Chapter 21 #3
Alex steps in front of me as we start a more formal dance. “I don’t know how to waltz, Alex, so I apologize in advance if I step on your toes,” I say, watching his feet move in a box step.
He touches my chin to raise my gaze, and he gives me a gentle smile. “We can just sway Summer. I am afraid I know only formal dances. My mother taught me when I was little.”
“That’s sweet. Are you enjoying yourself?” I ask as we start the traditional slide shuffle every high school student knows.
“It has been a nice evening so far,” he replies.
I look around and see Seb and E slow dancing behind Alex.
They are so darn cute. Seb’s head is resting on E’s chest with his eyes closed, and a serene look on his face.
They have their arms tightly wrapped around each other.
Holly is back with Jaxon nearby, and Bay is dancing with Reesa.
I wink at him when I catch his eye and get a smile in return.
“I wanted to check in with you about our staying at your place tonight. Seb told me the plan, but now I’m concerned we’re putting you and Reesa out.
We can do something else tonight if you want the place to yourselves. ”
“That is kind of you, but there is no need. It was my idea for all of you to stay.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want Reesa uncomfortable.”
Alex smiles at me. “I am sure.”
“Okay,” I nod as the song ends. Bay and Alex switch partners, and I wrap my arms around Bay’s neck. “Hello again,” I smile.
“Hi. Doing okay?” he gives me a bright smile, and I think he’s finally relaxed now. The pink on his cheeks is from dancing, instead of blushing. His grip on my waist is firmer now compared to the light, tentative touch from our first slow song.
“Yup. This is fun,” I reply. We dance to the slow song, then Holly comes over, wanting me to go to the bathroom with her.
Bay and Jaxon come with us, since we’re all still a little paranoid.
Holly pops her head into the door and looks around, then nods, so we both enter and take care of business, and I touch up my lipstick before we leave.
Jaxon and Bay are waiting against the red floral wallpapered wall across from the door, the golden light shining on their hair.
Bay offers his hand as we walk back to the ballroom, where we rejoin Seb and E on the dance floor.
I’ve had no issues with people bumping into me all night since the guys, Holly, and Jaxon, dance with and around me. I have the best friends.
We dance to a few songs, then take a break, as Seb brings more water bottles over to the table. Alex tells us that he and Reesa are going to leave now, and he will see us at the house later. I say goodbye to Reesa before they leave.
After some people watching and finishing our water, Seb stands up and grabs E’s hand. “Let’s get a few more dances in.”
We all join them on the floor, and Seb’s hand finds mine, twirling me in a dizzying, joyous whirl to the pulsing bass.
Laughter bubbles up as we dance, surrounded by our swaying friends.
A slower song washes over us, and I’m in Bay’s arms again.
Facing away from our friends, a harsh whisper cuts through the music, and I hear someone say to back off.
My head snaps around. For a moment, I see nothing but swirling limbs, then I spot Seb and E dancing further away.
Twin one and two, their faces impassive, now occupy the space Seb and E just vacated.
“It’s disgusting. No one wants to see that,” I overhear from one of their dates.
“Maybe we should do everyone a favor and kick them out,” the other date chuckles, looking over at Seb and E with disgust.
What the hell? They have a problem with Seb and E? Oh, heck no. “Move with me, Bay,” I say as we dance over between the twins and my guys.
“What’s happening?” Bay asks.
“The twins’ dates have an issue with Seb and E,” I tell him.
“Shit,” Bay mutters.
I catch Jaxon’s eye and nod towards the twins, but he seems aware already. Their dates decide to make a move after watching Seb and E for another minute. I turn around and step right in front of them. “Problem?” I ask as Bay stands beside me with Jaxon on my other side.
“Move girlie. This doesn’t concern you,” date one says.
“Yeah, we’re doing the world a favor,” date two says.
I look past them to the twins. “I suggest you get your dates under control now. There’s still a no-bullying policy in place, and since you brought them here, you’re responsible for them,” I say.
The twins step forward to pull their dates back, but the guys aren’t interested. They shake them off and try to step around us, but I step with them. “No. You’re not getting near my friends.”
“Is there a problem here?” Coach asks, stepping up beside us.
“No,” the dates say in unison, keeping their eyes focused behind us.
“Yes, there is. They want to do the world a favor and get rid of Seb and E,” I tell her.
