Page 80 of Tell Me Everything
“Oh really?”
Elena sighed. She ran her hands through her hair, carefully avoiding his gaze. “Maybe a little.”
“Wanna talk about it?”
“No.”
Alex placed his hands on the wall, caging her. As he'd expected, she lowered her eyes.
“Talk to me.”
Elena finally looked up at him, her gaze uncertain. His siren was breathtaking, and all he wanted to do was lose himself in her blue eyes. And kiss her. Now that he'd had a taste of it, staying away from her had become even harder.
“Put yourself in my shoes, Alex. I wanted to impress you, and my top came undone. It wassoembarrassing. And you had to allude to other girls. How should I have felt? I thought we were having a moment...”
She bit her thumbnail. How was she so cute? Alex thought of a way to make her feel less embarrassed. The only thing he could come up with was to embarrass himself in turn. If it were for her, he didn't mind.
“You don't have to impress me anymore. You're already the icing on my cake.”
Caught off guard, Elena burst out laughing. Alex leaned in to kiss her, but against all odds, she turned her cheek.
“Don't think you've won me over that easily. I'm still mad.”
“Follow me.”
“Where are we going?”
“Out.”
“But what about Nina and Sophie?”
“They'll have fun without us.”
Sophie knew about his plan. Alex took her hand and pulled her out of the bar. Elena waved to her friends without retaliating. Once outside, she let go of his hand.
“Where are we going?” she repeated.
“It’s a surprise.”
Elena crossed her arms.
“I don't like surprises.”
“I know, but trust me. You'll like this one.”
Alex held out his hand. For a few long seconds, Elena hesitated, then shrugged. She gave him her best smile and linked her fingers with his, her other hand on Alex's arm.
“Okay.”
They walked in silence. When they were together, even the silences were pleasant. He enjoyed the warmth of her palm in his. Alex guided her towards the beach, where people gathered in front of a small stage. Musicians were already playing.
“A concert?”
“You'll like what they’re about to play.”
Another band took to the stage and began to perform. The small crowd went wild, and Elena followed suit. She sang and jumped like every seventeen-year-old was supposed to. The musicians played Maroon 5'sThis Love,and Elena turned back to Alex, surprise and adoration written all over her face. While she enjoyed herself listening to one of her favourite songs, Alex admired her. He'd be willing to pay to see her so carefree more often.
The band went on to play several Maroon 5 songs, with Elena dancing. When the last song was over, Elena returned to him, smiling widely.
