Once he takes a couple of us smiling, I turn his face to mine for a kiss. We take a few more photos, then dive into the fray of the dance. It’s perfect and amazing.
“Thea! Oh my god, you look so pretty!” Nina, one of Connor’s friends from the popular crowd, gives me a big hug. Her friend Bailey holds up her phone and takes a photo of the two of us. “Bishop, take one of the three of us.”
These girls were never outright mean to me, but they never made an effort before I began dating Connor, either. I was invisible to them. We’ve reached a point where we briefly talk in the mornings when we all pull into the student lot.
Bailey hands off her phone and comes to pose on my other side.
“You both look amazing, too,” I say.
“Thanks,” Bailey says as she squeezes me between her and Nina.
They work it for the camera as Connor obediently captures us. I hesitate for a second, then laugh as we get into it.
“Just what the world likes, hot chicks rubbing up on each other,” Connor says.
“Connor!” My cheeks heat.
He laughs under his breath, handing the phone back to Bailey. “Just calling it like I see it.”
The girls giggle and go through the pictures he took. More of his friends join us.
When I see some of mine, I peel away from his side to talk to them. I’m in the middle of talking to a girl from my culinary class when Connor materializes next to me, looking annoyed.
“What’s wrong?” I follow his gaze to Mr. Coleman, deep in conversation with a girl from our class.
Connor’s hand fits to my waist, guiding me further away. “Let’s go grab a table over here.”
His friends join us. For a while we watch the photo booth nearby, laughing at the funny ideas people come up with.
I’m having a great time, but Connor’s good mood chips away as the night goes on.
Not long after, all of his friends have left us alone at the table while they spread out, grabbing refreshments and dancing.
I hold Connor’s hand and play with his fingers while he zones out. “Want to make plans for winter break? We haven’t had all that much time together lately.”
It takes him a minute to register my question. He’s distracted, glaring across the room at Mr. Coleman while he hovers at the edge of the dance floor, smiling at the students having a good time.
“What?”
“I was just saying, maybe we could go to one of the holiday markets or something? Like a mini date adventure.”
“Uh, yeah. We’ll figure something out.” He gives me a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes before he settles back in his chair, watching Mr. Coleman while he chaperones.
I drop his hand and rise from my seat to get a drink.
“Where are you going?” Connor’s voice stops me before I make it two steps.
“The refreshments table. Do you want anything?”
He gets up and hovers at my back, more like a bodyguard than my date. “I’ll go with you.”
Getting tired of this putting a damper on our night, I spin to face him, tilting my head. He looks fine, but something is bothering him.
“Are you okay? Things started out great, but you’ve been weird since we got here.”
Connor blinks. He cups my face, his brows pinched. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? You can tell me if you’re not having a good time. I don’t want you to suffer for my sake.”
“Yeah, of course. I’m here with you, aren’t I?” He bends his head down, kissing me tenderly. “I’m sorry. Let’s go dance.”
Connor laces his fingers with mine and draws me onto the dance floor as a slow song starts up. The worry plaguing me eases when he smiles at me, a real one this time. Nearby, Blair and Devlin dance together. She looks amazing tonight in her sleek dark gray dress that sparkles when the light hits it, and Devlin looks very dapper beside her in his suit. The two of them are absorbed in each other with twin smiles full of fondness.
“You look beautiful tonight,” Connor murmurs, pulling my attention back to him. “Have I told you that yet?”
A slow smile pulls at my mouth. He slides his arms around my waist and rests his forehead against mine. We stay like that through two slow songs, swaying in a tight circle, floating in our own world.
“I’m happy,” I whisper, placing my cheek on his chest.
“Yeah? Me too, baby.” Connor kisses the top of my head and squeezes me in a tight hug. “All I want to do is make you happy.”
“I’m glad Wyatt gave me the wrong number. You’re who I’m supposed to be with.”
Connor gives me an intent look that pierces through me. The room goes still and my heartbeat speeds up at the way he stares at me.
“Thea, I—” He stops, then takes a breath. “Sunshine, you’re my world. I lo—”
Someone bumps into us as the music changes into a faster song, knocking my balance off kilter. Connor catches me.
“Hey! Watch it!” He turns to me. “You okay?”
“Yeah.”
The moment we were having is broken. Whatever he was about to say, he lets it go.
Smirking, he says. “You ready?”
“For what?”
“This.”
He gets me breathless and laughing as he twirls me around. After a few songs, we’re gasping, leaning on each other as we grin bright enough to light the entire room.
“Thirsty?” Connor asks. When I nod, he says, “Be right back.”
While he’s getting us drinks, I spot Mr. Coleman nearby and head for him.
“Thea. You look lovely tonight.” Mr. Coleman’s hand lifts for a second, then drops. He curls his fingers into his palm. “Very beautiful.”
Blushing, I laugh off his compliment. “I just came over to thank you for pushing me to do the planning committee for the dance. It was fun to work on.” I gesture around at all the committee accomplished. “I think the dance turned out really nice.”
Mr. Coleman gives me a warm smile. “You’re perfect.” Clearing his throat, he nods to the dance floor. “Really, I’m so impressed. I knew you’d be perf—”
“Here’s your drink, babe.” Connor interrupts Mr. Coleman’s praise, inserting himself between us and giving Mr. Coleman his back. His face is twisted with tension. “Let’s go over there.”
Mr. Coleman’s expression hardens. Connor ushers me away with a hand at my back, pushing a little harder when I don’t move fast enough for him.
“Connor, it’s rude to interrupt. And stop pushing me.” I step out of reach. “I was having a conversation and you just—”
“Thea, listen,” he snaps, then closes his eyes, smothering a frustrated sound. “Sorry. Listen, he’s bad news. You have to stay away from him. I turn my back on you for two seconds and you walk right into danger.”
“Danger?” I scoff, growing annoyed with his feud with our teacher. “Are you serious? Is this you being jealous again?”
“Don’t fight me on this.” Connor backs me against the wall, on the outskirts of the dance. His jaw is set in determination. His tone brooks no argument as he lays out his demands. “Stay the fuck away from him.”