Page 37 of All I Want Is Love
I wonder how he looks underneath his clothes.
Eventually, we draw apart to catch our breath. Soren leans his forehead against mine. “I wanted to do that ever since you stepped out of the car tonight and looked all delicious. Are you feeling good here?”
“Yes.” I peck his lips. “I didn’t think I would, especially not in that outfit, but I do!”
“You didn’t dress up the way you did just to sit around, did you?” Soren asks. “Have you ever danced before?”
“No,” I admit.
He takes my hand. “How about we give it a shot?”
I gaze towards the direction of the dance floor, noticing how Robin is shaking around like crazy and laughing, while Aspen moves to the music completely out of rhythm. Next to them is a guy who makes weird robot-like movements. They are just having fun.
I nod. “Let’s go.”
Soren doesn’t let go of my hand when we join our friends. It’s the first time for me that I don’t need to hide who I am – well, I just hope Aspen won’t be mad that I am dating his best friend. That’s my only worry. But other than that, no one looks, no one judges. I only had hookups so far, and both I and my sex partners always were careful not to be seen.
I didn’t date.
Or have a guy holding my hand.
Or dance.
Or kiss in public.
Soren grabs me by my waist and spins me around so that I face him. The gesture makes me laugh. Wrapping my arms around him, I decide to dive into the moment. For now, all my worries are gone, I don’t need to think about the life I left behind, my parents, my old job. I am just here, and somehow I feel so peaceful.
“I knew it!” Robin exclaims, popping up next to us and wrapping his arms around Soren and me. “Aspen!” he yells. “I told you so!”
“Jeez,” Aspen mutters, moving one of his fingers into his ear. “You are louder than the music.”
My heart stutters. Please don’t let him be mad, please don’t have him judge me. Dad hit me when he found out. I just can’t have history repeat itself. Soren moves his hand to my arm, his thumb gently massaging it. It’s only then that I realize my breath has started to hitch.
“So, is this the point where I need to tell you not to hurt my little brother?” Aspen says.
“I knew you would say such a cheesy line,” Robin grins.
“So, since when exactly is this going on?” Aspen asks.
Soren seems to be completely relaxed, and somehow his and Aspen’s nonchalant conversation brings me back to reality as well. Aspen did not disown me!
“Well, from my side, probably ever since you introduced him to me,” Soren says bluntly.
“Really?” I ask. This is new information, and makes me butt into their talk. “It’s the same for me!”
“I knew ever since last weekend,” Robin says.
“How didyouknow!?” Aspen exclaims.
“Soren took him hiking,” Robin shrugs. “And he picked him up every day towalkBarkley. The poor dog probably just wants a slow morning, instead of being dragged through town so that the two of them can pretend not to flirt.”
“I couldn’t help it,” Soren says, cupping my face with both hands. “Your little brother is just too hot.”
Aspen gags. “Get a room.”
Soren gives me a gentle nudge, making me gather my courage. “You really don’t mind?” I ask.
“I mean, it’s a bit of a surprise that my best friend and my brother are dating. I certainly need to get used to the kissing.” He looks at me before wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “Did you think I would mind?”
