Our Last Dance

29.

"You're a lifesaver," Stevie commented, taking the Advil and glass of water from him once they got to his room.

He smirked.

"I'm not used to staying out so late anymore. The loudness was getting to me, I was getting cold," she chuckled. "I get overwhelmed sometimes."

"Happens to the best of us," he whispered, pulling his blazer off in order to settle it on the chair. "So, I hope... I hope we're not just gonna dismiss what happened earlier."

She blushed a little and put her head down, chewing on her lower lip.

"I hope it's not a one-sided thing either..." he added, making his way behind her in order to settle his hands on her shoulders.

"It's not," she shook her head without making any eye contact. "I just don't really know what to say..."

"You don't need to say anything, I just need to know if you feel the same way. It's gonna put a damper on this whole friendship we've created if it's not the same on both ends."

"Yes, I do feel the same way... I just get nervous admitting it," she assured. "I'm scared," she shrugged.

"There's nothing to be scared of..." he wrapped his arms around her. "I don't want you to be scared... What are you afraid of?"

"It's just been a long time for me," she whispered, bringing her hands to his---enjoying the warmth his embrace provided her. "I've never not been with my husband and after he was gone, I was by myself. You know this... Five years is a long time."

"You're right, five years is a long time, but it's been long enough," he kissed the side of her face gently. "You're allowed to move on."

"Not to mention, I don't want to start something and have it end..." she added.

"It won't be that way, I promise..." he then loosened his grip on her to take a step back.

It seemed all she needed was his words of confirmation and with ease, she turned slowly in order to face him and she took his hand.

He smiled at her softly and he took a step closer.

She brought her arm to around his neck and she inched in, kissing him ever so lovingly. But after a moment, she pulled away and she sighed gently. "How can you promise something like that?" she wondered.

"Why would I make a promise I couldn't keep?" he then questioned.

"What if this doesn't work out or something? I mean, you've got more of a track record with dating than I do..."

"Yeah, but it's been a long time since I've shared a spark with anybody... Ask Shelly..." he shrugged. "I'm not trying to play anymore, the party's over... This is the last dance for me..."

"And you want it to be with me?" she asked very brusque.

He nodded his head. "I thought I'd just end up alone because I haven't been very interested in dating for the last few years now, but then I met you... We became friends and I've had more fun with you in the last few months than anybody... There's been no pressure to become anything. Frankly, I think the more we've denied being more than friends, the more we've succumbed to it."

"I feel the same way..." she assured. "There's been many times I've just wanted to hug you and I feel like I can't because it would be awkward."

"We can go at our own pace, Stevie. We can do this any way we'd like, but I think we've accomplished a lot by simply admitting our feelings."

She smiled gently and she nodded.

"So, will you stay the night with me?" he wondered. "I'm not forcing you, by any means... If you really wanna go home, you can..."