She finally meets our gazes. “Thank you. You all look very handsome as well.”
Jace offers his arm at the same time I do. Frankie laughs, and moves to stand between us, looping hers through both.
We walk toward the Mess Hall, sneakers crunching the gravel path. The streamers are visible even from this far out, swaying with the breeze. Music’s already playing, through the open doors.
Logan falls into step behind us, but close enough she’ll feel him if she leans back. Wes hangs a little ahead as we surround her.
Glancing over, I lean toward her. “You nervous?”
Her mouth quirks. “A little. I’ve never been to a dance before or danced in front of other people, but I’m excited to go with you guys.”
I place my other hand over hers that’s resting on my elbow. “We’ll be right there the whole time.”
“I know.” Her fingers tighten, then relax.
Jace tips his head toward her. “You’re gonna dance with all of us, right?”
Frankie gives him a look. “Is that a requirement?”
He tugs at his gray button-down. “Only if you want the full package experience.”
She laughs again, softer this time. “You really think I can keep up with all four of you?”
Wes glances back. “Don’t worry, you’ll be great.”
The Mess Hall comes into full view. Lights are strung from tree to tree, it gets darker. They’ll look stunning. A few campers are already out front, fidgeting with ties or smoothing their skirts.
Counselors stand near the doors, keeping their eyes out for campers behaving badly. They already went over the rules with us this morning. We can slow dance, but there has to be a gap between us. No hanging off each other or PDA.
The lights inside the Mess Hall buzz faintly overhead. It’s still bright outside, but the overheads are on anyway. Someone hung strips of colored crepe paper across the dark wooden rafters. They flutter a little when the fans kick on.
A buffet table lines one wall with pasta salad, mini sandwiches, sliced fruit, and trays of brownies filling the surface. The drink table’s lined with punch bowls and soda cans, each taped over with labels.
A DJ stands behind the booth near the far wall, nodding along as he adjusts the sliders. The setup’s simple, but the sound carries well enough to fill the room. A few kids are dancing. Others stand near the drink table and along the walls, waiting for someone to approach them.
Frankie scans the room, then looks back at us. Her mouth quirks like she’s already decided something. Without a word, she lets go of my arm and tugs Jace toward the dance floor to dance to the upbeat song.
He spins her twice and nearly loses his balance.
She laughs, catching his wrist before he trips over his own foot. “You rehearsed that move?”
He grins. “It was totally on purpose.”
As the song comes to an end, Wes steps in next. He offers his hand. She takes it with a smile as another fast song comes on and they dance together. He has some moves. I never expectedhim to be so confident with dancing, but he looks like he’s in his element.
They stay apart, but the counselors yell at other campers who grind up on each other.
Logan takes over when a slower song comes on. He holds her sides and her hands brace on his shoulders. They sway to the music. She smiles up at him and I can’t help but love the happiness on her face. It calms some part of me to see her content while with us.
Then my turn comes. I take her hand when the next slow track comes on. Her fingers slide into mine and she places her other hand on my shoulder as mine goes to her waist.
She lets her head tip against my chest. I stay careful, not wanting to get the attention of one of the counselors.
I could dance like this forever.
We move slowly. She pulls back some and smiles as she meets my gaze. I can’t help it. The urge to kiss her is too great. Leaning down, I brush a quick kiss against her lips.
“Gap, people,” a counselor snaps from across the room.
