Chapter Thirty-Eight
Brock
When I came to the dance tonight, I never expected Lexi would be in my arms as we sway on the dance floor. I figured our friend group would have fun together and then we’d go home. I was feeling pretty rotten because I missed being close to her. When Lexi asked me to dance, it’s like something ignited inside me. That’s why I was so confused when she asked me. I couldn’t believe it.
There’s a lot I want to tell her, like how miserable I’ve been all week because we were so distanced. But we’ll talk about that later. Right now, I just want to enjoy this wonderful moment.
Her arms are wrapped around my neck and mine are around her waist. I’m engulfed in her Lexi smell that always makes me feel a thousand times better.
Pressing my forehead to hers, I murmur, “You’re so beautiful, Lexi.”
A soft chuckle comes out of her. “You already said that—twice—but thanks.”
Drawing back, I stare into her eyes. “I don’t just mean beautiful on the outside. I mean the inside, too. Every single part of you is amazing. So darn amazing. I shouldn’t…” I shake my head. “I don’t deserve this.”
“Brock.” Her finger strokes my cheek. “Don’t say that. You know it’s not true.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. “I don’t want to ruin this, but…”
“Like I said, we have a lot to discuss, but let’s just enjoy the night with each other.” Her fingers plow through my hair. “It’s getting quite long.”
I tilt my head to push the bangs out of my eyes. “You think I should grow my hair out like my dad and uncle?”
“Hmm. You could definitely pull it off, but I don’t think it’s you.”
I laugh. “You might be right.”
Her arms around me tighten as she pushes herself closer to me. My entire body is engulfed in her warmth. I don’t want to worry about what this means, what will happen once we have that talk. I want to enjoy tonight, like she said. There’s time to worry about other things later. All that matters is that Lexi is in my arms.
I feel many pairs of eyes on us as we slow dance. Many kids from school are watching us and of course the guys are. Nate’s got this goofy smile on his face while Dean looks like he’s very happy for us. But what exactly does all this mean?
No. Not going to think about it.
I press my cheek to Lexi’s. “Don’t look, but lots of kids are staring at us.”
Her cheek leaves mine as she scans around. “You’d think we were celebrities or something.”
I chuckle. “I think they’re surprised to see me being normal.”
“That’s not true. They know you’re normal. Maybe they’re staring because we’re just awesome.”
I laugh again. Perhaps they’re looking at us because they know deep down that Lexi and I belong together. I’m pretty sure our friends are thinking it.
I wrap her tighter in my arms. “I don’t think you understand just how much this means to me, Lexi.”
“Of course I do,” she says, voice soft. “Because it means just as much to me.”
We gaze into each other’s eyes for I’m not sure how long. I’ve been dreaming of being close to her again. I’m worried I’ll mess it up, but I shoot that down. If I keep worrying about it, I won’t enjoy my special time with her.
Lexi laughs. “You hear that?”
I snap back in and perk my ears. “What?”
“Theo and Gael are cheering that we’re dancing together.” Her cheeks redden when they start making kissy faces. “Oh my gosh.” She playfully sticks out her tongue at them.
“I think they’re happy for us,” I say. “You know, that we’re having fun together.”
She opens her mouth like she wants to say something regarding our feelings for each other, but then shuts it. Right. We’re just living in the moment.
“So…how have you been?” I ask her.
The last time we spoke more than a few words to each other was in art class on Wednesday. She finished her portrait of me and it came out ten times better than mine. Mrs. Jackson said we could keep our paintings. Mine—the one Lexi painted of me—is hanging on the wall in my room.
Lexi smiles sadly. “I’ve been okay.”
Just okay? Did she miss me as much as I missed her?
“That’s good. I’ve been in my head a lot.”
She nods. “Same.”
“Watched any ocean life docus?”
“No. You?”
I shake my head. “It’s not the same watching them without you.”
She looks into my eyes. Her eyes are so pretty and full of life and warmth, they make my heart pound all over. Can she feel it? “Nothing is the same without you,” she says.
I rest my forehead on hers again. “Lexi,” I whisper.
Her fingers play with my hair, as if she’s deep in thought.
We continue dancing, not paying attention to the kids who are still watching us. The guys have stopped cheering and making kissing sounds. It feels like no one else is here except for the two of us.
My parents, aunt, uncle, cousins, and all the Musketeers have told me what it was like when they danced with their special people. They always claimed everyone else disappeared from around them. I totally get it. Lexi and I are in our own world.
Lexi’s head rests back on my chest, causing my heart to go wild. I seriously feel like it’ll explode out of my chest.
“Your chest is so comfortable,” she says. “I mean, is that weird for me to say that?”
I laugh softly. “Of course not. I love hearing your thoughts.” I lower my chin on her head and tighten my arms around her, not too tight because I don’t want to hurt her. “I’m glad my chest can be a pillow for you.”
A soft giggle seeps out of her. “Don’t blame me if I fall asleep on you. I didn’t sleep well because I was excited for the dance.”
“I couldn’t sleep, either.”
She slowly glances up at me. “You were also excited?”
“It’s my first dance, so yeah.”
