Page 37 of Forever Love-Reimagined

“That sounds wonderful. Ty, are you going to be okay left to your own devices?”

“Of course.” His eyes never strayed from Steph, and I worried he was plotting some form of revenge. “Now, you two have fun because I’m sorry, baby, I don’t dance.” He cocked an eyebrow David’s way, but there was a tenderness in his expression—something Ty didn’t show to anyone.

I grabbed David’s hand, and he slipped it into the crook of his elbow. He turned his head over his shoulder and blew Ty a kiss, then led me to the dance floor. There was an orchestra playing, and it was quite elegant. David was a phenomenal dancer and such a strong partner.

He leaned in close to my ear as we drifted to the rhythm of the music. “So, do you want to talk about the elephant in the room?”

“I guess it surprised me to see her and with him of all people.”

He held me tighter, and comfort coursed through me. “Ty has told me a lot about you and your history with both Steph and Greg. I have to say, it seems like those two deserve each other.” He spun me around, and I spotted Steph staring daggers at me.

I wasn’t sure what she had to be angry about, but if she was mad, I didn’t care.

“Everything’s so surreal. I mean, I was with Steph for a long time, and she was my first serious girlfriend. One would assume the breakup would’ve devastated me, but the truth is, I’m apathetic. It might be different when her stuff is gone, but right now, all I want to do is forget about her.”

“Does the girl you’re dreaming of have anything to do with your lack of emotion for Steph?”

That question caught me off guard because it hadn’t even crossed my mind. “Not that I’m aware. I mean, that woman may not even be real. Steph and I had real problems before. She basically told me she needed more than I gave her. Like I didn’t love her good enough. And maybe I didn’t. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m capable of truly loving someone.” I didn’t mean to get so deep, but that was something that was in the back of my mind and only perpetuated by Steph’s behavior.

“Maybe you should talk to her? Clear the air, so to speak?” The song was wrapping up, and I didn’t want to leave the contentment of his arms, but he was right. I did need to speak with her.

“David, thank you for listening to me. I can see why Ty is in love with you.”

He stiffened, and his expression seemed to transform from ease to shock. “Loves me?”

Oh, shit! Did I spill the beans? I needed to do damage control. “Of course he loves you. I didn’t mean in love with you.” I hoped that covered my colossal foot-in-the-mouth comment.

“Oh.” Now he looked… disappointed?

“Wait. Are you in love with him?”

“Please don’t tell him.” He put a finger up to his mouth, and I nodded my agreement. “It’s too soon to say anything. But when you brought it up, I got excited.”

“Oh, David. You’re a wonderful man and perfect for Ty. If, and that’s a big if, he isn’t in love with you right now, he will be soon. You don’t have anything to worry about, and I cross my heart I won’t say a word.”

“Blake, I’m so glad we finally met. You and I are going to be as thick as thieves.” He winked at me and then gave me a hug. “Thank you so much for the lovely dance. I do hope we can do it again before the night is over.” He took my hand and kissed it before walking back to the table where Ty sat playing on his phone.

I took a deep breath and headed toward Steph, who was still glaring at me while Greg held on to her like she was his captive.

“Hi, Steph. I was wondering if we could chat for a minute. Outside?”

Greg stopped talking to turn to me. “Blake. Good to see you. Did you bring anyone tonight?” He arrogantly scanned the room.

“Nope. I came with Ty and his boyfriend, David. I wasn’t planning on staying long anyway. Could I borrow your date for a second?” I gave him a tightlipped smile, all the while biting my tongue so I didn’t accidentally let any of my built-up rage out.

“I’ll be back in a sec, honey.” Steph leaned in and kissed Greg on the cheek.

I stared up at the ceiling, quietly exhaling, “Woosa.” Then I headed to the door, and Steph followed close behind. Once we were outside, I confronted her. “What are you trying to do, Steph?”

She appraised me, her eyes stopping on the deep V of my neckline. She had a lusty expression that I’d seen before, but I needed to keep this conversation strictly business.

I snapped my fingers. “Eyes up here.”

“Oh, come on, Blake. It’s obvious why you wore that dress. And it wasn’t so people would look at your eyes. I’m showing you I appreciate your effort.” She ran a finger over my exposed collarbone, causing my body to respond involuntarily.

I grabbed her hand and threw it off. “Seriously, Steph. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you. Why else would I be here?”

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