Page 100 of Drawn Together
“A rare occasion.” He smiles.
“It’s becoming less and less rare when I’m with you.”
I gently set my new prized possession on the table before practically jumping into his lap. My arms wrap around his neck, his body warm and firm, and tug him to me. “Thank you so much,” I whisper right in his ear.
“Thank you,” he whispers back when I pull away. He lifts a hand, thumb brushing away a stray tear down my cheek before wiping it off on his shirt.
“For what?” I laugh through my tears. “I haven’t given you anything.”
“You could give me that dance you talked about.”
“Hardly a fair trade.”
“Speak for yourself.”
With the music transitioning into the following song, he stands from his chair, offering his hand to me while simultaneously guiding me closer to his chest. I glance back through the glass door and see that we’re not the only ones taking advantage of the slow song. Stephan has his head onLennon's shoulder, placing gentle kisses along her neck. Noah has Margot against a wall—honestly, good for them both. Even Edith and her ex-husband are holding each other's backsides as they sway side to side.
“Fletcher?” I lean my head to his chest as his arms wrap around my waist, as we move in a gentle rock back and forth.
“Hm?”
“It hasn’t gone anywhere.”
“The crush?”
“Yeah.”
He kisses the spot where my hair meets my temple, tender and sweet. “I know. Mine hasn’t, either.”
“You planned an entire party for me.”
“I did.”
“And put on a costume.”
“Correct.”
“With a mask.”
“Well, if I didn’t have that part, everyone would think I’m just a man who wears ugly, old suits.”
I sniffle. “You got me a first edition of my favorite book.”
“If anyone deserved it, it’s you.”
My head lifts so I can meet his eyes. “Why would you do this for me?”
“Why do you think, Flora?”
I bite at my lip. “How honest am I supposed to be here?”
“It’s us. You’re supposed to say everything you’re thinking.”
“Then…I think I’m scared. About how,” I lift my hands from his chest to give this vast gesture, searching for anything that could plug into this moment to describe the emotions running through my beating heart, “verklempt all of this is.”
His word of the day last week.
That makes him smile.
