Page 173 of One More Kiss

I reached over and put my hand on top of the hand she was using to mess with the napkin. She seemed to visibly calm. “You don’t have to know which utensil to use. Just use the one you’re most comfortable with. I didn’t bring you here to make you nervous. I brought you here to enjoy the restaurant experience. It doesn’t bother me if you don’t know the minor things because I’m not entirely sure either.”

Tori sighed. “Thank you. For a moment I thought us being here was a total bust.”

I chuckled before saying, “of course not. It’s just you and I spending much needed time together.”

A glow from the lantern seemed to shine on Tori, creating a halo. She was my angel, and she didn’t even know it yet. Every so often, I would reach out and rub my thumb on her smooth, pale skin. Goose bumps would raise, indicating how much I affected her. I was looking forward to us being closer, and me sneaking more touches of the hand.

Our dinner was amazing. Throughout the entire meal, Tori was worried about prices and what she should order, but once I calmed her about that minor worry, she started to open up and enjoy herself.

As much as I wanted to stay longer and bask in the conversation with Tori. We needed to head out and get to the dance. At this point, we had about twenty minutes to arrive. It wasn’t like missing the dance would’ve been terrible for me, but I knew Tori wouldn’t want to miss it. She was expecting this night, and I would not be the one to disappoint her.

I quickly paid the check, pulled Tori’s chair out, and walked her toward the door we entered through.

“I feel so bloated. I don’t think I can fit this dress any longer.” She carefully walked in the short heels she wore, while holding her stomach with her hand.

I laughed. “Of course, you still fit the dress. Besides, the food will go down before you know it.” We entered the Bronco and headed out toward school.

It seemed all it took was to break the ice and Tori became animated. During the drive over to the school, she seemed to spill and talk about anything and everything. In between all of that, she mentioned me leaving for boot camp. But she didn’t dwell on the issue. At least, that’s how I felt boot camp was at this moment in our lives. But what Tori didn’t know was that I had a plan, and it was one her father was content with. All I had to do was get her to agree, and we were golden.

I made the appropriate noises, and commented when it was necessary during our conversation, then she screeched, “oh, look. Even the outside of the school is decorated!”

Sure enough, as I pulled into the school’s parking lot, I saw the black and orange balloons by strings blowing in the wind. In the middle of the balloons, there was a banner that read Homecoming Dance. Out the corner of my eyes, Tori seemed to be on edge as if excited about the dance. Her lips were upturned in a smile and her eyes seemed to glisten as she took in the decorations. That brought a smile to my face.

The parking lot of packed. I had to maneuver around tons of students and their dates walking toward the school. Everyone was dressed to the nines, looking dashing. I thought Tori and I looked like a good couple in our own classy wear.

I parked, got out and opened Tori’s door. Her hand slipped into mine and I squeezed. “Did I mention you look quite ravenous tonight?”

She blushed. Oh, but that blush was going to be the death of me. She looked edible as I took in her embarrassed state by my simple statement. Before she could respond, I led her toward the door, immersed in a sea of student bodies. I couldn’t help but think that this was going to be a night to remember.

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