7. Chapter 6 #2
I slip my little hand into his large one. It’s rough and calloused, but feels perfect in mine. Heat races from my hand up my arm and to my face. I blow out a breath as his eyes flit back and forth between my two eyes. Then he licks his lips and my eyes get stuck there.
I finally tear my eyes from his lips and go back to gazing into the dark green pools that are his eyes. The Monster Mash starts playing and before I can form a word he grabs my other hand and we start dancing.
“This song always makes me giggle.” So far we’re just swinging our hips to the song as we hold hands, but some of the other kids are doing the choreographed version.
Once the song is done the DJ segues right into another song, this one slower.
Some of the couples are dancing a little closer now, gazing into each other’s eyes like love sick puppies.
Austin and I continue with our swaying, having moved a little closer, but there's about the distance of a Bible between us, just like kids in youth group used to joke about keeping a Bible between dating couples at all times.
“This song is the style everyone loved back in Atlanta. It meant they could dance really close.” I watch as his cheeks darken and I wonder if he’s trying to tell me that he wants to hold me closer.
“It’s sure got a fun beat to dance to.” I giggle as we start to sway to the rhythm of I Put a Spell on You . I stare up into his face. No one else in the room matters. Just us, in this moment.
The slow song brings more people to the dance floor, and I start feeling a little claustrophobic.
My pulse is racing, some from Austin’s nearness and partly from the crowd on the dance floor.
“Wanna dance in the grass outside?” I ask with a raspy voice.
“My feet are getting tired of my boots, and the floor is getting crowded.”
“The music is loud enough, so we could still dance outside, or just sit and talk.” He looks down at me, one side of his mouth flirting with me in a special smile he only shares with me.
“Ooh, let’s dance in the grass.”
His large hand envelops mine as he gently tugs me off the dance floor and out the open barn door.
The cool October air blows across my skin, lowering my temperature just a little bit.
I lean against the barn door and remove my boots.
I wiggle my toes in the grass, and it feels so good.
We’re not the only ones who needed some cooler air, but most of the other couples out here are busy making out.
The smooth grass pokes up between my toes, and I can’t help but sigh.
The first few strains of Frank Sinatra’s Witchcraft float through the open barn door.
“One more dance,” I whisper. “This song is nice and slow.” I intertwine my fingers with Austin’s.
He spins me and pulls me up against his chest. My heart is racing like a horse as I lay my palms on his chest. I’ve never felt a guy's chest before. It’s so flat, and I can feel the muscles rippling under his clothes.
I stare at my hand on his chest, then slowly raise my eyes to his chin.
Then his lips. They’re firm, and grinning, bewitching me, just like the song says.
There’s stubble dusting his jaw, and my fingers itch to feel it.
I take in his perfect nose. Then those eyes.
Deep green eyes. They’re so dark, and dare I say, sexy?
My cheeks heat. Oh gosh, my heart is about to beat out of my chest just like a little hummingbird.
Without thinking, I move my hands from his chest and I clasp them behind his neck. His hair has grown since I first met him, and the silky curls brush my fingers. I stifle a sigh.
The moon and open barn door bathe us in soft light.
I could almost swear we’re in a movie. We’re just swaying together, his arms keeping me from slipping to the ground in a puddle of mush.
I’m losing myself in his gaze. I lay my head against his chest, his heartbeat filling my ears.
I don’t want this song or embrace to end.
The song ends, despite my wishful thinking. We stand there, holding each other, for what feels like ages, but I’m certain it’s probably just a few minutes. “I don’t want this to end, but my feet are tired and I want to sit.” I murmur into his chest.
He slowly pulls back, his arms still holding me against him. “We can go and sit there by the barn. What time will they start the hayride?” He removes his arms, and I feel a chill. Hand in hand we walk to the wall of the barn.
“It should start in about thirty minutes.” Slowly sinking to the ground, we lean our backs against the barn.
Austin unwraps the tulle holding my hat in place, then removes my hat.
Heat erupts as his eyes caress my face. I feel like he’s counting every freckle on my face.