“Oh, that’s right. So how are you liking it?”
I smile and bend close to murmur in her ear, “Best night of my life.”
Her cheeks redden, her body shuddering in this adorable way. “Really?”
I nod. “I’m not lying. For someone like me who’s had some hardships, it’s great to forget about all that and…live.”
She smiles encouragingly. “Yeah.”
“But the best part about the best night of my life? It’s you, Lexi. This moment right here. I know we don’t want to talk about anything serious right now, but I want you to know you’ve given me so much. More than I deserve. Thank you.” I lean down and brush my lips across her cheek. Her skin is so warm and soft.
Lexi rests her head on my chest again. “You know I’d do anything for you.”
I know. She’d do everything and more. Same as I would do for her.
The song changes, and for a second I’m worried it’ll be a fast song. But it’s another slow one. Lexi keeps her head on my chest. I don’t think she even paid attention to the song change.
I hope it stays like this throughout the entire night. I wish we could remain in each other’s arms like this forever.
I don’t want this moment to end, even though at the back of my mind I know it has to. Time doesn’t stand still, even in this Lexi/Brock bubble.
“Your heart’s pounding,” she whispers.
I laugh awkwardly. “Yeah, uh…”
She snuggles closer to me. “It’s very soothing.”
“Soothing? More like it feels like a hammer.”
She shakes her head. “Nope. Soothing. I feel like nothing can harm me.”
I smooth my hand down her hair. “I’d never let anyone hurt you.”
“I know. Thanks.”
As she continues to snuggle on my chest, my eyes roam around the gym. Most of the kids who were watching us are busy with their own things. The guys are still looking at us, Dean especially. When our eyes connect, he gives me an encouraging smile. I return a small one, still not sure this means anything. It’s kind of obvious that Lexi wants to be with me, but I don’t want to assume and possibly have my hopes crushed.
I shut my eyes, telling myself not to think about it. Because it would seriously kill me if…
Lexi lifts her head. “Are you okay? You just got stiff.”
My lips shake a little as I muster a smile. “I’m perfect.”
She scans my eyes. “Are you sure? You know you can talk to me about anything.”
Shaking my head, my arms come around her and I press my cheek to hers. “Not tonight, remember? We’re enjoying this moment together.”
She turns her head and her lips sweep across my cheek. I’m tempted to move a few centimeters so our lips would fuse together. As much as I’d like to kiss this amazing girl, now is not the time. And I’m not sure she’d want to.
She draws back, staring into my eyes. I stare into hers, my chest heaving and my heart thumping so loud I know they can hear it on the moon.
I’m not sure how long we gaze at each other before the music changes to a fast-paced song. The entire gym lights up with kids dancing.
Lexi’s eyes break from mine. She smiles shyly as she tries to tuck some curls behind her ear, but they pop back out.
I return the smile as I attempt to tame the curls. They also pop back out.
“Sorry, my hair went through a tornado tonight.”
I twirl a curl around my index finger, tugging gently. “Your hair is perfect.”
Her cheeks redden again. Before she can say anything, we’re pushed and pulled as the kids go crazy dancing. Lexi is shoved away from me, vanishing in the sea of students.
I weed through the mass until I find her, wrap my arms around her waist, and gently yank her to me. “I got you.”
She holds onto me. “Thanks.”
“Like I said, I’ll never let you go. Let’s get away from the crowd.”
I keep one arm around her waist and reach for her other hand with my free one. Lexi squeezes it tightly.
We make our way through the throng of kids to our friends, who are standing on the side.
“Sheesh,” Lexi says, hand still clutching mine. “We almost died in there. Well, I almost did. My hero saved me.”
I bow. “Happy to oblige.”
The guys glance at us, but none of them say a word. Their eyes say enough. They’re wondering what exactly is going on between us.
“I need a break,” Lexi says with a huff as she drops my hand.
“Want a drink?” I offer.
She’s about to respond, but Finn says. “You guys both look like you can use a drink. I’ll be right back.”
“Thanks!” Lexi calls after him as he walks off.
He returns with two cups of punch and Lexi and I thank him and drink like we’ve been stranded on an island with no water.
Lexi sighs in content. “I really needed that. So, Coop, did you dance with anyone?”
His shoulders slump. “That would be a negative.”
She hugs him. “Sorry. I know your time will come soon.”
“Thanks.”
We take a short break, then join the rest of the kids on the dance floor. Each guy takes a turn twirling Lexi. When it’s my turn, she gives me such a sweet smile that makes my insides turn to goo. I return it, wondering if her insides turn to goo, too. After I twirl her, I dip her the way I’ve seen Dad do to Mom. But I think I do it wrong because I nearly drop her. Lexi’s eyes widen as she grabs onto me.
“Sorry,” I whisper. “That seemed like a good idea in my head.” How does Dad make it look romantic?
Lexi giggles as I straighten her up. “It was fun.”
“Yeah?”
“Duh.”
“Okay, then.” I twirl her again, and this time I’m more graceful as I dip her. We once again stare into each other’s eyes. And again, everyone disappears and it’s just Lexi and me.