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  “Ready?” I had never seen Hannah look so lost and frail before.

  “To dance?”

  “Oh yes! Let’s get out of here.” In an instant her stressed features turned to grateful relief.

  And my heart soared!

  Chapter 22

  Something tells me you're sweet.

  Can I have a sample?

  Watching Chase glide Hannah across the ballroom floor nearly caused my heart to burst! It’s true! He hated to dance, more than I hated Elton. And that was saying something since I really hated Elton right then.

  I could tell they were causing quite a stir. I had just caught Mrs. Anderson’s face as Carson and I whirled past. To say she was shocked to see Chase out on the dance floor was an understatement—she looked like she was going to cry.

  Dang it! Don’t get all teary eyed or I will.

  Another turn and I saw Hannah. She was absolutely wreathed in smiles. I had never seen her so darn giddy before. It’s wonderful! Chase is the most amazing, most awesome, most nicest, sweetest, kindest, bestest person ever! I couldn’t repay him for his kindness if I tried every day for a hundred years.

  “Well, I’m glad to see you’re happy,” Carson commented. “I was afraid there for a sec that you were going to take that girl out.”

  “Really?” I chuckled. Even Carson’s reminder of Ashley’s stupidity couldn’t dampen my spirits. Everything was perfect in the world right then.

  “That was really nice of Chase.” Carson decided to talk about the guy I was craning my neck to see.

  I realized then that I wasn’t being the perfect partner. “I’m sorry,” I ruefully apologized, before looking up and catching Chase twirl Hannah out in front of him. Aww. He’s making this so perfect for her.

  Carson smirked at my expression. He must’ve given up trying to keep my attention again, because after that he remained silent for the rest of the song.

  As soon as it was over I quickly thanked him and then made a beeline straight for Chase, I couldn’t wait to tell him how grateful I was. Taylor intercepted me.

  “Hey, Emma, you ready for our dance?”

  Oh! “Uh, would you do me a favor and dance with Hannah? I need to talk to Chase for a minute.”

  “Oh, okay. Sure. Where’s she?”

  “Over here,” I called out behind me. “Chase, Hannah, wait up.” They both stopped in the middle of the dance floor and waited for me. My Bradford smile beamed brighter than it had ever beamed. I know, because I had never felt this good before. Taylor was right behind me; he spoke before I could make my tongue work.

  “Hannah, would you mind dancing this next dance with me? I’ll dance with Emma later.”

  “Oh, really? Wow! That’d be awesome!”

  Her shock reminded me that she hadn’t known these guys all her life like I had. She’d been awarded an opportunity that most girls in Farmington would’ve gladly given their right arms for—a chance to dance with both Anderson brothers. And actually, I can honestly say, no one in history has been able to claim that fact, since Chase had never asked anyone to dance before. I shook my head—grinning like a complete idiot—as I watched her follow Taylor a little ways away.

  The next song was beginning. It was another slow song.

  When I turned to look up at Chase, to thank him, his expression left me a little breathless again. “Uh, I-I wanted to tell you thank you for-for what you did for Hannah.”

  “Aww, no worries. I survived.” He shrugged and looked away as if it was no big deal, but I knew better.

  “No really.” I leaned over and clasped his hand in mine. “Thank you, Chase. I know how hard that was for you, so thank you.”

  His eyes seared into mine a moment before he dropped them and looked at our hands. Ever so slowly I felt his palm twist and his fingers lace in between mine.

  I let out a faint gasp as my heart stopped. Tiny little tingles worked their way up to my elbow and then to the top of my shoulder.

  “Em?”

  “Yeah?” My voice cracked.

  “We’re in the middle of the dance floor.”

  Shocked, I looked about. There were couples dancing all around us. “Oh.”

  “W-would…” he licked his lips and nervously glanced over at Taylor.

  I could tell he’d rather be anywhere than where we were. “Come on.” I tugged on his hand. “Let’s get you off this floor.” He didn’t budge. “Chase?”

