“Let me finish. You’re much more than your looks. I’ve always loved your kindness towards others. I’ll never forget the times you volunteered in the community or sat among orphaned puppies at dog shelters. If people only see the surface, they’re missing the real you.”
She cradled his face in her hands and kissed his lips. Lance splayed his hands across her back, never wanting to be this far away from her again. Their scintillating kiss sent sensations up his legs.
He leaned in closer, peppering her mouth with more kisses. She gasped and only wrapped her arms around his neck. He focused on the sweet depths of her mouth. It was warm and willing.
Ten years without her might as well have been an eternity. How did he manage this long without her? Raking his fingers through her hair, he kissed her for all the years they missed. Pressing his mouth to hers, all the muscles in his body loosened. Chantelle brought relief. She brought a wave of peace.
Concerns and worries faded away. Everything made sense. Warmth infused his body as she kissed him back. Her mouth nipped at his, and by the time they stopped, he was breathless.
Chantelle sighed. “I don’t remember you kissing me like that in high school.”
He chuckled. “You said you wanted to get to know me as a man.”
She giggled and kissed him again.
Chapter 24
“Lance, what are you doing?” Chantelle asked as her hands rested on top of the bandanna. He wanted her eyes covered so she wouldn’t see the surprise, and she fidgeted in her seat during the ride, trying to figure out where he was taking her.
He helped her out of the car and kissed the space behind her ear. “A few more steps.”
Chantelle followed his lead. His kisses made her insides shiver. “Lance?”
“Okay.” The bandanna loosened around her eyes. “Now.”
Chantelle blinked and her eyes adjusted to the bright lights in front of her. A performing arts theater? Why would he bring her here? Looking up, she glanced at the bright marquee with the name of the show, “90s Night.” Posters on the building advertised the show. Chantelle didn’t recognize the performers, but as she stared, she noticed similarities to artists she grew up listening to. She grinned and looked over at Lance.
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “They’re impressionists. Tonight is Monica, Brandy, Destiny’s Child, Silk, Dru Hill, SWV, and Boyz II Men.”
She shrieked with excitement. “Let’s go!”
Lance chuckled, clasping her hand. He paid at the box office. They waited along with the rest of the patrons around the rope lines. Chantelle stood in disbelief, holding
Lance’s hand. This was the happiest she’d seen him. Was it because of her?
She had to give him credit for her happiness. Biting her lower lip, she had yet to tell her boss about the canceled wedding. Chantelle adjusted her purse on her shoulder. She wouldn’t think about that now.
Once inside, they bypassed the concession counter with snacks and beverages. Instead, they paced to the multiple doors to the seating area with cushioned seats. She proceeded to the aisle, but Lance led her to the stairway that led to the balcony.
“Is that necessary?” She asked.
“I want you to have the best seat in the house.”
Chantelle smiled at his thoughtfulness, but her mouth dropped open when they came to a private box. “Lance?” She took her seat.
He sat next to her. “Like it?”
“You must have paid for these earlier. Why did we wait in line then?”
His mouth twisted into a grin. “I didn’t want to give my plan away too quickly.”
She leaned in and kissed his lips. “This is sweet. Thank you.”
When the show began, the muffled voices in the theater ceased. Chantelle stared on the stage, noticing a familiar tune of her teenage years, “Angel of Mine.” Though the singer didn’t sound like the original artist, Monica, she made it her own.
“Want to dance?” Lance clasped her hand.
Her eyes widened. “You’re not well if you’re asking me that.”