Eyes on Me

by Rachel Harris

  Stone kept finding ways to work in moves from our routine. A turn here, a cross-body lead there. I was amazed at how easily they translated to mainstream music. My veins pulsed with adrenaline, and my smile felt permanently etched onto my face. For the first time in my life, I felt graceful. I felt lighter than air.

  Honestly, I felt like a dancer.

  I should’ve known the other shoe would drop.

  It was toward the end of “Havana” by Camila Cabello, a sexy song that worked surprisingly well with salsa moves, that Stone shocked me again. He spun me out in a familiar move, sending me into a back rock, and my eyes widened as he squatted low.

  A wave of anxiety rushed over me as he tugged my right hand as if to lead me into the dip I’d continued to fail at so spectacularly. I drew up short, shaking my head while I pleaded with my eyes.

  I didn’t want to fail again. Not here, not tonight. Not after I’d had so many wins.

  The strong lines of Stone’s face softened in understanding, and my heart gave a thump. Standing, he tugged my hand again, and this time I responded. The scent of wintergreen filled my head as he pulled me against his chest, hugging me close for a too-brief moment before he lowered me toward the floor, ending the song in a modified dip.

  We hovered there, a heartbeat of silence stretched between us. His arms securely holding my weight, and our heavy breaths mingling. I ducked my head into his chest, inhaling harshly, and a warmth that had nothing to do with the press of bodies around us floated through me. The sensation spread, and as reality descended, my shoulders rocked with inexplicable laughter.

  Stone’s hold tightened, and after lifting us upright, he rested his forehead against mine, searching my eyes, his own lit with happiness.

  “I’m trying to remember why I thought these years didn’t matter,” I admitted somewhat breathlessly, and his chest expanded in an inhale.

  Golden cheeks flushed from exertion lifted in a smile only this side of cocky. Sliding his hands up my arms, he skimmed his thumbs over my collarbone, dipping them in the hollow of my throat while an array of emotions flittered across his gorgeous face. Satisfaction, happiness, adoration…and what looked like a tiny hint of fear at the very end. It confused me, but then his eyes closed, and he brushed his lips against mine, and my thoughts scattered.

  Stone’s kisses made my head spin. We were in the middle of the dance floor, so I wasn’t surprised when he didn’t move to deepen it, choosing instead to keep it light and teasing, but it rocked me just the same. A jolt of desire tightened my core, shooting tingles of aftershocks racing across my skin. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to the way he made me feel. Beautiful and wanted. Like a fierce badass.

  Goose bumps spread down my arms, and he lifted his head. I opened my eyes, still a bit dazed, and said the first thing that popped into my mind.

  “I need to go to the bathroom.”

  His eyebrows shot up, and I slapped a hand over my mouth.

  “Okay then,” he said, fighting a smile. “I’ll wait here.”

  “No! Not like that,” I rushed to explain, taking a step back. “Not like to pee…although, now that I think about it, I probably do have to go. We’ve been dancing for over an hour, and man, that punch really goes through you.” My eyes widened in further distress, and I covered my hot cheeks with both hands. “Crap. What I meant is I need to go to the bathroom to freshen up. And clear my head. And stop talking. Did I mention I ramble when I’m nervous?”

  The smile broke free as he closed the distance I’d put between us. “I make you nervous?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.

  I shook my head…then nodded helplessly. “It’s more the way you make me feel that makes me nervous,” I admitted, my nose scrunched.

  Stone tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, then whispered across it, “And how do I make you feel?”

  I shivered at the sensations that simple action incited, and my eyes fluttered to a close. “Beautiful,” I whispered back, my heart starting to pound. “Like I never want you to stop kissing me. Like I don’t necessarily want to stop at kissing, either.”

  Stone’s sharp inhale made something low in my stomach clench, and I opened my eyes. “Like maybe getting sick that day was the best thing that could’ve happened to me,” I added, placing my hand on his chest. “Because in the end, it brought me to you.”

  The muscles in his jaw flexed, and the look on his face was so intense, so vulnerable, he almost looked like he was in pain. “Lily…God, I want to make you feel those things, baby.” He glided a thumb over the thundering pulse point in my neck, and the thick knot in his throat bobbed. “But…maybe not in the middle of a school dance.”

