12 Days of Forever(32)

“If this is dancing, I could get used to it.” Yvie giggles and keeps us moving. I press my lips to her shoulder and continue to move along with her. I plan to take her out on a date while she’s here. Ralph’s throws a pretty big New Year’s Eve party, and 4225 West is playing. I’m sure she’ll want to watch her brother perform while she’s here.

As I kiss along her shoulder, all I can think about is taking her back to my house. When I get to her ear, I pull her lobe gently and whisper, “Will you be my date for Liam and Josie’s anniversary party tomorrow?”

She stops moving and turns in my arms. Her hands ghost up my arms, over my shoulders until her fingers are playing with the scruff on my face. I didn’t have time to shave this morning, and right now I’m enjoying the way her fingers feel against my skin.

“You know I have my own invite.”

“They don’t know you’re here,” I remind her. “We could show up together and surprise them.”

We start swaying again, and I take this opportunity to kiss her. I know I shouldn’t since I’m at work, but all thoughts of professionalism are out the door the moment our tongues touch. Now all I’m thinking about is pushing her up against the mirror and watching her face as I take her from behind. She has awoken so many fantasies that I feel like a pervert trying to get them all done before she leaves. The last thing I want is for our relationship, or whatever this is, to be based solely on sex. I want to know her. I want to be her friend. I want to be her lover and confidant, even if it means that once this week is over, we’re only friends. I can be her shoulder to cry on or the person she needs to vent to at the end of the night.

“Excuse me, Xander?”

I startle at the sound of my name and pull away from Yvie mid-kiss. I look over my shoulder and find Dana, the waitress from Whimsicality, standing in the doorway. My hands fall away from Yvie, and I turn to Dana.

“Hey, Dana, what’s up?”

Dana is usually all smiles when I see her, but not today. “We have an appointment. I can reschedule if you’re too busy.” She leans a little to the left to get a good look at Yvie. I look at the clock on the wall and nod.

“I’ll be right out. Go ahead and start on your warm-up.” Dana doesn’t respond, but takes a long look at me before walking away.

“She likes you,” Yvie says from behind me. When I turn around, she’s back at her mp3 player, and it looks like she’s scrolling through her music.

“I’m just her trainer. She works for Josie at the café.” I walk toward her needing to feel her against my skin, even if it’s just the palm of my hand.

Yvie doesn’t make eye contact and doesn’t respond to my touch. “Nonetheless, she wasn’t very happy to find you in a compromising position with another woman.”

I lift Yvie’s chin with my thumb and forefinger and make sure she’s looking at me. “It’s only compromising if we’re doing something wrong. We’re both adults, and the last time I checked we were both very consenting.” I lean forward and place a chaste kiss on her lips. “You practice. I’m going to go do what I do best,” I say as I slap her ass and walk away. She lets out a little yelp, but all I do is chuckle and leave the room.

I like that Yvie is jealous; it means she cares. I can’t read into her reaction though. It could be as simple as another woman interrupting her time with me. Deep down, I want it to be jealousy. I want her to question the feelings that I’m developing for her, even if she’s not on the same page. She should know that I like her, more than like her actually.



I help Yvie out of my car, appraising her short, sequined, red dress and heels that make her almost as tall as me. It’s a good thing her brother is here because I have a feeling I’ll be beating off guys with the tables and chairs. I feel a little underdressed compared to her. I’m only in a black button down and slacks. I started to change, but when she told me I looked hot, I didn’t want to disappoint her.

We walk hand in hand into Ralph’s, tonight’s host for Liam and Josie’s anniversary party. It’s by invitation only, and the guest list is long. Liam uses this as a charity event and invites industry people. Tonight, Beaumont is the place to be. One would think that Liam would have a private party, but his marriage to Josie is a reason for him to celebrate from what I’ve been told.

Ralph’s has been transformed into a Hollywood hotspot. Strobe lights, mixed with other colored lighting create the atmosphere for tonight. On stage is the hottest DJ on the charts right now and the dance floor is full. As I look around, I realize that Yvie is used to this scene and is dressed perfectly for it. Maybe Hollywood is her next calling because I really can’t see her fitting in Beaumont for an extended period of time.