Coach lifts her arm and motions to someone. “Time for you two to leave,” she says as another teacher comes over. They escort them out of the room while the twins just stand there.
“Sorry,“ twin one says to me.
“Don’t apologize to me; apologize to Seb and E,” I tell them. They nod and do just that before walking off the dance floor.
Arms come around me from behind. “That was hot, Sunshine, but we can defend ourselves,” Seb says.
I turn in his arms to look up at him and E. “I know you both can, but you shouldn’t have to,” I reply.
“You’re feisty when you get pissed,” E smiles.
I shrug at him. “I can be.”
We go back to dancing for a few more songs before we decide to leave. The twins are sitting at their table and don’t seem concerned about their dates as Seb grabs his jacket from the chair. We find my coach standing by the double doors as we leave. “Thanks, Coach.”
“Doing my job. Be aware of your surroundings when you leave. Outside this hall, the school is not responsible for what happens.”
“Understood.” I nod as we walk out.
Holly and I are in the middle as we leave the building. Jaxon and Bay step away to give the attendant their valet tickets when I see the dates leaning against the front of the hotel. “Oh, great,” I mutter, stepping in front of Seb and E.
“Sunshine?” Seb questions.
“Just watching,” I say.
The dates take a step towards us as E picks me up and puts me behind him. “Hey,” I protest.
Holly calls Jaxon, who turns towards us to see what she wants and must notice what’s going on. He and Bay quickly walk back over to us.
“Are they really dumb enough to start something with 4 guys?” Holly whispers.
“Maybe,” I say. There’s no one around since the attendants left to get our cars, but the front door isn’t far.
“What are you gonna do now that you’re not hiding behind your little friend?” Date one taunts.
“What are you gonna do?” Seb says back. “It’s four on two, or can’t you count?”
“Seems like an easy fight to me,” date two shrugs.
I step around Holly as the guy’s posture changes. Jaxon’s car pulls up to the curb, and everyone steps back. Jaxon checks with my guys that it’s okay to leave before getting Holly into her seat and driving off.
The attendant looks nervous as he looks between my group and the dates. “Is everything okay here?” He asks.
“It’s fine man,” Seb smiles. He puts his arm around my shoulders as we step aside to wait for the car.
When my Jeep pulls up, E and Bay go around to the far side to get in.
As Seb steps off the curb and opens my door, I catch a reflection in the glass.
I duck and spin under his arm and grab the fist flying towards him, using the guy’s momentum to flip him onto the ground.
I kick him in the balls for good measure and to keep him down.
The attendants rush over, with one stepping in front of the second guy, holding him back.
“Are you okay, miss?” The attendant asks.
“Fine,” I smile as Seb picks me up and sets me in the passenger seat. “Sunshine, you’re a badass,” he beams, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You saved me,” he swoons before turning around. “Are you guys good?” Seb asks the attendants.
“Yes, thanks. Security is on its way,” he points.
I can see two large men jogging over, so Seb nods and gets in the seat behind me, and Bay drives off as soon as Seb closes his door. “We’ll that was exciting,” Seb jokes. “E, she defended our honor. We have to keep her forever.”
I turn so I can see them in the back. “You were already stuck with me,” I smile.
I text Holly that we're all fine and text Zander we're on our way to Alex’s house. I unlace my shoes with a groan and tuck my feet up under me on the seat to get some relief and get comfortable.
“Sore toes?” Bay asks.
“Yup. Fancy shoes dislike me.”
Seb leans forward to look. “Aww Sunshine. Beauty is pain. The look was worth it, trust me,” he says, wiggling his eyebrows.
“You goof,” I chuckle, shoving his head back.
The ride is quiet, with the radio playing in the background. As Bay parks the Jeep beside Alex’s SUV, I notice him walk out the front door towards us. “My stepmother is insisting on meeting Summer. I figured it was better to do the introductions now rather than in the morning,” Alex tells us.
“Damn. I was hoping to avoid her,” Seb pouts.
I bend over to put my shoes on as the boys talk. Once I’m ready, I step out of the Jeep. Bay has my overnight bag and backpack for me already. “I suggest you three go straight upstairs, and I’ll introduce Summer,” Alex says.
The guys all agree as Alex offers me his arm. As soon as Alex and I step inside, I’m hit with the smell of strong perfume, and I sneeze. “Excuse me,” I say as the guys rush past me.
