“No, I mean about tonight,” she clarified, searching my eyes.
“Patience, Hazel. The night isn’t over yet, but I promise, it’s gonna be a good one,” I teased, just as light applause rippled around the room. It looked like the pianist was going to take a break as soft recorded music started to fill its place.
We stopped for a moment, looking at each other, contemplating whether we should head back. But this time, Hazel was the one who closed the distance, which made my heart drown in that disgustingly warm feeling. My arms were already open.
If earlier we had left room between us for conversation and eye contact, now Hazel was closer—her sweet breath on my neck, her heartbeat against my chest. The melody brought us into a whole different world, and we started to sway slowly. I breathed in her scent, pulling her closer, as she rested her cheek on my shoulder.
My hand found her hip, squeezing gently, and I leaned into her neck. My heart raced, yet I remained calm with Hazel in my arms. My fingers grazed her bare back, tracing delicate circles, as if memorizing the feel of her. Hazel followed my lead effortlessly with an ease that felt earned, her trust holding the moment together. I moved us forward, but she kept us safe. I let my lips hover by her ear as I whispered, emphasizing every letter.
“B.r.e.a.t.h.t.a.k.i.n.g.”
Slowly, I traced my finger from the base of her spine to her shoulder blades. A quiet, almost inaudible moan escaped her lips, but it was enough for me to close my eyes, savoring it. Hazel’s temple nudged against my jaw, and I dipped my head instinctively, craving more contact. Nothing existed beyond this moment—just her, just us, floating in time.
Her fingers found my collar and slipped underneath it, brushing lightly up my neck and to the edge of my hairline. Both my hands spread wide across her back, drawing shivers that answered something deep in me. Just for this endless moment, we were one. No past, no fear or doubt existed. Only us.
My subconscious screamed warnings, but I wasn’t going to let it win tonight. The only thing that could stop me was Hazel herself, but there was no point in denying she was just as hypnotized by this moment as I was with her. Her heart was racing, but she held on to me, not wishing for this to end either. Her fingers lightly danced to the rhythm of the music on my shoulder, and I grazed my nose softly against her cheek. Her fingers gripped me a little tighter.
The music started to fade, and I heard voices creeping back into existence. People returned to their tables, and we unwillingly let go. And when I glanced at Hazel, she was captivatingly gazing into my soul. A place even I rarely visited.
“I’ll go to the ladies’ room.” She smiled shyly. I held her gaze as long as I could, but the reality set in, leaving me with animpossible task not to follow her with my eyes as she walked away enticingly. Her high heels made her legs look as if sent from heaven, and I felt my arms clench into fists as I fought for control.
Alex caught my eye and gave a subtle nod.
Show time.
I went to the bar and waited for the bartender. Meanwhile, Hazel returned from the bathroom.
“Hey,” I said, packing too much into a single word. She didn’t respond, but let out a happy sigh. “Want something from the bar?”
“Just some water.”
The bartender finally appeared.
“Chardonnay and eight glasses. And a bottle of water.” Hazel eyed me curiously.
“Are we celebrating something?”
“Yes.” I smiled. “Life.”
Her eyes sparkled, filling the room with an inexplicable sunshine. I took her hand and led us back to the table, indulging in the thought of always having her hold my hand. And tonight, I wanted to pretend it’s true.
We sat at the table, and eventually, everyone rejoined us.
“I’d like to say a few words,” Alex said, clearing his throat as he stood up. “For some time now, each of you has shaped my life in big or small ways. The crazy college nights with Luke, my dream job with Logan, and Ethan. Summer and Norah—the best people who call me out on my shit like good sisters would. And Hazel—it’s not downplaying when I say that there have been some rough mornings at work when your sharp jokes about Logan have brightened my day. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing you more often in our lives.”
My heart clenched at Hazel’s inability to hide her happiness. Then Alex turned to Ava, and his eyes softened.
“But Ava—you...” He exhaled shakily. “Once, I heard someone describe you astoo much. I remember the way you laughed it off, but I saw it in your eyes. It hurt. At first, I wanted to punch the guy, but then I thought to myself—yeah, youarea bit too much.”
Has he thought this speech through? I knew I should’ve checked it beforehand.
“...like an extra nugget you find in your box or a curly fry in your French fries.“ Ava laughed, unable to look away from him.
“Are all these food-related?!” Logan muttered. Norah kicked him under the table.
“...or like dazzling Christmas lights on your neighbor’s roof that you can’t take your eyes off. You’re a little bit too much in the most wonderful way. And I’m in love with you. A little bit too much, too.”
Okay. He nailed it after all.
