“Seriously?” I asked sadly.
“No, Jacob. I’m just messing with you,” she said, amused.
Thank goodness, I thought to myself as I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
She smiled like she could read my thoughts and twirled again, and that was when I realized the zip of her dress was not correctly done, revealing a clear portion of milky skin.
“Wait,” I stopped her from turning her back away.
“What?” She asked, perplexed.
“I mean, your zip is not properly done.”
“Oh, my!” she said softly.
“Let me help with it,”
She didn’t turn me down.
I noticed that she gasped when my finger brushed against her skin.
“It’s all done.” I didn’t want to let her go, but I had to.
“Oh, thanks.” She said, turning to face me.
We stood there, our faces inches apart and my desire grew more and more. I knew I was not supposed to, but I brought my hand to her face.
She quivered.
Slowly, hesitantly, I brushed a strand of hair away from her face. She momentarily shut her eyes.
“I’ve missed you,” I murmured, my voice raw with longing.
“Jacob,” she opened her eyes.
Since she didn’t resist, I dared to cup her face with my hands, my thumbs gently caressing her cheekbones.
“You wouldn’t know how happy I am to have you here, with me.”
She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. I didn’t know if she could see the love and longing that burned in my gaze. I wondered if she felt the same.
“I know I’ve made so many mistakes, but these past few weeks have been blissful with you around.”
She didn’t say a word, but I continued, shutting out any other existence in the hall. To me, it was just me and her.
“I want you to please give me another chance.”
She only gazed at me, and she was somewhat indecipherable. I summoned courage and leaned in, my breath warm against her skin.
My lips hovered over hers, so close that I could almost taste the sweetness of her mouth. But I wanted her to agree, I wanted her to permit me to kiss her.
“I’m sorry, I can’t,” she whispered against my lips.
I slowly let go of her face, all the passion and intensity of my emotions that had built up crashed down.
“It’s okay,” I was a bit disappointed that she refused me again.
“Excuse me,” she bobbed her head and briskly walked out of the hall.