“Alicia, I’d like to introduce you to Summer. Summer, this is my stepmother, Alicia.”
I look up and see a woman in her late 30s walking towards us in a silk dressing gown. She has her makeup and hair done up as if she’s heading out on the town. “Hello,” I smile. “Nice to meet you.”
“So, you’re the girl trying to replace poor Reesa. You’re not much to look at,” she says.
“Alicia,” Alex reprimands in a firm voice.
“It’s okay, Alex,” I say. “I’m disappointed myself. You look nothing like I expected. Who insists on greeting someone, then shows up in a robe? It’s rather embarrassing,” I reply.
Alicia stands there stunned as I hear a dark chuckle behind me. A tattooed hand wraps around my waist, and I know Nick has joined us. Alicia perks up at the sight of Nick. “Hello Nicholas,” she purrs. Ew. Gross.
“Step-monster,” Nick replies, guiding me to the stairs as the three of us quickly ascend. I look back, but Alicia doesn’t follow us. When we reach the third floor, I stop and turn towards Alex. “I’m so sorry, Alex. I shouldn’t have said that to her. I’m still riled up from the hotel,” I explain.
“No apologies needed,” he smiles. “I found it rather funny.”
“Really? I feel terrible.”
“You handled her beautifully, Summer.” I look up at him, but he really seems fine with it.
Alex unlocks the door to his apartment, and we step inside.
“We keep the door locked at all times when Alicia is here,” Alex explains, as he closes the door and turns the deadbolt after sliding the chain into place.
“Why are you riled up?” Nick asks.
“Oh, let me tell them, Sunshine,” Seb says excitedly, as we all take seats around the couch.
He describes in great detail what happened with the twins’ dates and what I did outside.
After Seb finishes talking, Nick gives me one of his rare, full smiles.
That smile is as dangerous as he appears to outsiders.
Then he tells the guys what I said to Alicia.
They think it’s hilarious, but I’m just glad I didn’t offend Alex.
“I need to get out of this dress and shoes. I’m going to grab a shower, guys,” I tell them. Alex offers me his bathroom since he’s already clean. I thank him, then grab my overnight bag and follow him to his room.
“Clean towels are in the top right cupboard,” he points.
“Thanks Alex. I won’t be long.” He leaves and closes the door. I unlace my shoes once again and kick them off, then step out of my dress once I unzip it and peel off my invisible bra. My skin is a little red from the adhesive, but it should be gone by morning.
The hot shower feels amazing as I remove all the pins from my hair and wash up.
I dress in my pajamas and gather up everything from the shower and floor before walking out of Alex’s room.
My dress gets hung up in the closet beside Seb’s suit.
Grabbing my phone, I text Zander I’m here for the night and take my pill before joining the guys again on the couch.
Everyone is out here except E, who must still be in the shower.
The guys have left the corner open for me, so I take a seat after kicking off my slippers and pull the throw down over me.
Bay grabs my feet and starts rubbing my arches as I let out a small groan that everybody notices.
“Sorry,” I shrug, “my feet hurt from those torture devices they call shoes.”
“Imagine if you wore real pumps, Sunshine,” Seb says.
“Nope, I don’t have to imagine because I’m never gonna wear any,” I shake my head.
Alex puts on a movie while we relax and unwind from a busy day. “How was your night?” I ask Nick quietly, who is sitting beside me.
“Fine,” he replies.
“Did you do anything fun?”
“No.”
“That’s too bad, Grumpy. You should have joined us. You could have seen my kung fu moves in person.” He raises an eyebrow at me but doesn’t comment. “Come on, tell me what you did tonight,” I ask.
“Why?”
“Why, what?”
“Why do you want to know?”
“Really? We’re back to this again?” I sigh.
“Grumpy, you’re one of my best friends, and I care about you, so I’m interested in your life and your happiness.
” Nick looks at me like there’s something wrong with me.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you look at me like that.
I’m still going to insert myself into your life and ask questions.
I will not stop pushing you to let me in,” I say, raising my own eyebrow.
“I was working at Finn.”
“There ya go. I know that hurt a little to reveal, but you’re gonna be alright,” I smile, patting his arm.
I get an eye roll in return. “You’re a pain in the ass.”
“Get used to it,” I shrug. I hear a chuckle from Bay as he continues to massage my feet. We hang out for a short time before we all go to bed.