Dances of Angels
By: Dana Lynn
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Chapter 17
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“Hi Justin” she blushed.
“Well, get in here!” he said, grabbing her arm and gently pulling her into the house. “Everyone’s out back, he said while walking with her through the house, “we were beginning to think you weren’t gonna show.” He laughed. She smiled at the thought of them all waiting. Damn her! How did she find such joy in this?! “I just got held up at work, that’s all.” She laughed. “Well then, now that you’re here, the party can start.”

Dakota spotted Courtney and Lance on side by side lounge chairs. It seemed as though that was right were she last saw them the last time she was over here. Dakota spotted Josh sitting next to the pool, his feet dangling in the water. She couldn’t resist.


Lance spotted Dakota first and pointed her arrival out to Courtney. “Well, it’s about time she got here” Courtney laughed. They both watched as Dakota made her way over to Josh. “Those two hitting it off?” Lance asked. “Apparently.” Courtney said, watching the smile broaden on Dakota’s face as she neared Josh.

“I heard Josh come in pretty late last night.” Lance smiled. “Yeah, I caught him coming out of Dakota’s room when I got home.” Courtney laughed. “Although you and I both know, nothing happened there.” She said, looking over at him.. Lance laughed. “JC’s, JC. But even he doesn’t move that quick.” Courtney smiled, then her face went straight. “Lance, let’s make a deal…” She started. “Ok…” he nodded waiting for her to finish. “Let’s not get distracted with other relationships. She finished looking down into her lap, and then back up into his green eyes and waited for his response.

“Deal.” He smiled, knowing exactly what she meant.

~*~

The day was hot. The evening air was warm. It was perfect. Their dinner was tasty, conversation was great, and there was always the promise of the evening getting even better.

Dakota was more than happy to oblige when Josh asked her if she wanted to go for a walk. The night air was perfect, and she had been dying to get out of the group atmosphere. Not that she didn’t love spending time with all the guys and Courtney. But there was something easy going about spending time with Josh alone. Something… If only she could put her finger on it. She sighed. There was just something…

They walked in silence for a mile, but it seemed more like forever. Josh stole glances at Dakota every few minutes to make sure she was still beside him. After twenty minutes of only the sound of their footsteps, Josh spoke.

“Nice night” he said softly, never slowing the pace. Glancing over at him, smiling, “Yes, it is” she said, equally as soft, only a decibel over a whisper.

“How was the rest of your day?” he asked, making conversation. She sighed softly. “It was alright.” She said. He laughed. “Well, that didn’t seem too convincing.” Dakota laughed with him. “I just don’t think I’m happy anymore” she said, suddenly wistful. Josh stopped his laughter. “That might be a sign” he said. “Maybe it’s time to stop what you’re doing and re-route.”

Dakota smiled. He got it. Even before she did, he got it. The walk back to Justin’s finished in the exact way it started. Complete silence.

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