Page 3 of Unconventionally, Elle

Twelve years ago

The humidity was relentless. My hair stuck to my face every time I moved, and my dress suctioned to me like skin.

Our beers were covered in condensation, and the light buzz of the alcohol felt like a reprieve from reality.

We were at a street concert in the middle of downtown Nashville--no complaining allowed, no matter how uncomfortable it was outside.

The crowd was thick, bodies brushed bodies, and the music rolled through us like a drug.

I couldn't get enough, and I moved and swayed without a second thought.

I was singing my heart out and dancing with my summer roommate when I accidentally bumped into something solid and warm. I swung around with a broad smile and carefree energy. My heart stuttered when I came face-to-face with a very pretty man's solid chest.

I stopped dancing and stepped back, caught off guard by the beauty before me.

He was tall and athletic, wearing a white T-shirt that hugged his toned biceps and shoulders.

The humidity wasn't sparing him either. My eyes trailed upward and took in his scruff along his lower jaw, sly grin, and amber-honey eyes.

I had no idea that rich golden eyes like his existed until that moment, and his were peering down at me.

Me, with the sweaty forehead, the wild wavy hair, and the audacity to bump into him.

"I'm so, so sorry! I didn't realize you were so close behind me." I spoke so quickly that his eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, oh my God, this is so embarrassing!" I clasped my hands to my cheeks and felt my face grow warmer.

"You're fine, you don't need to apologize.

I think I bumped into you." His voice was silky smooth, and his eyes held me, warm and curious.

Goose bumps rippled along my arms. Oh my God, his voice , I thought.

Where was he from? What was his name? I felt my cheeks burn when he smiled with the most perfectly crooked grin.

"Sorry," I barely uttered. "I mean, thanks. I mean..."

He extended his hand to me. "Wanna dance, mystery girl?" A warm feeling radiated through my entire body as his voice overwhelmed me.

I couldn't resist him. I cautiously placed my hand in his, and he slowly pulled me into his warm, strong body. I attempted to concentrate on anything besides what was underneath my fingertips, underneath his light, thin shirt.

Our eyes held each other as the world fell away. It was just us. This mystery man couldn't be real. His wispy, sun-kissed brown hair fluttered across his glistening forehead every time I dipped. Hints of sandalwood and spice surrounded me with every twirl.

We danced as the band's music floated around us. We danced under the Nashville lights with hundreds of strangers. We danced as if no one was watching the silent conversation between our hearts. We danced, lost in the bliss of our own world.

As I lay in bed later, snug beneath my quilted blanket, I found myself replaying the events of the night in my mind. It dawned on me as my eyelids grew heavier that the mystery man who'd danced with me under the Nashville stars had never once asked me for my name.