Page 48 of We're At It Again

“Let’s just get this over with.” I said, eager to leave.

“Not without photos, Snow.”

Hudson grinned as if my dismay was his greatest source of entertainment.

“Thank you, Hudson!” My mother said, before running out of my room and calling for us to meet her downstairs.

I stomped forward and punched him in his arm with as much force as possible.

“Ow!” he said, rubbing his arms.

“That’s for the ridiculous outfit and the photographic evidence of it!”

“I just want memories for the grandkids!”

My mother returned with a camera, beaming as she snapped photos of us. Hudson squeezed my waist in a spot where he knew I was ticklish. I hit his chest as he burst into laughter. My mother was loving every second. After what felt like an eternity, my mom declared she was done. Hudson extended his arm out to me.

“Are you ready?”

I took his arm and walked out to his truck. The crisp fall air did little to chase away the tension in my chest. As we drove to the dance, I stared out the window, lost in thought.

?

The gymnasium was a transformed wonderland of spooky decorations, cobwebs strewn across the ceiling, and orange and purple lights cast an eerie glow. I admired the effort put into the party.

I spotted Maya across the room as we headed for refreshments. I weaved through the costumed crowd and embraced her.

“Well, you look like a cute couple.” She said with a grin.

I sent her a warning glare as Hudson’s smirk widened.

“Thank you, Maya, I thought so too.” He said, wrapping his arm around my waist. “If you will excuse us, I want to share a dance with my princess.”

He winked at Maya, as if they planned to annoy me together. I followed him to the middle of the dance floor, and he extended his hand to me with a playful glint in his eyes. The moment I placed my hand in his, the song slowed down.

“What are the odds a slow song plays the moment we step onto the dance floor?”

“Likely,” he said, biting off a grin. “The DJ owed me a favor, and I collected.”

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by his statement. Typical Hudson. He pulled me closer until our bodies were flushed together.

“I don’t have cooties anymore. You can be closer.” He said with a chuckle.

I hesitated for a moment before swaying with him to the melody.

“You better behave yourself tonight,” I said. “No fights.”

“Scout’s honor.” He promised, but the glimmer in his eyes made me think otherwise.

While dancing, his eyes revealed something unique. I had grown accustomed to his teasing glances, the mischief that seemed to dance in those deep, blue pools. But as we swayed under the dim lights, I noticed an unfamiliar softness, a warmth that made my heart skip a beat.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You know,” he began, his voice low. “I never thought I’d see you in a Snow White outfit again. You look even more enchanting than I remember.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. It was playful rather than annoying this time.

“And I never knew Prince Florian could be such a flirt.”

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