Page 39 of Some Kind of Forever
“What’s NYSOB?” I whisper, turning to Chase.
“New York School of Ballet,” he whispers back, his warm breath leaving goosebumps on my skin.
Mouthing the word,oh, I nod. That bit of context explains everything, from the high, tight buns on Camryn and Tamryn and the flitting way Maggie walks, to their ramrod posture as they sit in their seats. Pretentious ballerinas makes perfect sense.
“It’s going well. I’m in the running for a spot in the ballet company after graduation next year.”
“That’s amazing, Maggie.” Kendall smiles warmly. “You’ll have to tell me when your first performance is.”
“Sure, Uncle Kendall.”
A tap on my hand turns my attention back to Christine. “Could you help me bring out dessert?” she asks, eyes twinkling.
I nod, and she loops her arm in mine as we walk toward the kitchen. She hands me a knife when we reach the counter, and we slice the apple pies together.
“This is still such a magical town. Kendall, Russell, and Ivacationed here for a month, back when we were still in school. Not much has changed. You said your family is from here?”
“Yeah. Well, kind of. I was born and raised here, but my mom moved here to live with her grandmother when she was five.”
“And your dad?”
“Unaccounted for. But it’s all worked out,” I say, smiling. “Can’t miss what you’ve never had, right?”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. Speaking of missing someone, Chase sure missed you. The week after your accident, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that restless before. I’m glad you two could finally figure it out.”
“Oh… I… We’re just friends.”
“Uh-huh…” She gives me the look that mothers give when they don’t believe a word you’re saying. “‘Just friends’ don’t look at each other the way you two look at each other…” She picks up her pie and walks to the door, and I’m too stunned by her assessment to do anything other than pick up the other pie and follow.
“You two talking about me in there?” Chase smiles, taking the pie from his mom.
“Who else would we be talking about?” she teases, swatting his shoulder as he swipes a stray glob of filling from the tin.I set mine on the table.
In our absence, a full-blown dance party has started. Music blasts from the integrated speakers on the deck while the sun makes its descent, giving way to the first stars appearing in the sky. Lanterns blink on around the property, illuminating the dance floor, while Kendall and Russell sit back in their chairs by the grill, watching the fun. Hunter and Ashlie have started a dance circle with the little sisters, and Camryn and Tamryn dance together in the corner. Maggie is nowhere to be found. Quite honestly, I’m glad she’s taken a break from trying to behead me with her eyes.
I’m about to step across the deck when Chase grabs my hand. “Do you want to go down to the beach? We have a little bit before the fireworks start…” The eager look in his eyes and the warmth of his hand in mine seeps through my body. Nerves settle in my stomach at the thought of being alone with him again. He almost kissed me on that train the other day, and I have no doubt he’ll try to kiss me again tonight. And in light of my latest confession to myself, I really think I might just let him.
I nod, and he flashes a smile before leading me down the stairs at the end of the deck. We walk for a little while, hand in hand, letting the sound of the waves settle over us with the music and laughter of the party in the background.
“Your family is fun,” I say, picking a small boulder big enough for both of us to sit on. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“Sure thing. My motives were purely selfish, though.” He bumps my shoulder with his, and I smile while looking out at the water.
“Figures. You’ll do anything for some of Patti’sfamous apple pie…”
He laughs loudly, throwing back his head. “It is good pie…”
I slide my eyes over to him, noticing the way his hair falls over his brows. Suddenly, I don’t want to be talking about pie or anything else anymore. I reach my hand up to brush the hair out of his eyes, the soft strands feathering across my fingers as I stare into those midnight blue waves of the deepest ocean. I like him, I want him, and I’m tired of trying to convince myself I don’t. With the last shred of my resolve to keep him at arm’s length melting away, I palm his jaw and kiss him softly.
It starts slow and timid, as we explore this new dynamic together. The tip of my tongue darts out, searching for a little taste of him, and when he meets me, I swear our hearts beat as one. A gentle sigh slips from his lips, drawing me in like a tether from his heart to mine. It speaks to me, the faintest whisper echoing the refrain, “Finally.”He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me in, easing the strain as our lips ladder together, like we’re climbing to heights we’ve only imagined thus far.
“Woo!” Hunter whoops, and Ashlie cheers from the top of the bluff. We break apart, and I giggle, looking at our best friends jumping around and cheering us on.
Chase tips his head to mine, his signature crooked smile replaced by flushed cheeks and desire burning in his eyes. “Come on,” he says, pulling me up from the rock, leading me determinedly toward the toe of the bluff.
“Chase, what?—”
He crushes his lips to mine, guiding me back against the cool, jagged bluff face. His hands rove through my hair, down my shoulders, and around my waist frantically, like this moment will be ripped away from him at any minute. I can’t say I blame him, considering how many times he’s tried to kiss me. Right now, with the way my skin blazes under his touch, I’m wishing I wouldn’t have waited so long to let him. Our tongues swirl wildly, setting a much faster pace than before. When he pulls back, the intensity in his eyes makes the pounding in my chest skyrocket.