  Our eyes locked. Slowly he pulled me toward him until I was standing just inches away from his broad chest. And then cautiously—his eyes never leaving mine—I felt his other hand reach over and trail unhurriedly down my arm and cradle my fingers. His gaze glittered a moment, testing my reaction, before he brought my hand up and set it lightly on his shoulder.

  My eyes widened, but I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t.

  By the time he had raised my other hand entwined with his, I felt a strong tug pull me closer into him and I realized his arm had moved to wrap around my waist.

  I didn’t think. I just reacted solely to the feel of Chase’s arm around me. My eyes lowered from his as I stepped into the strength and sanctuary of his chest. Before I knew what had even happened, my head was resting quite comfortably on his shoulder.

  I felt Chase expel a large breath of air as I snuggled closer into him.

  And then we were moving. Carefully, preciously—as if I were made of spun glass—his steps carried me away. I allowed my eyes to close and the sensation of Chase’s breathing and strength to encompass me as I magically flew on a light fluffy cloud made of moonbeams and sparkly wishes.

  This was where I wanted to be, always. Within my knight’s protective arms guiding me wherever he wanted to go. In that moment, I knew I trusted Chase. I knew I needed Chase. I knew I—Oh my gosh! Do I love Chase Anderson? Is that what has been stopping me from falling for anyone else? Was he the reason why my heart wasn’t free to love, because he had captured it years ago? Just as quickly as the questions had come so had the answer. It was! Holy cow.

  I stumbled.

  Instinctively, Chase pulled me closer and whispered, “I’m sorry.” --As if it was his fault.

  There was so much I wanted to say to him. So many things I needed to think about first. But one thing was for certain, it all made perfect sense. I loved Chase!

  “Em? Are you okay?” Chase’s baritone echoed through his chest and around my head.

  He must’ve sensed a difference in me. “Yes.” I smiled into his tuxedo jacket. “Everything’s wonderful.” There couldn’t be anything more perfect than this moment.

  Chase stopped. “Emma?” He pulled a little away from me.

  Reluctantly I raised my head, but didn’t pull back. Thank goodness we were in a darkened spot and not the center of the floor. I didn’t want to leave his arms. Instead I tugged on the fingers Chase held. When he released them I glided them up his shoulder to the back of his neck. My other hand was quick to join and my fingers locked in place behind him. Even in my heels, my forehead only came to his lips. But I wanted more than that. With a small push it was easy to maneuver his head down to mine.

  “Em wait—!”

  But I didn’t wait. I wanted to know what it felt like to kiss the guy I loved. My lips captured his.

  It feels good!

  Millions of miniature fireworks exploded around my ears and behind my closed eyelids. It was all I could do to hold on and not to collapse in a puddle at his feet.

  It only took another second before Chase kissed me back. And good thing too! For just as I was about to melt and slip away, I felt his arms wrap around my waist and brace me up.

  I was lost. I wanted more.

  And then it hit me. This was Chase. Chase! As in, the way older guy who lived next door. The really, really successful guy who had been all over Europe. Who had a life. –A life that probably didn’t revolve around me as much as I thought. What in the world would he think about some silly high school senior kissing him in the middle of her mother�
�s dance? Ack! What was I thinking? No wonder why he wanted me to wait!

  Mortified, and a little awkwardly, I pulled away.

  Chase breathed in a large gulp of air before lowering his brow to mine. His arms moved up from my waist to support my neck and head from the weight of his.

  Here it comes. He’s gonna tell me all about how nice that was, but he wasn’t interested. And he’ll only say nice because he doesn’t want to hurt my feelings. I braced myself and waited. Except he didn’t say anything. He just breathed. He was breathing almost as hard as I was. It was—

  “Ethan’s a fool!” he murmured.

  What? And then his mouth devoured mine. Just like that. My heart soared. He didn’t tell me anything—he’s kissing me! Oh my gosh! Chase Anderson is kissing me!

  Chapter 23

  You look cold. Want me to hold you close?

  “Ahem. Chase, your mother wants you.”

  We jerked apart to find Lionel Anderson staring right at us. My face flamed. Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I wished the floor would swallow me up.

