“I love it,” I admit, tucking a loose hair behind my ear. “I never imagined myself liking a place like this, but I do.”
His answering smile is blinding. As much as he insisted I’d like this he was still unsure.
“Do you want to dance some more?” he asks.
I nod, and he stands, holding out a hand to me. I slip my hand into his marveling at the contrast of his tanned skin against my pale one.
Back on the dance floor we fall into the rhythm.
All too soon, our night has to come to an end since my dad insisted I be home by midnight like some masquerading Cinderella.
Jasper leads me out of the club and I shiver when the breezy night air hits my heated skin. He tosses his arm around me, drawing me close to his warm body.
I curl against him.
Safe.
Secure.
I could get used to this.
He unlocks the Jeep and helps me inside.
When he gets inside he doesn’t start it right away. Instead, he leans across the center console. Our eyes meet like stars crossing paths in the night sky.
He reaches up, his hand cupping my cheek. It’s funny how much larger his hand is than my face. His eyes flick down to my lips and my heart skips a beat. It picks up speed when he kisses me.
If I get to kiss him for the rest of my life, I hope it’s always like this.
When he pulls away, I breathe, “What was that for?”
“Because I wanted to.” He grins. “And,” he begins with a shrug, “because I figure your father will be watching with his face pressed to the window when I drop you off.”
I smile. “That’s a very good reason.”
He starts the car and puts it in drive before holding out his hand to me.
I look at it stupidly for a moment before I take it. His hand curls around mine, making me feel small and protected.
The drive home is too short, and I find myself sad when he parks outside the front walk.
Sure enough, I can see my dad’s shadow hanging near the windows by the front door. I glance at the dashboard; the vivid green lights shine back a resounding 11:56pm.
“Will I see you tonight? On the beach?” I add unnecessarily.
He shakes his head.
“Why not?”
He smiles, tucking that stubborn piece of hair behind my ear. “Because, tonight I’ll be able to sleep.”
“Why tonight?”
“Because right now, only you
fill my thoughts and nothing bad can bring me down from this high.”
“Oh,” I whisper into the darkness.