  He inhaled again, and his lips quirked in a rueful smile. Taking a step away, he said, “And not when I have to bring you home to your dad in an hour. Go. Freshen up. I’m, uh, I’m gonna go get some air.”

  The hungry look in his eyes made me smirk, and I couldn’t help but preen a little. It was so crazy that I affected him as much as he affected me. Feeling strangely confident, I brushed up against him as I headed for the women’s locker room, and when he groaned, I bit back a laugh.

  Hips swaying more than usual, I walked across the room, exchanging smiles with random classmates along the way. My black, lacy dress was a daring change of pace for me, as was the makeup. I’d asked Angéla and Sydney for help, wanting to step outside my usual comfort zone. Stone always seemed so sure about us, but tonight, I’d wanted to believe I belonged with him, too.

  “Love your dress, Lily,” Chloe Meyers said, gliding past too fast for me to return the compliment. Biting my bottom lip, I lifted my chin.

  People knew my name. Strangers, or classmates who’d acted as such for years, had stopped to tell me hello or comment on my dress all night. I wasn’t an idiot; I knew it was because I was with Stone. But I wasn’t a ghost anymore.

  It felt like I was coming up for air after three years of being underwater.

  A happy thrill shot from the crown of my head to my exposed, red-painted toenails, strong enough to defy the hateful glare Cameron sent my way when our eyes clashed across the floor. I brushed my fingertip across the charm around my neck, shook off the unease, then ducked inside the locker room. A cloud of hairspray, perfume, and lingering bleach assaulted me, along with a complicated maze of gossiping girls and selfie piles that blocked my way to the stalls. By the time I did my business, scrunched my hair, and dabbed at runaway mascara, I’d overheard more about my classmates than I’d ever wished to learn. Strangely enough, it only made me happier.

  Stepping back out into the gym, I took a deep breath of slightly fresher air and noticed a familiar form leaned against the stacked bleachers.

  “Aidan, hey.” A quick scan of the floor didn’t reveal Stone, so I assumed he was still outside. I walked up in front of my tutee/friend and said, “You look nice tonight.”

  He sighed and adjusted his already loosened green-striped tie. “Thanks, but I hate these things. As soon as Brittany gets out of there, I’m taking this damn thing off and we’re out.”

  I bit my tongue. According to one of the more interesting conversations I’d overheard inside the locker room, if Aidan played his cards right, he’d soon be taking off a lot more than his tie. I kept that tidbit to myself.

  “But you look great,” he told me with a friendly smile. “I saw you and Stone dancing. Wow. Maybe I should take lessons, too, huh? I’m usually happy if I don’t make an ass of myself or step on my date’s shoes.”

  Laughing, I rested my shoulder against the bleachers. “Between you and me, I’ve stepped on my fair share of toes, too. Luckily, Stone’s feet are numb at this point, so he can’t tell anymore.”

  Aidan chuckled, but his smile quickly turned pained. The air between us grew tense. “Lily, I owe you an apology.” He released a breath, regret lining his face. “I was out of line in the library. I really meant to look out for you, but it was none of my business. Seeing the two of you together, it’s obvious w
hatever tailspin he was in is over. You’re good for each other. I never should’ve butted in.”

  Music swelled in the room, and I stepped closer to be heard. “You were being a friend. Yeah, it was a bit harsh, but it came from a good place.”

  Aidan smiled gratefully. “For what it’s worth, you both look happy. In fact, I’ve never seen Stone like this before.” I ducked my head with a grin, and he sighed. “Who the hell am I to give relationship advice, anyway? My love life’s a train wreck.”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” I murmured with a secret smile. “Something tells me your luck might turn around sooner than you think.”

  A slow, curious grin curved his lips, and he leaned toward me. “Oh yeah? You been talking to Brittany?”

  He wiggled his eyebrows playfully, wanting me to spill, and I laughed as I pushed him away. “Nuh-uh. My lips are sealed.”

  As Aidan dove at me again, he glanced over my shoulder. Whatever he saw had the smile falling instantly from his face. His eyes narrowed in confusion, then he looked at me and they blew wide.