  “Are you sure, Dad?” He looked back down at me and then over to his father to imply that now was not the time to interrupt him.

  Just shoot me. Seriously.

  “Son, as happy and as pleased as we are to see you out dancing on the floor, it would probably be a good thing if you didn’t let your Sinatra feet go to your head. In other words, making out with Miss Bradford in a darkened corner of the ballroom could be a slap in the face to our very gracious hostess. –Who I might add is your mother’s best friend.”

  “Are you kidding me?” hissed Chase. “You’ve gotta bring this up now, in front of Emma?” He wrapped his arm protectively around me, but the damage was done. All I wanted to do was get away.

  “Thanks for the dance, Chase, you’re really good. Excuse me, Mr. Anderson.” My Bradford smile beamed a little too brightly as I shrugged off Chase’s arm and made my escape. I was across the room and almost out the wide double doors before I was aware of anyone.

  “Emma! Wait up!”

  It was Hannah. “Yeah?”

  “Hey! Did you see me and Taylor dancing? He’s really good!”

  “Really? Uh, no, I didn’t see you guys.”

  “Oh, that’s okay, I didn’t see you either.”

  “Really? You couldn’t see me and Chase? That’s a relief!”

  She looked at me funny for a moment, but we were both interrupted by Ethan, “Hey, girls! I want you two to save me a dance, okay?”

  “Sure!” Hannah was certainly in her element today.

  “You game?” Ethan asked me.

  “Yeah, sure. When?”

  “Next slow song.”

  “Okay.” Whatever.

  “Hey, you don’t look that great,” Ethan observed. “Can I get you something?”

  Air. I needed air. Nice cold Farmington winter air. “Nothing. I’m fine.” I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and looked away. My eyes connected with my mom’s. With one look I knew she had definitely witnessed that kiss. Could this night get any worse? She’s so never going to let me live it down. Making out with a guy at her ball in front of her friends, talk about nag fest.

  “Are you sure you don’t need anything?” asked a worried Hannah.

  Ugh! “I’m fine, really!” I just want to be left alone!

  Right then Claire decided to join us. “What? Emma are you all right? Cass and I were walking by and we heard—are you sure you’re okay? I think Hannah is right. I think you need something. Don’t you think she needs something, Ethan? You look awful, Emma. Just awful.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “Hey, why’s the party over here?” asked Taylor.

  I glanced up and saw Chloe, Madison and Carson with him. Everyone was unconsciously blocking the stupid door. For crying out loud. Can this get any worse?

  Of course Claire would be the first one to speak.

  “It’s not a party. We’re worried about Emma. She looks like she’s sick or something—or maybe you’ve been dancing too much. Is that it? Have you been dancing too much? I did see you over in the corner with Chase—Oh! You two looked like you were—did his dad say something to you? My dad sure would’ve, especially if I was acting like that—I mean is that even appropriate behavior? Who knows what—”

  I lost it. “Just shut up Claire! Seriously. We are all sick to death of hearing you talk anyway. I mean, is it possible for you to be quiet for ten minutes? Is it? Because as far as I can tell you’re always saying something. And it’s always something that shouldn’t be said! So just keep your thoughts to yourself for once, and shut it! Okay?” With that I pushed through the silent crowd and out the door. But I didn’t get far. Of course not. This is my luck we’re talking about here. In fact I had made it just to the outer door of the lobby before I heard Chase’s voice behind me,

  “Emma!”

  Shocked, I pushed the door opened and spun around. Chase was jogging toward me. He wasn’t happy. With a maneuver just short of a shove he propelled me through the door into the frigid night air. And then whirled on me.

  “What was that about?!”

  “What?”

  “That-that outburst to Claire!”

  He was there? I had never seen him look so mad before. Well, you know what? I’m mad too! “Oh, come on!” I snorted. “As if you haven’t wished a hundred times to say the exact same thing to her! Don’t give me that look! She’s annoying—she needed to be told. Honestly, I’ve done you a favor. You can thank me sometime later, I’m outta here.” I turned to flounce away, but Chase grabbed my elbow and jerked me back.

