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“She’s right. This one is a keeper,” I agree. I’m not talking about the picture. “I’m really glad I finally caught you.”
“Makes it worth shooting you.”
“Let’s not get crazy.”
“Hey, can I steal the birthday girl away for a dance?” Kevin asks, stepping up to us.
“Did you get something to eat?” I ask Eliot.
“Yeah, Austen shoved food in my mouth.”
“Then knock yourself out.”
With a grin, Kevin takes Eliot’s hand. They move to the dance area. I focus on loading my plate. Finding a seat, I watch them dance for a few minutes.
“How was the car?” Carter asks, sitting next to me.
“That thing growls like a wildcat. Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me. That’s all, Cam. She’s gifted.” His sister sits down across from him. A blush creeps on her cheeks. Soon, we’re joined by several others.
I vaguely listen to the conversation as I watch Kevin hand Eliot off to Reed. Rand takes her for a turn, then Arlo. I’d better get out there while she can still remember who I am.
“If you’ll excuse me, I see someone I’d like to dance with.” Climbing out of the picnic table, I approach the dance floor. I nod at the DJ, and the music changes to a rumba. That’s right, I’m about to melt the panties right off of my woman.
“May I have this dance?” I hold out my hand. She takes it. The crowd fades into the background as I pull her against me. The rumba I have in mind is a little less competition and a little more leave her breathless. I move her around the dirt patch like it’s our wedding night. This should be something the high school kids aspire to for years to come.
When the song ends, we’re greeted by clapping. I pull her against me and kiss her for everything we’re worth. The clapping grows louder. Her eyes are slightly glazed when we part.
“We could go home now,” she whispers.
“Don’t you want to stay at your own party?”
“I’m not much of a partier.”
“Okay then. Go say your goodbyes.”
Eliot makes the rounds, thanking everyone. No one even seems surprised that we’re ducking out early. I’m positive this party will go on just fine without us. I return Carter’s keys and snag Reed’s. He assures me they can find a ride home. Hand in hand, we head away from the party.
“What about Tessa?” Eliot asks, pulling me to a stop halfway to the truck.
“She’s going home with your parents.”
“Really?”
“They offered. She’s thrilled. Your dad promised chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.”
“Damn, he does make good pancakes.”
I get us settled in Reed’s truck. It takes a while to get out of the tight parking space, but soon we’re on the way home. Eliot is staring out the truck window. I’d love to know what she’s thinking.
“Thank you,” she says softly.
“For the birthday party? No problem.”
“Not just for that,” she adds, turning to face me. “I know everyone thinks I’ve lost my mind the last couple of months. Running around, doing crazy things. But even from the beginning, you were there. You might have gotten irritated by my behavior, but you never gave up on me. It means a lot. You helping me fulfill my insane list means everything.”
“It wasn’t insane. It was important to you, so it became important to me. You became important to me. I’m not letting you go, Eliot. If that means getting arrested for skinny dipping in the city pool or jumping off a cliff into the river, then I’m all in. Besides,” I add, cutting my eyes at her, “I can’t wait to see your before-you-turn-thirty-one list.”
