Estelle

13 | Awefully Close to that Window

Adonis and I haven't spoken much since that conversation in the rain. I feel like I'm missing something that I need. Like I'm drowning.

The only words we have spoken had to do with business. I feel a deep longing to make him laugh or look at me the way he did when I opened those blinds over a week ago.

I am broken out of my thoughts as people begin to fill the room. The party is starting right now and many people involved in the business are arriving. Everyone is in suits or long elegant dresses.

"Benarrivata." I am standing at the door greeting everyone as they enter.

Ms. Garcia rented the building for the night and I can't imagine how much it must have cost. The ceiling is high and there are three massive chandeliers hanging from it. White pillars line the room and a shiny marble floor reflects the lights in the room. To make the room seem even more massive, very very large windows line the walls.

As the room fills up, I spot Blue and Alec across the room. Blue is wearing a beautiful navy blue dress that hugs her curves and fans out just above her thighs.

The dancing and conversations begin and I stand by the entry waiting for anyone else to enter. I feel a presence next to me and hear a deep voice that sends a shiver down my spine.

"You look beautiful." His voice is husky and deep, making my heart clench. I turn to see Adonis. His face is emotionless and observant like how he is anytime he is in a business environment. A hard life must have hardened him when it comes to strangers.

"Thank you." I smile and look down at my gown.

"Did Blue pick it out for you?"

"No, Ms. Garcia actually did." I'm wearing a Charmeuse dress that is a light shade of gray and bunches on one hip. A small slit in the leg lets the lower part of my leg show when I walk. My blonde hair is in gentle waves over my shoulders and back.

"It suits you." I feel Adonis's hand touch mine and he pulls me in the direction of the dance floor.

"Shouldn't I be greeting people?"

He continues to pull me into the clearing of people where he places a hand on my hip and continues to hold my other hand. He leans down and whispers into my ear. "I want you with me instead."

I just nod and let him lead me to the song. At first I avert my gaze in embarrassment of the people standing around. As more people join the dance, I begin to relax and I let my eyes wander to his.

He looks down to me in cue and I take in his stoic expression. His features are harsh and he looks a little older when he is so serious.

"Remember when I told you to smile more?"

"Hmm?" His eyes soften the moment a small smile forms on my lips. His eyes run over my face and hair as a deep longing takes over his eyes.

"I told you that because frowning will give you wrinkles before you finish your 30s."

He lets out a breath that ends in a small chuckle. "I remember."

"So try to smile more."

His eyes focus on my face and I see a smile play on his lips. The ghost of that smile is all I need to get my heart racing. I feel something form in my chest, a flower that has yet to bloom.

His eyebrows scrunch together slightly as he thinks about something.

"Whatever you are thinking about must be pretty important. You are doing exactly what I told you not to." I chuckle and his smile returns, stronger this time. I can't help the large smile on my face as his lips curve upward. As I smile up at him, I see a change in his eyes. The spark of a soft emotion making me feel something I have never felt before.