  “Yes, you’re out of here. I don’t know what has come over you, but believe me; whatever I felt earlier is gone. You are just like what I always thought you were; a spoiled selfish brat, who couldn’t care less about anyone other than herself.”

  “What? As if! You know what—?”

  “What do I know, Emma? Huh? What do I really know of you? Just that you’re more worried about what people are saying and what they’re thinking and what they’re doing—so much so, that you don’t even know yourself!”

  Of all the—“Just drop it Chase. I’ve heard enough!” I tried to yank my arm away, but he held fast.

  “Do you have any idea why I’m mad? Why I would dare to contradict the great Emmalee Bradford?”

  I glared at him and tried to break free again.

  “No?” He dragged me until we were just inches apart—until I could feel the warmth of his body shooting out to me. With cool crisp words he explained, “You know, had she been Elton’s girlfriend, or any of your cheerleader friends, or someone who was your age—then fine—throw a fit. It would make you look stupid—but hey, if you want to be stupid then that’s your prerogative. But, when it involves younger girls—people like Claire—then yeah, you’re gonna see me get involved.”

  He closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. “Emma, Claire Hart is fifteen years old. She worships you. She thinks you’re the most amazing girl on the planet. Everyone knows it too. Everyone. It’s all she talks about. Just ask them. ‘Emma is so pretty. Emma is so cool. Emma is so nice.’ Yes, Emma, she loves you. You! And what do you do? The first time she is finally invited to come to your mother’s ball—the first time she’s allowed to dress up and feel as pretty as you—you humiliate her in front of everyone—Everyone. You’ve completely shattered and ruined that girl in one stupid weak moment. And the worst thing is you won’t even remember what you’ve said in ten minutes from now.”

  Chase raked his free hand through his hair. “Look. I’m sorry, okay?” He loosened his grip from my arm, but his eyes continued to pierce mine. “I-I know this is probably going to make you hate me forever. And if that’s the case, then fine. It needs to be said. I just—I can’t believe you did it. Why would you do something like that? Why, Emma?”

  His anger I could take. How many times have I matched him in verbal battles? How many times have I held my own? But his disappointment,
his hurt—I couldn’t take. Breathless and unmovable, I watched his eyes accuse me of every horrible deed I deserved. He was right. I was selfish and cruel and honestly no better than Ashley Templeton was.

  With a weary sigh, Chase lowered his eyes to the frost covered pavement. “Em, I can see now—I just want you to be someone you’re not.” His pain-filled eyes met mine briefly. “I wish you were someone I could really love. I needed that—needed her—but that girl isn’t here. I’m sorry.” With that, he turned slowly on his heel and made his way back up to the lobby door.

  In remorseful horror, my breath coming out in rapid white clouds, I watched him kick a small pebble off the mat and then enter into the building—the door swinging closed behind him. He never looked back.

  I don’t consider myself a very dramatic person. But such a night as this one definitely called for dramatics. With a scoop of my long gown I ran to my car. Thankfully I made it before the first tear fell. It was all I could do to get the door open and lunge into the driver’s seat. In the cold confines of the car, I realized my purse was still inside the building. There was no way to turn it on, or heat the thing up. I was going to freeze to death in my own car!

  That did it. The dam broke. Miserable tears sprung to my eyes and trailed down my cheeks. I had never felt more alone than I did right then. And all I had to blame was myself! My own stupid, horrible self!

  He hates me. The only guy I have ever loved hates me! How could life be so cruel? How could I have been so cruel?

  I don’t know how long I’d been in the car before I heard the knock on the glass next to me. I do know that the windows were embarrassingly steamed up and my head hurt from crying until I couldn’t cry anymore.

  It was a faint knock that grew louder with insistence.

  Reluctantly, I pulled myself out of my frozen cocoon and opened the door. Chase was there with my purse. One look at his face and I could tell he felt as wretched as I did.

  “Em, why didn’t you tell me your purse was in there? Do you know how sick I’ve been thinking of you out here in the cold? Have you been out here all along?”