Between The Lines

Chapter 111: Speechless

Lane's POV (1st Person):

Photo^^ They look so Cute!!

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, tugging at the cuffs of my suit jacket for what felt like the hundredth time. I'd chosen a suit weeks ago, back when I first heard about the masquerade ball. I had picked it out with Rebecca in mind, wanting to make an impression. The deep navy fabric was perfectly tailored, hugging my shoulders and chest before tapering down to a sleek finish. The crisp white shirt underneath and the dark tie added a touch of formality, but it was the mask that really completed the look. It was a simple black design with silver detailing, studded just enough to add some mystery without being over the top.

I ran a hand through my hair, which I'd styled with more effort than usual, trying to strike the perfect balance between polished and relaxed. I felt ridiculous for being so nervous. This was just a ball—a charity event I'd attended countless times. But this time, it was different. This time, I was picking up Rebecca, and the thought had my stomach in knots.

When I finally arrived at her house, I took a deep breath before stepping out of the car. As I walked to her door, I could feel the tension in my shoulders. I wasn't usually the nervous type, but tonight, the stakes felt higher. I was about to spend the evening with Rebecca, in close proximity, and I couldn't help but think back to our dance practices. We hadn't been that close in a long time, and every time I thought about it, my heart did a little flip.

I adjusted my blazer for the fifth time in the last five minutes, trying to act casual. My nerves were betraying me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was about to make a complete fool of myself. I took a deep breath, straightened my tie, and then, with what I hoped was an air of calm confidence, knocked on the door.

When the door finally opened, I wasn't expecting to be completely knocked off my feet. But there she was, standing in front of me, and every thought I had prepared flew out of my head. I wasn't expecting her to look like that.

"Wow..." was all I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

She was stunning. The dress she wore was the perfect blend of elegant and understated, the kind of dress that didn't need to scream for attention because it knew it would get it anyway. It was a soft, shimmering fabric, dark blue, that hugged her figure just right and flowed down to the floor in a way that was both modest and completely mesmerizing. The neckline was just enough to be classy with a hint of something more, and the way it bared her shoulders made me realize I was staring.

I cleared my throat, trying to gather my thoughts. But it was impossible not to notice every little detail—how her hair was styled in soft waves, a few strands falling loose to frame her face, how the light makeup she wore only enhanced her natural beauty, and how her eyes seemed to sparkle even more under the porch light. My gaze traveled lower, to where the dress cinched at her waist, highlighting her curves in a way that was driving me crazy, and then down to where it fell gracefully around her legs, just brushing the ground.

Every part of her was perfect, and I was in danger of losing whatever control I had left.

She shifted nervously, and the soft rustle of the dress snapped me back to reality. That's when it hit me—I'd been staring. A little too long.

Her eyes flicked up to meet mine, but then quickly darted away, her fingers playing with the hem of her dress like she wasn't sure she should be wearing it. Like she wasn't good enough.

How could she think that?

I cleared my throat, trying to push past the lump in it. "You, uh, you look... amazing, Rebecca." I meant it to sound smooth, but it came out almost like a croak.