In this life

Chapter 33

"How can you get in my mind?" I breathed, turned on by this revelation.
"Well I can control someone's mind easily, but to read your mind... That's different. There's a process you'd need to follow... I'm not sure you'd be up for it, so if not then I can just make you quiver the old fashioned, non vampire way" he raised an eyebrow.
"What's the process?" I was intrigued.
"I'll tell you later" he subconsciously brushed my hair behind my shoulder, running his thumb down my neck, his eyes following softly in the path of his fingers. He gave me goosebumps.
The DJ broke the moment by announcing into the microphone that for the last ten minutes all the happy couples should make their way to the dance floor and started playing slower love songs to wind the evening down.
Daniel looked up and smiled sweetly, "Well this is a long forgotten tradition"
"What is?" I asked.
"Ending the night with slow dances".
I smiled, "I think Johnny is a bit of a romantic at heart".
"Me too"
Rather than taking me to join the other couples on the dance floor, he took me in his arms and held me close, to dance together right where we were.
"Do you know the Waltz?" He asked kindly.
"A bit actually" I held my frame and adjusted my posture "I took a few lessons a while ago, although I'm not sure how much I remember..."
Daniel looked impressed and he led, as 'At Last' by Etta James played in the background. He moved like an expert, making sure to hold me securely as we gracefully stepped and twirled to the music. Our eyes focused only on each other.
I was lost in him, in our little bubble once again. We stepped together and he dipped me slightly before turning and stepping in time once again. His expression was so gentle and loving, yet he had a small, bittersweet smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. I wondered if he was remembering a time that we'd danced like this before, in my previous life, when he was still human and things were perfect and uncomplicated. I would have given anything in that moment for Daniel to be human again, to be able to grow old with me, marry me, start a family with me...
As the last few notes of the song played, we stood close together, motionless, just looking at one another. Sharing the same daydream of our impossible future together.
Johnny came over and gently put his hand on my shoulder to make me aware of his presence. I blinked myself back into reality and gave him my attention.
"I'm sorry to interrupt" he beamed at us, "might I steal Rosie for the next dance?" He asked Daniel.
"Of course" he said with a nod and stepped back from me to lean up at the bar. He picked up his drink and took a large mouthful as he watched Johnny lead me away.
Johnny held my hand and placed his other in the middle of my back as we started to dance, taking small steps around in a small circle.
"I'm sorry, but that was the most romantic thing I've ever seen in my life" he stated "...and I've just married my soul mate!"
I was surprised by his words. "So you interrupted us because..?" I teased with a smile.
"Yeah" he laughed through his nose "sorry. Look...-" he paused to gather his words "-...Just seeing you two together like that. I was unsure but... whatever Liam's problem is, I just want you to know that Daniel has my full blessing to be with you. As he does from Mum and Dad... and even Harry"
I smiled sweetly but looked away. I wasn't so sure that Johnny would feel the same if he knew the truth. I looked to Daniel who was watching me. He almost looked sad.
"Rosie. The way he was looking at you... I'm sure he'd never let anything bad happen to you. He loves you. And from a big brothers perspective" he puffed out his chest "that's all I want for you"
"Thank you Johnny, but..." I wanted to tell him but didn't know how and didn't really think now was the right time.
"But what?"
I opened my mouth to speak and looked around to see who was in earshot. I noticed Ronnie and Harry on the far side of the dance floor. They were locked in a drunken snog.
"Oh my god!" I stopped dancing and Johnny turned to see what I was looking at.
"What the...." He said as he saw them, "how the fuck did that happen?!"
We both looked at each other in shock and burst out laughing. My hand came up to my mouth and I repeated "oh my god" again as we both looked back over to them.
This was going to be an awkward conversation between Ronnie and I tomorrow!
They pulled apart from each other and Ronnie whispered something in Harry's ear. Harry nodded and they left the marquee together.
"What about Claire?" I turned to Johnny. He shrugged and gave me an awkward expression.