Page 83 of Denim & Diamonds

I’d previously told him I preferred not to dance tonight, but he was right; we couldn’t pass this one up.

He took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

As Brock held me close, he spoke in my ear, “You know, I’ve heard this song more than once since you left town.”

“Really?”

“It’s like the universe was trying to tell me what a jackass I was for letting you go so easily. Figures it played tonight, too. That’s not a coincidence, either.”

I couldn’t help but notice how fast his heart was beating against mine. He’d proven in many ways tonight how much he cared about me.

He looked around as we continued to sway to the music. “I’ve been so transfixed by your beautiful eyes, Red, I didn’t even realize we’re the only ones dancing to this.”

“It’soursong.” I winked. “They must know that.”

After our dance, Brock and I were on the way back to the table when he pulled me toward the photo booth instead.

He wriggled his brows. “We can’t leave without photos.”

We took a bunch of photos with various props. We stuck out our tongues, made faces, and kissed. This playful side of Brock had me on cloud nine. I wondered if these images would merely be keepsakes of a relationship long gone someday, or if there was still a chance for us? Would we show these to our grandkids? I shook my head at that thought. Brock turning up here certainly gave me hope. But it was most likelyfalsehope. One good night didn’t change the fact that we lived separate lives.

We’d returned to the table for some cake when Johnathan and Ilona came walking in our direction, hand in hand.

What a buzzkill.

I straightened in my seat. “There’s the happy couple…”

Ilona looked between Brock and me. “Happy couple? I should say! You two look pretty happy yourself.”

“You know what?” I turned to Brock. “I really am.”

Brock smiled as his eyes lingered on mine.

Johnathan interrupted, “Everything in life works out the way it’s supposed to, doesn’t it? I’m happy you and I both are where we were meant to be, February.” He patted my shoulder. “Have fun.”

They moved on to greet the next table.

Brock placed his hand on my thigh and squeezed. “If he touches you again, I might have to clock him. And where he’s meant to be is hell.”

I laughed a little, but sadness washed over me.

“What happened there?” Brock asked.

“Hmm?”

“In like a split second, your smile dimmed, and you lost the light in your eyes. Was it what he said?”

“It didn’t upset me, per se. But he reminded me how much I wishour situation were simpler. It’s been great spending this day with you, but this weekend will be over in a flash. Him being happy for me just made me wish things were the way they seemed.”

Brock took my hand. “We don’t have it all figured out, Feb, but that doesn’t make what we’re feeling any less real.”

I shook my head. “God, I’m sorry. I lost it there for a moment. I’m back. I promise.”

“We have plenty of time to lament the distance between us when we go back to living apart at the end of the weekend. But try not to let it ruin the two days we have.”

“You’re right. This time is precious. I’m shutting off the thoughts in my head. Believe it or not, that had been mostly working.”

“Good girl.”