  “Hey, man.” He backed away, hands lifted in the air, as Stone appeared by my side. “Just keeping your girl company while I waited for Brittany.”

  Stone stayed silent. He glared at his teammate, his arms folded and jaw set.

  Aidan swallowed visibly. “Speaking of Brit, I should probably check on her. Yeah? She should have her phone on her.” He tugged his phone out and waved it like evidence. “You two have fun. See you Monday, man.”

  He patted Stone’s shoulder as he walked off, passing the locker room, and I watched him hustle away with a puzzled frown. Shifting my gaze to a sullen Stone, I tilted my head.

  Weird.

  “You know that was nothing, right?” I asked after an extended moment. A muscle in Stone’s jaw flexed, and I placed a hand on his arm. “You’re not…jealous…are you?” My eyes darted back and forth between his. “Because that’d be silly.”

  A group of girls was headed to the locker room, and to get out of their path, Stone stepped into me. I wrapped my arms around his waist, trying to meet his eyes, and he closed them as his shoulders slumped. My breathing hitched.

  “Are you serious?” I buried my head in his neck, inhaling his Ivory soap and wintergreen scent, and pressed my lips against his skin. A thrill danced down my spine when he shivered against me. “Stone, I realize you’ve been burned, but I promise, that’s not gonna happen with me. You’re the only one I want. You can trust me.”

  His chest expanded with an inhale, and he settled his hands at my hips. “I know I can,” he told me roughly.

  I raised my head and caught a hint of insecurity lingering in his eyes. I threaded my fingers through the soft hair at his neck, wanting to chase it away, and a small smile curved his mouth.

  “Though, if anyone’s silly in this relationship, it’s you,” he said, looking at me with an expression of wonder. “You still don’t see how incredible you are.” His thumbs rasped over the lace of my dress, and it was my turn to shiver. “I’ll get through to you one day.”

  His dark chocolate gaze fell to my lips, where it lingered for a toe-curling beat. When it lifted, the last of the shadows were finally gone. He huffed a laugh. “Am I jealous, she asks? Damn straight, I am. I want to be the one making you laugh. You’re my girl.”

  The exaggerated pout was so unexpected, so much like Angéla, that my head fell back in a laugh. Stone made a pleased sound in his throat. “God, that laugh,” he murmured, gripping my hips tighter. “Do you have any idea how crazy I am about you?”

  I shook my head, and he took my mouth in a searing kiss.

  Shock had me freezing for a second. Stone hated spectacles. Making out in the open, next to the locker room where anyone could see? It would make a splash. But then he deepened the kiss, groaning as he slid his tongue against mine, and I forgot the world.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Stone

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this!”

  Lily smiled from the driver’s side of her car. The glow in her eyes and crazy tangle of hair dancing in the wind from the open windows momentarily distracted me from the lukewarm air-conditioning—not exactly hot but barely cool—and strange whistle that had been our morning’s playlist. The radio itself was on the fritz, evidently having not worked for six months. I’d tried it anyway, after she’d insisted on driving, and a high-frequency buzz had emitted through the speakers.

  “Silence lets me think,” she’d said after I quickly shut it off. A sly grin had then twitched her lips. “But if you want music, I can always sing.”

  All I could say: it was a good thing I liked her so much. My girl had a voice that could make dogs cry.

  Despite its lack of radio and air-conditioning, Lily clearly loved this car. Driving down back roads to the Lakefront, she smiled and hummed as horse pastures and open country surrounded us. Occasionally, she’d stroke the dash or flick the fuzzy purple dice I’d won for her at the festival, her eyes sparkling. This was Debbie. Her mom’s pride and joy, and the one link they still had, other than dancing. Seeing Lily happy like this shifted the heavy weight that had been crushing my lungs all week.

  “How does it feel being a delinquent?” I asked with a devilish smirk. Her musical laugh filled the car, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, only for it to fly back out with the wind.

  “Naughty and freeing at the same time,” she replied, two adjectives I doubted existed in her vocabulary before she’d met me.

  Although our one-month dare had expired, we’d extended it by silent agreement, both looking for ways to stretch past her comfort zone. Today’s excursion was the biggest stretch yet. Honestly, I’d half expected her to use her veto.