I blow at a stray hair and turn so I can see his face.
“That was so much fun, I kinda wish they’d done the hayride first. This part is more fun. ”
Austin leans his shoulder against mine. “The slower pace here is growing on me. The quietness too.” He shakes his head.
“The few parties I went to in Atlanta were always so crazy, but this… It’s comfortable.
We can just be us.” He waves a hand. “Just sitting, surrounded by couples making out… Which of course, happened at those parties as well.” He laughs, and my heart stutters at the sound.
“It could be worse… What if it were the cattle surrounding us? Mooing, and… farting.” I giggle.
I interlace my fingers in my lap, wondering if I should, if I could…
Wanting to twine them with his. It would be different than when I did it while we danced.
I could focus on the feel of his skin on mine, on the way our hands fit perfectly together.
I look up from my hands to his eyes. They’re sparkling in the dim light, and I can see his lips twitching. Those dark green eyes move to my lips. I swallow and a tingle passes over my lips.
I can’t tear my eyes away, mesmerized, as he swipes his tongue across his lips. Mine part in response. His Adam's apple bobs in my periphery.
“I like hanging out with you. I know we haven’t really done anything, just the two of us, but I’d like to.” He whispers, and his chest rises with a deep breath. “I like you, Raegan.” Oh, my heart. A smile starts there and spreads to my lips and my eyes.
I need to be closer to him, so I lay my head on his shoulder. “I like you too, Austin.”
I don’t know how long we’ve been sitting. Austin’s shoulder makes a perfect pillow and the crickets and other bugs are singing along to the music echoing from the barn. I don’t want to move.
I feel Austin shift, and he buries his nose into my hair. My lips twitch in a grin as he sniffs my hair. Good thing I washed it this morning. “You awake, Rae?”
I move my head so hastily, not giving Austin time to move. The tip of his nose brushes mine. We’re frozen this way. In the darkness, his eyes are so dark they’re almost black.
My breath hitches, lobbed like a cupcake in my throat.
His breath coats my face, and I can’t help but lower my gaze to his lips.
They’re so close.
All it will take is an inch or two and my lips will be on his.
I move my face just one centimeter closer.
His eyes turn hazy as they fasten on my lips.
What do his lips taste like?
“Are y’all ready for the hayride?” Austin startles and jerks away as someone kicks the bottom of his boot. Carson stands over us, a goofy grin on his face. He knows exactly what he interrupted. Thankfully, the darkness hides the crimson in my cheeks.
Still glaring, Austin stands up slowly, then offers me his hand. I pull my boots back on and take his hand. I smooth out my skirt and grab his hand. Off to the haunted hayride we go.
Time flies when you’re having fun… It’s true. I think it might also fly when you’re falling in love. I can’t say for sure that I’m falling in love. But there’s sure a lot of like happening right now.
We walk slowly to Jaimie’s parked truck. Our fingers are intertwined and it feels amazing. Even though I’m worn out, I don’t want this night to end.
“I had a good time tonight.”
Austin grabs my other hand, and turns me to face him. “This will be my favorite Halloween, ever.” His voice is low and husky. We’re bathed only in the glow of moonlight and a few headlights.
Chrissy and Jaimie are in the truck, waiting for us.
And we’re just standing here, staring into each other's eyes. I can’t believe I’m turning into one of those weird sappy girls, always mooning over her boyfriend.
Except he isn’t my boyfriend, not yet. But we’ve finally crossed the friendship bridge, and said out loud that we like each other.
Austin grabs the door handle and pops the door open for me. “‘Night, Rae. See ya tomorrow.” He presses a kiss to his fingers, then gently brushes his fingers over my lips.
My lips slowly part, and my jaw drops. Then, he just turns and walks away, a cocky grin curving his lips.
I turn, mouth still hanging open, and climb into the truck. Chrissy and Jaimie muffle their giggles with their hands.
“He pretty much just kissed you!” Chrissy’s eyes are dancing.
“I can’t believe that I almost had my first kiss in front of y’all.” I manage to gasp out. I float on a cloud as Jaimie drives us home.