start, take it slow and talk things out?”
