Page 10 of The Things That Hold Us

“Um. I remember dancing with you, and Nathaniel being a bodyguard all night.”

“And? Nothing else?” she asks.

“And, you and Nathaniel disappearing on me to dance with you guys, and..”

My jaw drops and my eyes go wide.

“Oh god.”

“There it is.”

“Oh god.” I repeat, flopping my head into my hands. I danced with a stranger, right after my whole lecture about not wanting a man.

“What happened? Like was it gross gyrating type dancing, or what? Oh god, tell me I didn't kiss him.”

Cassie’s laugh booms throughout my tiny bedroom.

“No nothing like that. No gyrating, no kissing. There was an insane amount of tension between you two though. I watched from across the room and could feel the electricity.”

It’s all coming back to me. His face, his eyes, his hands. Hisstrong, but gentle hands on my waist, holding me against him.. But the one thing that sticks out the most, is his scent. It was intoxicating.

I feel my cheeks flush, embarrassed that Cassie and Nathaniel actually saw this happen, and I didn’t even remember it until she brought it up. I’m sure it would have come to me eventually, but this just isn't like me. I don't get drunk and have steamy moments in bars with strangers.

It’s not even the fact that I danced with someone, it’s the fact that we apparently had chemistry, and I didn’t even remember it until now. What if I was a total idiot? What if I completely embarrassed myself in front of this man?

“Hello? Charlie? Where did you just go?” Cassie laughs, snapping her fingers at me and pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Sorry, I just. I feel like I’ve seen him before?” I say while chewing on my nails.

“Well we do live in a very tiny town. Chances are you’ve seen him around.”

“Mm. Maybe. I don't know. It’s not a big deal.”

“You’ve gotexceptionaltaste, babe.” she says, wiggling her brows at me. “That man is fine.”

“Shut up Cass.” I laugh and kick at her.

She throws a pillow at me, then says, “Well, weweresupposed to paint my apartment today but I think someone is a bit too hungover to do that. So we’ll just push it to next Thursday if you want.”

I sink further down into my bed, getting comfy. “Have I told you that I love you?”

Cassie smiles and pats my leg. “I’ll go grab some breakfast and bring it back in about 20, hows that sound?”

“Marry me?” I joke.

“You wish.” she laughs as she stands.

“I’ll be back soon. Drink the rest of that sprite.”

I give her a thumbs up, but as soon as she's out the door my head falls to my pillow. This really is awful. I don't understand the people who go out and party every night.

I turn my TV on, and land on some soap opera.

It’s a dramatic scene, where the girl is trying to leave him, and he’s trying to profess his love for her. Rain is falling on their faces, their clothes soaked, but they don’t care. He grabs her face, and pulls her to him, their lips colliding in the rain.

My heart twists.

Just a little longer. That’s all we needed.

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