Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(37)

just curious...right?

Zach and I eventually go out and dance a few more songs, play some skeeball and even darts. Now I’m ready to go; these heels are

killing my feet. Zach agrees, so we go to search out Bennett. I spot her back on the dance floor with Tate and start through the

mass of gyrating bodies to fetch her.

I feel it; my body tells me that he’s in close proximity before I see him—so weird. All of a sudden, right in front of me, is

Dane. I startle a little but manage a “hi.”

“Hello, Disney, fancy meeting you here.” He smiles. “Small world.”

“It’s actually not at all. I could show you.”

What?

“May I have a dance?”

Oh yeah, he can. I look back at Zach and mouth “one song” while I hold up a finger. He nods and I turn back to Dane. “Just one.

”

“Well then, I better make it count.” He turns and does a head thing to the DJ, who for some reason seems to take notice. “Come

here,” he says, holding out his hand. I place mine in his, moving into him. He pulls me tight and we dance to “I’ll Be” by

Edwin McCain. It feels eerily similar to prom with Evan, if he starts singing in my ear I may lose it. But no, he’s a whisper in

your ear guy. “Who is that guy you’re with, Laney?”

“Zach Reece; he lives in our dorm.”

“And what is he to you?” His hot breath caresses my ear and neck.

“A friend, a good one so far.”

“And Evan?” How does he know that? Bennett!

“A better friend, the best.” It hurts a little when I say it.

“And I am?”

“Interesting.” I feel him shake lightly against me, laughing.

“I find you quite interesting as well, Laney,” he doesn’t exactly say it; more like pours it slowly in my ear.

“I’m not.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“What does that mean?” I know my voice is shaking and barely a whisper, but holding a conversation when you can barely breathe is

a challenge.

“It means, Laney, that I want to get to know you better.”

“Why?”

“Something tells me, has been telling me, I should.” “Okay, well, I was about to leave.”

“I don’t mean tonight. I’m all for you leaving here as soon as possible. Tomorrow, spend the day with me; whatever you want to

do.”

“I’ll think about it.” And I will; I’m actually considering it.

“The song’s over, Laney, so I’ll let you go, for now...but tomorrow,” he says, lifting my hand to his mouth, placing a kiss.

And with that, I go back to Zach, who has detained Bennett, and we head home. Falling asleep, I almost send a text to Evan, but

stop myself.

Leave him be, Laney.





Chapter Twenty-One


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LANEY DAY

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Laney

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My phone wakes me up; a number I don’t recognize. “Hello?”

“Good morning, Disney, sleep well?” How does Dane have my number? Not that I mind he has it, but I have got to talk to Bennett

about her big mouth.

“Good morning, Dane, you’re up early,” I mumble sleepily. Seriously, do I know a guy who sleeps in?

“I couldn’t wait to get started. I don’t want to waste a single minute of this day with you.”

“I don’t remember saying yes yet.” We both know I’m going to say yes, who am I kidding?

“Ah, but you didn’t say no, and I’m hopeful.” “I don’t know...What would we do?”

“I told you, anything you want.”

“Noooo, you were brave enough to call me, aren’t you brave enough to set the agenda?” I snicker as I put his words back on him.

He chuckles. “Touché, Disney. Yes, if you say I can make the plans, I’d be happy to do so. Is there anything you can’t or won’t

do, like any phobias I should be aware of?”

Is he kidding? What the hell is he planning? “Let’s see...I would prefer not to jump off or out of anything. I get cold really

easily and I’m allergic to walnuts. Other than that, I think I’m good.”

He’s laughing heartily now. “Oh Laney, you make me smile. Wear comfortable shoes, I’ll be there within the hour.”

“Well, okay then, bossy boots, I’ll see you then.”

When I hang up, I think of Evan. I wonder if he’s spending time with other girls. Time meaning, doing stuff other than sticking

his drunken face in their chest of course, cause I’m pretty sure Dane has better plans for today than that.

I shake off the thoughts and jump out of bed, rushing through a shower, brushing my teeth, and throwing on faded jeans, a jersey

t-shirt and some red kicks. I quickly dry my hair and pull it through the back of my favorite ball cap; cute earrings and some lip

gloss later, I’m set just in time for the knock at the door.