The music is still roaring around us as more vacationers squeeze onto the dance floor like sardines, dancing in sync to the rhythmic flashing of strobe lights. All the distractions fade away into muffled background noise as Owen and I intently stare at each other.
Owen’s gaze rakes over my face like he’s trying to memorize every line. He tracks the loose, sweaty strands of hair sticking to my skin before lowering his eyes to my neck. I wonder if he can see how hard my pulse is beating for him.
His jaw tightens as if he's fighting the urge to kiss me there. I can't help but feel like he’s losing the fight.
Just like me.
My breath hitches when his thumbs caress my hips, pressing into the thin silk of my dress. The touch is faint and light, butGod, it sets every nerve ending in my body alive. Heat blooms low in my stomach, spreading everywhere all at once.
I swallow hard, trying to push down a sigh as his thumbs keep tracing slow circles against my hips.
He pulls me closer, tightening his arms around me until there’s absolutely no space left between us. My arms slide higher around his neck, holding him close as we move together like water. Cool air hits the back of my thighs as my dress rides up with every sway.
Owen must notice, removing one hand from my hips and slowly drifting it lower. I almost die when his fingertips graze along my upper thigh like he’s testing a dangerous boundary.
When he dips his head, I swear he’s going to kiss me. But instead, his lips find the shell of my ear.
Ugh.
I’m so tired of this cat-and-mouse game.
Just kiss me already.
“You having fun?” he asks, lips feathering against my skin.
“Yeah,” I nod, completely breathless. “Yeah, I am.”
His hands gently squeeze my hips in response.
“Me too,” he rasps before dipping his head to look into my eyes, his forehead almost touching mine.
“Today’s been one of the best days I’ve had in a long time,” he admits.
Today’s been the best day of my entire life,I think to myself.
My fingers curl into his shirt as I feel my cheeks heat.
“Yeah,” I whisper, a small laugh slipping out. “Me too. I’ve felt... different today.”
“Different how?”
“I don’t know…” I shrug. “Braver. Carefree. Like I stopped overthinking everything for once and just let myself relax.”
A devastating, handsome grin curves his lips.
My lashes flutter as he cups the side of my face with one hand and grazes his thumb along my jaw.
“I’ve noticed,” he says. “I love serious Meadow, but I’m glad I got to see this side of you today, too.”
I love serious Meadow.
Love.
Of course, my brain attaches itself to that one word. I know Owen doesn't mean it likethat, but he should know better than to use that word around me. Because I think my foolish heart might seriously love him.
“Since we’re not overthinking everything tonight…” he rasps, thumb still moving back and forth against my cheek, “there’s something I’ve been dying to do all day.”
My heart stops.
