Chapter 7
Summer
The sun is just starting to set as I walk towards The Cove.
Music is already playing, lights have been strung up everywhere, creating a magical feeling in the air.
People are gathered around, using barrels as tables, together.
Having a good time. This is the sort of thing that I always sat on the outside looking in.
I felt pretty when I looked in the mirror.
My hair swept up into a bun. A few little curls escaping.
I put on make up, which is rare for me and I’m wearing a green dress with little white flowers that brings out the green in my eyes.
In the mirror I felt good. But now that I am here in the crowd, I feel frumpy and out of place. Everybody is so pretty.
But then I see Ridge. He looks at me and smiles.
My stomach does a little flip. He looks so good in black shirt, the top few buttons undone.
He is wearing trousers and polished shoes.
He looks fancy but when he looks at me there is no judgement in his eyes.
He looks happy, like he has been waiting just for me to show up.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
I let out a little laugh as I look around to see who is watching.
“You always do that, you know.”
“What?” I ask with genuine surprise.
“Whenever someone gives you a compliment you always shrug or laugh it off like it doesn’t mean anything.”
“Well, we are just acting, right?” I can’t bring myself to meet his eyes.
Taking my hand, in one swift movement , he swings me onto the dance floor, pulling me into his arms just as the band starts a slow song. His hand on my hip moves towards my lower back, hugging my body against his. His other hand holds mine tight as he waltzes us around.
“Well, if we are to put on a show, I’m going to need you to really commit. You could look into my eyes as though you adore me.”
He says it with a smile. I can feel the warmth of his body, pick up his aftershave which is a mix of warm vanilla and a little spice.
I blink up at him through my long lashes.
Hoping he can’t see the truth in my eyes.
That I have come to adore him. Count me as one of the masses because I have stupidly fallen for Ridge Kingsley.
And just for this one night, I am the one who gets to dance with him.
His arm around me. Looking into his eyes as though we are the only two people in the world.
“Let’s just enjoy ourselves tonight.” He whispers.
“Forget about the deal. I’m just a guy and you’re just a girl.
” His arm squeezes me a bit tighter. I nod against his chest. He holds me close as we dance.
And then, as the band changes into a higher tempo song, he spins me outward, holding onto my hand, before pulling me back into him.
We laugh as he does it again. I love how the base of my dress twirls around in the spin.
The feeling of complete freedom. For far too long I’ve been worried how others see me.
The poor kid sitting on the outside looking in.
But tonight, with Ridge, none of that matters.
He expertly guides me around the dance floor.
Spinning me. Dipping me. Laughing with me.
His eyes sparkling, looking only at me. It feels so real, this connection between us.
He said we should forget the deal but he is still acting as though he is interested in only me.
For tonight I’m going to play the part. It might be only my only chance to feel this way.
And since I’ve gone and fallen for Ridge, I’m going to commit this night to memory.
At the end of the summer he will move on. Go back to his life being rich and handsome. Alone and mysterious. And I will always remember this one night dancing together. Laughing together. Feeling almost nearly loved and included.
When the next slow dance comes on I expected Ridge to suggest we go sit down.
But instead he pulls me in close to him.
His hand is warm on my hip. The kind of warmth that spreads out through my body and right into my heart.
As we move with the music our bodies get closer and closer.
As though we are one. Loving the feel of him.
The smell of him. The heat coming off him.
I hang onto every feeling of this night, wanting it to last forever.
As the song winds down and the band says something about taking a break, I can feel people moving around us and yet Ridge and I cling to each other.
I can’t bring myself to step out of his arms. His finger under my chin angles my face up to his.
It’s almost painful to look into his beautiful hazel green eyes.
But there is something there that holds me still.
I longing? A wanting? Or am I just seeing my own fantasy reflected in his look?
His gaze drops to my lips. I hold my breath.
His arms holding me against his body as he lowers his mouth to mine.
One touch and I am lost to him. Melting against him.
His lips are so soft. His kiss is gentle but there is an urgency laying just beneath all of that control.
His hands grab fistfuls of my dress. My own hands move into his hair.
He pulls me up against his body, lifting my feet from the floor. I already felt like I was floating.
And then he rips himself away. My feet back on the ground.
He grabs my hand, pulling me towards the edge of the crowd.
It’s all for show, I tell myself. All and act for the people watching.
But damn I wish that kiss affected him as much as the effect it had on me.
My heart racing, fire pulsing through me.
I wish all this was as real for him as it is for me.