“Oh, then I can stop cleaning too. Cause that definitely doesn’t make me happy.” I run my tongue along my teeth as I smirk at him, but he just shrugs.
“We can afford a cleaning lady.”
My mouth becomes an ‘o’ as surprise filters through my chest. “Trent, I was joking. The least I can do is clean the house when you work all day.”
He straightens and leans forward, resting one hand against my cheek while the other lands on my thigh and his forehead connects with mine. “I just want you happy, Leslie. That’s all I want.”
My eyes flutter shut because I can tell how sincere he’s being. I’m pretty sure it’s all he’s ever wanted. He never put pressure on me to be more than a stay-at-home mom, he never expected me to pick up the other responsibilities I have. I did that on my own.
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Leslie. More than you can ever begin to understand.”
I’m starting to realize that’s true. Idon’tunderstand the depth of Trent’s love for me and probably never have. Maybe it’s because I’ve always held a little bit against him for breaking up with me in the first place. I’ve always assumed that him saying it was the biggest mistake of his life was just to placate me and get on my good side. But maybe he means it wholeheartedly.
With a shake of my head, I clear away the seriousness of this conversation. Tonight is about having fun.
“Want to dance?” I raise my eyebrows and turn my face toward the dance floor.
“You know I do.” A smile crosses his lips. Trent’s an excellent dancer. Just another thing to love about him.
Taking my hand, he leads me to the dance floor where a current pop hit is playing. The music so far has been a mix of what we grew up with and current hits.
Trent twirls me out, and I giggle as he pulls me back into him, a wide smile on his face. My palms lay flat against his chest. One arm loops around my waist, and he tugs my hips into his where he moves from side to side.
Before I know it, we’re surrounded by my old classmates, all dancing and having a great time.
Just like I am.
Chapter 28
I’dbeensonervousabout coming to the reunion and all the perception that people would have of me, but it’s been nothing but a great time. I was freaking out for absolutely nothing.
Becca will be so happy to hear she was right.
The few people who even asked what I do now were amazed to hear that I wrangle three kids all day, keep arelativelyclean house and also take on class mom and PTA responsibilities. Their jaws dropped when they learned about the sports the kids do, too.
The fact that I don’t work a “real” job never even came up.
When a handful of people seemingly remembered that I was “Little Miss Perfect” in high school, Trent wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into his side. But all I did was smile and nod and say that the reputation still stands.
Now the evening is winding down, people are starting to sway instead of jump around while dancing, except for the few clearly intoxicated people which I’m thankful to not be one of tonight.
Dinner was a delicious assortment of foods. Everything from pasta to French fries. There really was something for everybody, and I was able to eat a few different options without feeling like something was missing.
I lean against Trent’s chest while his arms are loose around my middle, hands resting just above my ass. “You’re right. I had a good time.”
He leans back and tips my face up with one finger. “I’m sorry. You’ll have to say that again. I couldn’t quite hear you over the music, but I’m pretty sure you said ‘I’m right’ which I know is impossible because my wife would never admit that.”
Playfully I smack his chest and smile. “I’m serious. I was very nervous about how tonight was going to go, or really the whole weekend in general, and it’s far exceeded my expectations.”
“Easy to do when they’re super low.”
“True. But it’s been a great weekend. And I’ve enjoyed our time together.” I trail my finger along his pec and collarbone, hoping he gets my message.
The responding pinch on my ass and growl in my ear says he reads me loud and clear.
“I have too, and I plan to enjoy more of it.” He nips at my earlobe, and I giggle before leaning back against him.
