Page 76 of I Don't Need Your Romance

My friends always tease me about my books and how I’m always bringing up romance tropes, but friends are supposed to tease. But then there’s Damian. I couldn’t tell in the beginning if he was teasing me or ridiculing me, but now that I know him better, I’m positive he was teasing me, too. Well, he is my friend.

I shake my head, pushing him out of my brain. Why am I thinking about him again?

When I snap back into it and look at Axel, he’s wearing a frown on his face. Like he’s bothered about something.

“Axel, is everything okay?”

“What?” His eyes spring to mine.

“You were frowning. Are you good?”

He offers me a reassuring smile. “Yeah, no worries. I just tasted something sour in the cake.” He pushes it aside and looks around. “Do you want to dance?”

I try not to groan. “Do we have to?”

“I need to see what it’s like to dance at a rich party.”

“I’m sure it’s the same as a regular party.”

“Well, I guess I’ll just have to get my groove on without you.” He dances a few steps toward the dance floor, throwing me a dazzling grin.

Ugh, he’s trying to entice me to join him. I purse my lips and shake my head. There’s absolutely nothing he can say or do that will change my mind.

His smile grows more dazzling. More charismatic. It not only makes his whole face light up in the most handsome way, but the energy around him lights up as well. Like, it makes me want to do nothing more than bask in his presence.

“Fine, but you owe me,” I tell him.

“I accept.”

He takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. Since the place is so packed, it’s almost impossible to find an empty area. Some of the girls glance at Axel as we pass, their brows rising in surprise when they see my hand is interlocked with his. I guess they’re wondering what a super good-looking guy is doing with a nerd like me? I wish I could tell them that some people have beautyandbrains, and a huge heart. But honestly? I don’t give a darn what anyone thinks.

We finally find a somewhat empty area and start to dance. I guess I’m thankful to Carly for teaching me how to dance at Julio’s party. Now I don’t look like a loser just standing there when my date is dancing. I can’t say that I don’t look like a loser dancing period, though.

“This is fun!” he calls over the music.

“If you say so.”

“Come on! You’re great. I mean, you can move a little more, but you’re a great dancer.”

“Now I know you’re just trying to butter me up.”

He gives me a cheeky grin. “Is it working?”

“Maybe.”

He moves closer, placing his hand on my waist and dragging me closer to his body. I thought I would definitely feel the butterflies now, but nope. Not even a small flutter.

“You okay?” he asks. “You just got still. I can step away if you’re uncomfortable.”

“No, it’s totally cool,” I assure him.

We dance for a while and have a lot of fun together, but I still don’t feel anything. I’m trying not to panic, but I can’t help but wonder why my body doesn’t react to his. Does he feel anything when we’re close to each other or when we touch? I can’t really tell.

Maybe I just need time. Yeah, I’m sure that’s it.

But why do I feel something when Damian and I accidentally touch?

I shake my head again and shove him away. Then I smile at Axel and continue to have the time of my life.