Jake drew her against him and rested his hands on the small of her back while she wrapped her arms around his neck. She leaned her head against his chest, and he breathed in her flowery scent and felt her soft body press against his as they swayed to the music.
When he spun her around and dipped her, she giggled. Then he lifted her chin and kissed her velvet lips. He closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her mouth against his, and a shiver of longing vibrated through his body.
“Is this almost as good as prom?” he whispered as the song ended and then “Groovy Kind of Love” by the Mindbenders began.
“It’s better, since we’re dancing to the oldies instead of pop songs.”
“Right.” He grinned. “You and your oldies.”
She sighed and rested her cheek on his shoulder. “I almost asked you to prom.”
He stopped moving. Had he heard her right? “Really?”
“Yeah,” she said, her eyes meeting his. “But you had asked Claire.” She touched his cheek. “Actually, I wanted to ask you to homecoming, but she got to you first.”
If only he could turn back time... “I’m sorry I didn’t realize you were interested in me that way, but I wish I’d known.” He held her close. “Let’s pretend this is our prom.”
She smiled as she lay her head against his chest. “It’s perfect,” she whispered, and he kissed the top of her head.
“I agree.” He held her close, and they continued to sway with the music. Being this close to her was different from anything he’d ever experienced. He’d never felt so much joy with a woman—not even Claire. It was as if his heart had been brought back to life.
Oh boy. He had turned into a hopeless romantic for sure!
“There was a song that I always imagined would be our song,” she suddenly said.
“What is it?”
She lifted her gaze to meet his. “That song from the early nineties by Vanessa Williams. ‘Save the Best for Last.’”
“Whoa.” He held up his hand. “You know a song from the nineties?” he teased.
Her eyes narrowed. “I happen to like a variety of music.” She lifted her chin. “Are you going to let me finish my story?”
“Of course.” He pulled her close. “Go on.”
“Thank you. So the song is about two best friends who end up falling in love, and how sometimes we end up saving the best for last.” Her cheeks turned bright pink, and she was even more irresistible than usual. “It’s silly, but I used to imagine that we’d dance to it at our...” She cringed and covered her face with her hands. “Never mind. I can’t believe I’m saying this to you out loud. I feel so silly right now.”
“Hey, look at me.”
She squinted up at him, and he chuckled.
“You’re adorable when you’re embarrassed, but you shouldn’t be embarrassed. Tell me. Please.”
“Fine, fine.” She gulped. “I used to fantasize that it would be our wedding song.” The words tumbled out of her mouth before she buried her face in his shirt. “I’m going to just dissolve into a puddle now.” Her voice was muffled by his clothes.
“Don’t worry about it.” He kissed her head again. “The song sounds perfect.”
They continued to move together, and he felt his entire body relax. He wanted this night to last forever.
Emily still felt like she was floating Tuesday morning. She had started her day by setting up the outdoor painting area where she planned to give lessons to customers. Then she began walking around the orchard grounds, checking on how the last-minute touches were coming for the grand opening tomorrow. She hummed “Groovy Kind of Love” and waved to the seasonal workers who were busy picking the apples. She’d fallen asleep singing the song, and she’d dreamed about her dance with Jake during the night. His impromptu barn prom had been the most romantic date she’d ever been on, and it even trumped their make-out session in their fort the night before. She’d been Jake’s girlfriend for less than forty-eight hours, but she couldn’t remember a time when she’d been so happy.
She continued humming while she took in the employees organizing the cashier counters, the bins full of apples, and the bushel baskets. Leon sat on a chair near the seasonal employees and pointed while giving orders, and she smiled. It was good to see him out of the house and getting involved in the orchard.
Emily began singing “Standy by Me” to herself while she made her way toward the barn. When she found Jake pacing back and forth and frowning while talking into his phone, she quickened her steps.
She approached him and touched his arm, but he continued his phone conversation.
“We can make this work, Tom,” Jake said. “Just give me a chance.The grand opening is tomorrow, and I need you here. I’m sure you’ll have a lot of sales. In fact, you’ll probably sell out the first day.” He held his fist up to his forehead. “Please don’t back out. I’m begging you.” He paused for a few seconds. “Fine. I understand.” He disconnected the call, and his nostrils flared.
