Page 55 of Learn Your Limits
He’s calm and patient as he stands with his hand out for me, not pressing me for an answer or to immediately take his hand. Even as his eyes scan my face like he’s searching for any signs of doubt.
My response comes in the form of slipping my hand into his, closing the space between us. Milo smiles and guides me to the center of the room where other couples are dancing beneath the romantic holiday lights. Soft music fills the space, surrounding us and momentarily chasing away the unease lingering in my veins.
He places a hand on my waist, the other clasping my own as my free hand finds his shoulder. Standing this close to Milo, the world around us fades and the only thing that matters is the way he’s looking up at me right now. Our bodies begin to move in sync, falling into the slow rhythm of the music.
“You know,” I begin softly, sliding my hand to rest at the back of his neck. “When I took a chance and messaged you months ago, I never could’ve imagined that we’d end up here.” My voice is a gentle rasp, my fingers toying with the ends of his combed-back hair.
“I didn’t even know what I was looking for,” he admits, the gray in his eyes shining with the sparkling lighting around us. “But I’ve found it in you.” Milo’s hold around my waist tightens, pulling me closer against him as he smiles and continues to lead our dance.
“You’re everything I’ve always wanted, Milo,” I tell him, more sure of those words than I am anything else. It’s all too easy to get lost in the feeling of him, in the feeling ofus, with our bodies pressed close together, moving to the slow beat of the music.
A new song begins, this one with a more up-beat tempo, and the room around us slowly comes back into view. I scan the room, my ribs tightening as my eyes catch on Avalon. She had mentioned not coming tonight, and her presence has me wondering if something happened that changed her mind.
“Avalon’s here,” I mutter, nodding my chin in her direction.
Milo turns and follows my gaze, an easy smile spreading across his lips. “Why don’t you go say hi, and I’ll get us something to drink?” He leans in and presses a quick kiss to my cheek before stepping away in search of the bar.
The trust he places in me and in knowing that my love is for him and him alone settles the raging storm inside me. Slipping a hand into the front pocket of my suit pants, I make my way slowly across the room to her. Once I’m close enough for my words to reach her without having to raise my voice, I say, “There’s my favorite fake girlfriend.”
“Hey, Reid.” She laughs and steps toward me, greeting me with a quick hug. “Are you here with Milo?”
Her question sends a jolt of warmth through me. I turn to stand beside her and gesture toward the bar where Milo’s grabbing us drinks. “I can’t believe we made it here. The semester felt like it was never going to end.”
She scoffs in mock offense, placing her hand over her heart. “Are you saying pretending to date me was some kind of hardship?”
I laugh. “You know that’s not what I meant. Why are you here tonight, anyway? I thought you weren’t coming.”
“Same reason as you, I guess. Just trying to steal every possible moment that I can with Roman.” A devious smile crawls across her lips. “He’s not gonna be able to resist me for much longer. But hey”—she nods her chin in Milo’s direction—”you might want to go rescue your guy.”
We both watch as my mother approaches Milo with a knowing smile on her face. Knots tangle in my stomach as I watch him shake her hand. I’m too far away to even try to guess what’s being said, but whatever it is, it can’t be good. Nothing that comes from my parents’ mouths ever is.
Chapter forty-one
Emiliano
The line for the bar is thankfully quick, and I have two festive drinks in hand within a few minutes. Deciding to give Reid and Avalon a little more privacy to catch up, I stand at the end of the hotel bar, leaning back as I casually observe the other gala guests.
There aren’t many people I recognize. After all, this is a rather large college town, and I am not one for these big events unless the university requires my presence. But there was something about attending with Reid that made the gala much more appealing.
Laughing, dancing, and enjoying shared time with him has made this an amazing night. Though I could still feel the nerves radiating from him, I know he’s more than capable of getting through whatever we may face with his parents. Everyone we’ve encountered tonight has been friendly and inviting, eager to meet the new couple in the community. And I cannot hide the beaming smile on my face every time we get to introduce ourselves as a couple.
A woman in a deep burgundy gown approaches me just as I am about to steal a sip of my drink. She’s older than me, her gown is something similar to what a mother of the bride would wear, and she looks gorgeous in it. The familiar tint of red hair shouldn’t complement the color of the dress, but she makes it work in her favor.
“Hello there,” she greets with a small wave, stopping a few feet in front of me. “I’m Nora Callahan. I saw you dancing with my son.” Her smile is warm, and a spark of curiosity shows in her amber eyes.
This is Reid’s mother.
While I have heard plenty about his father, Reid hasn’t said much about his mother, but I assume that’s par for the family dynamic. His mom seems pleasant judging from this small interaction.
“Hi, Nora. I’m Emiliano Cervantes.” Setting my glass onto a coaster, I lean forward and extend my hand toward her. When she takes it, I bring my other hand to hold hers between my two in a warm hold. “Yes, Reid is quite the dancer.”
As I let go of her hand, I can see Nora’s eyes shift behind me, her smile spreading across her face. Straightening and turning to follow her line of sight, I see Reid approaching, a hint of worry visible in the scrunch of his brow even when he attempts to hide it with a smile.
“There he is,” Nora says, her attention turned toward Reid as he stands beside me but notably not too close.
“Hey,” he murmurs, his eyes shifting between us before settling on me. “What were you guys talking about?” His question comes out rushed, nerves lacing his voice.
“Oh, nothing,” his mother chimes. “I was simply getting acquainted with Emiliano here.”
