Page 149 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“Maybe call him. I don’t want to be late to the dance.”

“Of course.” She walks back inside and stops at the foot of the stairs. “Kade, are you ready?” she calls. “Zoey and your friends are here.”

Uncle Zack joins me at the door. “I remember my special dances with your aunt. Have fun and make many memories. These are moments you’ll cherish forever.”

I hug him. “Thanks.”

When he steps aside, I catch Kade heading my way. My breath catches in my throat. Even from all the way here, I can see how handsome he looks in his suit. My gosh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so dashing. It’s like he was plucked out of one of Aunt Ally’s Regency romances.

And that guy is mine for tonight.

I still have a hard time believing it.

His eyes are focused on mine, never leaving them once. Mine don’t leave his either. It’s as though he and I are the only ones in the world.

When he finally reaches me, his face is engulfed with so many emotions. “Zoey,” he murmurs. “You look amazing. So beautiful. I feel like I just walked into a dream.”

My face heats up so fast I worry it might catch fire. “Thanks.” My voice is so soft I barely hear it. “And you look so dashing and handsome. You were worried about a suit? You were made for a suit. Ugh. Sorry.” I want to hit my forehead, but my makeup might get smudged. “Of course you weren’t made for a suit. You’d look amazing in anything you wear—”

Kade chuckles lightly as he places his hands in mine. “The only thing befitting the date of a warrior goddess is this suit. Thank you, Zoey.” He steps forward to press a soft kiss on my forehead.

I don’t realize we’re not actually in our own world until I hear Aunt Ally gasp in a swoony kind of way. Snapping out of it, I find her and Uncle Zack watching us with huge grins. Like they’re super happy Kade and I are going to the dance together.

“We should go,” I say.

Kade nods, then turns to my aunt and uncle. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Have fun, you two!” Aunt Ally waves.

“Make lots of memories,” Uncle Zack reminds us.

We return to the car, where both of my friends’ faces are practically glued to the windows. “Enjoyed the show?” I joke as Kade and I buckle in.

“Very much,” Rylee says with a giggle.

“You guys look so cute together!” Mia says. “So perfect.”

“Thanks,” we say.

On the way to school, we find the most romantic songs on the entire planet and sing along with them. Even Kade sings with us, which is surprising at first, but then totally natural. It’s as though the five of us have been best friends since forever.

We’re having so much fun that I’m almost disappointed when Mason pulls into the student parking lot. Almost. We get out of the car and make our way toward the school gym with many other students. Everyone is talking animatedly, so excited for the dance.

Since it’s a fall theme, the place is decorated with trees with beautiful red, yellow, and orange leaves. It’s really gorgeous, the perfect wonderland to spend the night with the special person in your life. Giving me a grin, Kade slips his hand into mine and leads me further into the gym, my friends trailing us.

There are snack tables with many different varieties of food and drinks, but honestly? I don’t think I’d be able to get anything down. Every part of me beats with excitement and anticipation. I’ve sort of danced with Kade before at Elena’s party, but this is a totally different ballgame. Dancing with a date is more intimate—bodies will touch bodies. I’m really looking forward to being even closer to him, even though it makes me super nervous, too.

A fast-paced song is playing now. Rylee grabs Mason’s hand. “Time to dance! Come, guys.” She’s about to run to an empty area on the dance floor, but Lexi and her friends pass right then.

“Hey, Lexi!” we greet.

She’s wearing a short red dress that looks so adorable on her.

“Hi, guys! Awesome dance, right? The dance committee did such a good job.” Her face is bright, but I can’t help but notice the sadness she’s trying to hide in her eyes. They grow a little more intense when her eyes meet mine, but she quickly masks it.

“So which guy are you going to dance with?” Mia teases her.

She playfully slaps her arm. “How many times do I have to tell you we’re just friends? Come, boys,” she says to them. “Anyone want a snack?”

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