Page 103 of Bless My Body

only a few couples on the dance floor, but I need to be close to Celine, and this is the best way I can

think of doing that.

“Dance with me.” I don’t ask her because I don’t want to give her the option to say no. She puts

her glass down on a nearby table and follows me to a spot on the dance floor.

I wrap my arms around her waist, and she hooks hers around my neck. She rests her head on my

shoulder as we sway to the flowing sounds of the music.

“Thanks for coming with me tonight. I know it’s not an ideal Saturday night.”

She lets out a quiet laugh that causes her breath to tickle my neck. “Of course. And it’s not so bad.

It’s been fun watching you be all-important rich boy Ezra.”

“Important rich boy Ezra? What is that?”

“Yeah, you know. Talking to people about important world topics and not just which fast-food

chain is the best,” she tells me, lazily running her fingers through my hair at the back of my head. It’s

such a small movement, but it feels so intimate. Our surroundings fade from view. Right now, it’s just

me and her.

“Well, that’s not up for discussion. Taco Bell is the G.O.A.T. Hands down.”

“Oh, God. You and your Taco Bell.” She lifts her head so her eyes are level with mine. The hand I

have on her lower back pulls her in closer to me. I wish I could keep her this close all the time.

Feeling her body heat, smelling her floral scent, is driving me crazy. But it’s a crazy I’m more than

willing to deal with.

My eyes dart to her lips. I want to kiss her right now in front of everyone. I want to claim her as

mine. But doing that would cause issues. I brought her here as my friend. Celine doesn’t want

anything more than friendship. Kissing her in front of everyone would make it feel like I was

pressuring her for something more. I can’t do that.

So, I settle with keeping my lips away from Celine’s no matter how much I want her. I can control

myself for a while longer until all the guests leave.

Celine and I dance for as long as we can until Mom finally finds me and drags me off to meet

someone else. How have I not already met everyone at this damn party? She’s definitely just finding

excuses to keep me away from Celine.

I try to bring Celine with me, but she opts to sit down at a table to rest for a minute. I nod,

reluctant to leave her, but I can’t imagine the shoes she’s wearing are very comfortable. So I leave her