Page 90 of It's Complicated

I want to kiss her.

But I know we have to talk first. No running away this time, no lies, no untold truths. Just us. Our souls bare.

But still, we have to wait for this blasted meal to be over.

No, not even then.

As the dessert buffet opens and I think Lori and I will finally be able to sneak away, the wedding coordinator is back to haunt us.

She appears behind Aiden’s brother, clapping her hands. “Members of the wedding party, please stand up. I’m going to need all of you for the first dance.”

Guess I would’ve known that was one of my duties if I had attended the rehearsal dinner.

Once again, I’m paired with the maid of honor. We’re making our entrance from the opposite corner of the room to Lori and her escort. But first, Aiden and Kirsten have to open the dances. The music starts, I don’t recognize the song and I couldn’t care less, I just want it to be over fast.

As the wedding coordinator prompts me and Britney to join the newlyweds on the dancefloor, we waltz alongside the bride and groom. But as we swirl around the room, my gaze keeps seeking Lori. She’s dancing too, now, also ignoring her partner. Her eyes focus on me, searching for me after every spin.

The music changes and finally we’re allowed to change partners. I don’t waste any time. I drop Britney’s hands and cross the room toward Lori.

“May I have this dance?”

Aiden’s cousin steps aside. “Yeah, sure, man.”

And finally, I’m in front of her.

We’re facing each other. Not touching.

Our eyes are locked on each other’s, and the world around us seems to disappear. It’s just the two of us.

As the music starts again, I take her in my arms and pull her body flush against mine. Her scent, her soft body pressed against me, is all I need to know this is real. Her body fits mine perfectly as if we were made to be together.

We hold each other, too close, too tight—not close enough.

The way it should be.

I never want to let her go.

And then we’re dancing.

As we’re moving in rhythm with the music, I can’t help but wonder if she feels the same way.

Lori’s gaze on me is just as intense, her eyes full of emotions. Neither of us speak. We just dance, eyes locked.

Our steps are in sync, our bodies following each other’s lead.

I guide her around the floor, but I’m only following her every move, every breath, her every blink.

The song ends too soon.

As the music stops, I keep holding her. I don’t want to let go of her. Not yet. Not ever.

The silence stretches as if we’re both thinking the same thing.

We need to talk.

Around us, everyone claps, celebrating Aiden and Kirsten.

This is not the place.

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