They sat in awkward silence as Brady finished his beer and turned toward Chloe. His gaze made her uncomfortable as she stared at a speck of dirt on the floor. She could not shake the vision of him standing alone in a crowded room, one she had felt all throughout her early years of school. Turning toward him she smiled warmly, “Would you like to dance?”

He continued to stare into her eyes, his gaze deepening as Chloe blushed, “Yes.” Slowly he extended his hand and she graciously accepted it as they moved toward the dance floor. She was weary of his ability to dance but the moment their feet began to move she marveled at his ability to dance as if on air. Smiling she stared into his eyes, “You dance really well.”

“Surprised a lowly oil driller can dance princess?” His response dripped with sarcasm.

She turned her face down in humiliation and spoke softly, “No—I didn’t mean that, I just—“

His soft laugh silenced her protest. They danced slowly as if they were the only people in the room and as the music died she took his arm and smiled mischievously, “Come with me.”

Brady stood firm with a confused look as Chloe calmed his fears, “We are going to mingle.” His eyes opened wide at the shock of her suggestion as he spoke slowly and clearly, “No Chloe I do not think that is such a good—” Chloe would not be swayed by his argument as she led him toward an elderly couple.

They spent the next two hours conversing with members of the club as Chloe introduced Brady as working in the oil industry and they immediately assumed he was management rather than the workers. Time flew as they conversed with each other and the evening began to die down. Strolling along the gardens Chloe was drawn to the breathtaking star filled sky. She sighed in content as she paused below a tree. Brady idly stood by watching her amazement in such simplicity and finally spoke, “It’s nothing compared to the skies of the country.” Her eyes shot to his as a faint smile spread, “I know, but it is beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful.” Chloe turned away as her face reddened and she was glad for the darkness, which hid it, but he grabbed her chin tilting it gently toward him. Her eyes were drawn to his lips as he slowly lowered his head to hers. She gasped silently preparing herself and gently his lips brushed hers. Slowly his kiss lingered upon her and his passion became more intense. Her hands moved from her side and grasped his shoulders pulling him closer. Grasping her back he pulled her toward him as his tongue begged entrance into her mouth. Immediately she obliged and their tongues danced together. Her hands moved from his shoulders to his back as she dug her fingers in drawing him closer. He reached for her hair and in one swift move tugged her clip free, golden brown hair tumbling around her shoulders. She broke away reluctantly grasping for air as her head lay against his heaving chest. Instantly she broke free when she heard a familiar voice. Passion turned to horror as she realized her father was headed toward with murder in his eyes her with guards. “Brady run, leave me, just get out of here before my father sees you.” She pleaded.

Previous/Next