  Senior Skip Day was a rite of passage. Every year, the day after Columbus Day, the entire class met at the Lakefront for fun in the sun before senioritis hit and the pressure of college applications reigned. Report cards always went out the week before, which meant everyone knew where they stood, and while teachers were usually chill, there’d still be plenty of time to make up work before the end of the semester.

  As expected, Lily’s grades were awesome. If anyone could afford a day off, it was her.

  The one glitch had been her dad, though not for the normal reasons. When she’d told him about the tradition and her plans to join in, he’d been all for it…up until I’d appeared to whisk her away, that is.

  “Good,” I told her, tapping my hand to an imaginary beat outside the car. The bright sun warmed my skin, pushing away worries of disapproving dads and replacing them with thoughts of Lily in a bikini. “I like giving you new experiences. I especially like making you—”

  A loud squeal under the hood cut short the flirtation.

  Wide, scared eyes flew to mine. Two seconds later, white smoke billowed through the vents. My first thought was the car was on fire. The second was to shut off the damn air-conditioning.

  “Pull over,” I ordered, trying and failing to calm the fear in my voice.

  The squealing whistle had stopped when I shut off the air, but the smoke remained. Lily checked her mirrors then quickly tugged the wheel to the side. As soon as her foot tapped the break, I was out of the car.

  “Pop the latch,” I told her, my phone out to dial Gabriel’s number. Moments like this, I wished I’d paid more attention when I used to hang at his shop. I slammed the passenger door shut and jogged around the front of the car.

  “Stone!” The panic in Lily’s voice snapped my eyes to hers, my hand on the hood.

  Shaking, she waited for a semi to pass alongside us. Once it did, she staggered to meet me, her gaze clinging to mine. Fear and worry swirled behind her lenses.

  With a fortifying breath, I popped the hood. The scent of burned rubber poured over us, and Lily grabbed hold of my arm. Coughing, I swiped at the air, clearing it away.

  “She’s gone,” she stated brokenly. “Isn’t she?”

  I didn’t know if she meant the car or her mom. J
ust then, probably both. Losing this car, losing Debbie, would be like losing her mom all over again. My eyes squeezed shut, wishing I could save her from this. Blindly, I grabbed for her, pulling her close and pressing my lips to her head.

  “¿Qué tal?”

  The familiar voice yanked me from my spiral. I glanced at my phone, realizing I must’ve hit call, and quickly put it to my ear. “Gabriel.”

  After a swift rundown of the situation, explaining how the smoke had dissipated once I’d opened the hood, my mechanic cousin said, “Yeah, doesn’t sound like a fire. Have you checked the coolant?”

  “You think it overheated?”

  I leaned over to check and grunted under my breath. The cap was busted, cracked completely across the side and on top, almost broken in two. As for the coolant…

  “Bone dry,” I told him. “Totally empty. That would explain the burning smell.”

  Thanking Gabriel, I told him I’d call him later and clicked off. Staring at the engine, I made a plan, then closed the hood, steered Lily to the passenger side, and gently placed her in the car.

  “Give me the keys, baby.” I squatted on the side of the road, and her wet blue eyes held mine. They looked so lost. I took her hand, the one clutching her keys like a lifeline, and closed my fingers around it. “I’m gonna take care of it, okay? I need you to stay with me.”

  She nodded silently, and I reached over to buckle her in and press a kiss to her temple. Then I closed the door and blew out a breath, gripping my neck as I surveyed where we were. Luckily, we’d almost made it back to the main road. A gas station was about a mile ahead.

  Once we got to the Shell station, I grabbed a gallon of prediluted antifreeze and a roll of duct tape. I also got a bag of peanut M&M’s because I wasn’t above bribing in a moment of crisis.

  The sound of idling engines and country music drifted out of neighboring cars as I filled the coolant. Once that was done, I rigged the cap the best I could with duct tape to keep it from falling off. The sting of sweat burned my eyes, and I swiped a hand across my forehead. I’d done all I could. Closing the hood again, I cleaned my hands with a paper towel from the dispenser and chucked it in the overflowing bin.