Illusion

Chapter 27

Avery's POV

I make my way back into the thick crowd, weaving through people until I reach Ivy, calling her name over the volume.

Her blonde head turns in my direction, a large smile pulling at her lips. 'Hey! There you are! Ashton was asking where you were. Did someone knock into you or something?' A brief look of concern washes over her features.

'Oh, yeah, erm, I'm fine. It was just an accident.'

'That's lucky. Otherwise I might've had to go teach that drunk a lesson.' Ashton's strong Australian accent rings behind me and I quickly turn my head to see him towering over me.

I swallow harshly, my eyes widening slightly at his words.

A cheeky smile overcomes his lips, making his dimples pop and his eyes crinkle at the sides. 'I'm just kidding.'

A breathy laugh leaves my parted mouth, my mind not sure if he was really joking.

Ivy's bright dress sashays past me and I'm quick to grab her arm. 'Where are you going?'

'Luke and I are going to dance outside. Wanna come?' Her head inclines towards the tall blonde to her left, his strong jaw clenched tightly, a light smirk gracing his lips.

I really don't want to dance right now, but I need to stick with Ivy. Maybe I'll feel better outside anyway, the fresh air definitely helped before, the gentle scent of mint calming my senses.

I give a polite nod of my head, following her out through the crowd, making sure I didn't take my eyes off her yellow dress. I feel Ashton's presence behind me, his hand hovering extremely closely to the small of my back, sending a shiver down my spine from the delicate contact.

The night opens up to us as we step through the door, the air blowing gently around me. I wasn't fully able to take in the scenery before, but looking around I see just how beautiful the area is.

A large wooden deck is wrapped around the house, tall wooden poles standing up along the railing. Fairy lights are woven overhead, illuminating the patio, whilst creating the illusion of stars. My breath is knocked from my chest as I take it in, the garden glowing from small lights littering the ground, causing the plants to turn otherworldly and mysterious.

Music is filtering through the open doors, flooding the night air with melodic sounds. I watch as Luke takes Ivy's hand, intertwining their fingers as he walks backwards, pulling her with him. Other couples are dancing around them, making the atmosphere seem intimate and quiet.

'So, would you like to dance?'

I turn to face Ashton, his eye's alight with suggestion, his hand extended out to me in offering. I don't really have a choice, since I'd rather not sit by myself for the rest of the night watching everyone else enjoy themselves. I curl my lips into a smile, placing my hand in his.

He slowly leads me further onto the deck, couples swaying around us. He gently places his hand on the small of my back, bringing our clasped hands up to the side. I gingerly rest my hand on his bicep, feeling the strong muscle tense underneath the silky shirt fabric.

He begins to move us to the beat, swaying leisurely around, his body guiding my movements.

'Is he your boyfriend?'

'What?' My eyes blink out of their daze, focusing on what he asked.

'That man you were with. Are you together?'

'Oh, erm, n-no.' I stutter over my words, not expecting his blunt question.

Ashton hums lowly in approval, his hand moving to my hip as he does so. He gently spins us around, our feet gliding over the polished wood to the music.