Page 104 of A Me and Him Thing
Except for Ren.
He’s dressed in his all-black ensemble, just like the night I met him. He’s also standing next to the table where we first met.
There’s a path of rose petals leading directly to him. The lights are a little lower than usual, there are more candles than usual, and the music is a little more achingly romantic than usual.
I’m glad I chose to wear a new dress, a glitzy number from Oscar de la Renta.
We’ve been waiting for this moment. It didn’t feel right to rush into the physical side of our relationship after everything that happened.
We’ve been partners throughout it all, yet we let a little time pass before focusing on us. It felt like the respectful thing to do. Allison might not have been faithful to Ren, but Ren has been faithful to his marriage vows. He didn’t rush right in for a kiss after Allison’s funeral. It would’ve felt...weird. And wrong. As though we were celebrating her loss from our lives.
So we’ve waited for our turn, knowing it was coming, the anticipation building, the expectations high.
It’s time. I take a shaky breath. Tonight is our night.
“Where is everyone?” I ask, trying not to stumble over my words. So unlike me.
“There’s only me and you, Bree. Just me and you. Tonight, no one else exists.”
Hmm. Me and him. I love those words.
I knew romantic words uttered in his velvety voice would be stunning. But I didn’t know they would make my heart practically stop in my chest.
Oh my. He’s pulling out all the stops tonight. Quinn was right. Grand gestures are the best thing ever.
He holds out his hand, so I walk forward, my dress catching the light of the candles and sending reflections around the room.
Our hands join, really for the first time as an actual couple.
“Ren Chambers,” he says, as though we’re meeting for the first time.
“Breanna Kingston. Nice to meet you. Did you rent this entire facility just for us?”
“I did. Except for a few staff, the place is ours.”
“How very romantic.”
“I thought so. Tonight is all about romance. Our romance. It’s the beginning of us.”
He’s going to leave me speechless again. “Friends first was a nice touch.” I feel like he’s the best friend I’ve ever had. After Quinn, that’s telling.
“It was. But I want more.” His eyes glitter.
Even the way he’s looking at me is different. He’s been holding back. In major ways.
Ren brings my hand to his lips and kisses it gently. “Are you ready to cross the line?”
I think that’s his way of making sure I’m comfortable with what’s happening. “I am. More than ready.”
He bestows me with his sexy half smile. “Would you like to dance?”
“Yes, I’d love to.” The chance to be in his arms? Absolutely.
He takes me out onto the dance floor. We’re face-to-face, only connected by one hand. Our eyes lock.
This is the moment.
He pulls me close until our bodies are touching. We wrap our arms around each other and begin to sway to the music, our bodies moving in tandem.
