Page 29 of The Wonder of You
Phoenix gently removes my hands from my face.
“I appreciate it, I am glad to impress you.” He smiles that oh so charming smile of his. His cheeks are slightly pink, making me wonder if he is blushing too. He looks me over and for a short, sweet moment, I wonder if he is going to kiss me.
Iwouldlike him to kiss me.
I am nervous though, I’ve never kissed anyone before and quite honestly, I’ve never wanted to.
But now, everything has changed.
The atmosphere has shifted.
My heart is full.
He hesitates and I wonder if he thinks it is me that might not want this. If I had more confidence, I’d tip-toe up and kiss him first, but I’m terrified I’ll do it wrong.
Can you kiss wrong?
What if I end up smacking his cheek with my lips instead?
What if I accidently headbutt him?
After a tense moment, he clears his throat.
“The next show has a dance on, would you care to join me?”
I’d run away with you in a heartbeat, I think. Instead, I just nod, somewhat disappointed that the moment of thinking he would kiss me is over. But there’s also a feeling dwelling that I’ve never felt before.
Love.
Am I in love?
Is this really happening?
Dancing with Phoenix is like I’ve fallen into the most welcomed dream possible. I never want it to end. He is so gentle with me. I giggle as he spins me around and his constant stare has my heart slamming in my chest at a rate that I think might kill me off. Is it possible he is thinking the same as me?
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Renée,” he says softly.
There is a lump in my throat that makes it impossible to thank him or return a compliment. But Ismile at him and that seems to be enough. He draws his body even closer to mine.
I notice from the side of the tent that a clown is watching us. He looks fascinated by Phoenix and I dancing.
“Do I need to be afraid of the clown?” I ask Phoenix light-heartedly.
He laughs. “No, Lukas is one big bear, I can tell he is dying to come over.”
He looks over at the man who is obviously a close friend and mouthsgo away.Lukas smiles and shakes his head to indicateno. When the music ends, he does indeed come towards us. Phoenix doesn’t let go of my hand which is clearly noticed by Lukas. His grin is childlike, and I can tell he has lots of questions worming around inside his brain.
“Well, hello. It’s rare I see our mysterious and quiet Phoenix dancing with a pretty lady. In fact, I don’t think I’veeverseen this before…” He looks at Phoenix, his eyes so wide it’s almost comical. “Does someone have a little crush?”
Phoenix nudges him playfully. “Piss off, would you? Haven’t you got something better to do?”
“No, I’d rather watch my friend fall in love.”
I drop my head, but I notice that this time, Phoenix’s pale skin brightens to pink.
“I’m Lukas, number one clown,” the man says with a grin. He reaches his hand toward me.
I shake it. “I’m Renée, it’s nice to meet you, I like your makeup.”
