Under The Surface [Editing]

Chapter Fifteen Dancing Time

My stomach was tight with butterflies as I twirled in the green dress in front of my mirror. Tonight was the dance and I was nervous, very nervous. I loved the way the skirt flowed and was not poufy. The fit  was perfect, accentuating my body and I couldn’t help but imagine what Nathan’s reaction would be. The pearls on my neck made the shiny look-alike beading on the waist of the dress stand out more now that I had it all pieced together.

Of course I was scared to even leave my room just yet. I checked my hair which was half up in loose curls hanging around my face playfully. I had done some light green makeup with white outlined glittery shadow and soft pink lip gloss on my lips. It was flawless at least to me. I took meticulous time trying to make it just right, something I don't always do.

I had my little purse with my cell and keys inside which I knew Lily and Debra would have to hold for me when it was time to dance. That image put a smile on my face.

“Dawn are you almost ready?” My dad called from the stairs. My smile vanished and I took a deep breath smoothing down the sides feeling my palms a little clammy. This is retarded, I shouldn’t be this nervous to go to a dance.

Lily and Debra would be here to pick Nathan and me up any minute. Even though my dad thought we were all going stag to the dance he still wanted to take photos. I heard Nathan’s door close and a few seconds later a knock on my door.

“Come on darling there is some dancing to be done.” He said in a challenging tone and laughed as he walked down the hall and I heard his footsteps on the stairs. I scowled; he sure could be vain sometimes. Again, I took a breath and grabbed my purse and left the room.

Nathan and my dad’s voices floated up the stairs as they talked and I headed down. Soon as I came into view they both stopped and looked up. I couldn’t help but smile as I descended. My dad had that fatherly proud smile on his face. As I turned to look at Nathan his reaction and appearance caught my breath.

His mouth was hanging open slightly and those brilliant blue eyes roamed over every inch of me and the dress desire and something else in full force on his face.

Nathan himself looked gorgeous. In his lack luster way, he had on a white dress shirt rolled a quarter of the way up his forearm and the top two or three buttons undone on the shirt. It hung loosely but tight enough to show his muscular frame. He had a tie on that was loosely around his neck in the collar of his shirt. It looked so sexy having that haphazard lazy style emphasized on him. The color was a light grayish green that matched my dress somehow, though, I knew he had not seen it. To finish he had on dark gray slacks. He looked the epitome of business casual sexiness.

“You two look great Dawn just beautiful.” My dad said grabbing my hand and twirling me around. The skirt flared up again, Nathan couldn’t take his eyes off me, and it was making my stomach lurch uncomfortably. It was just as hard to take my eyes off of him.

“Okay let me get some photos.” My dad picked up the camera he had ready as Nathan came up to me.

“Pose for the camera.” Nathan said with a smart aleck tone and one look up and down had me reeling with tingles. He turned and put his hands on my hips affectionately. My dad caught the gesture but ignored it figuring it was for the photos and snapped away.

“Great." My dad took a few of just me next. Nathan did a playful photo putting his arm around my shoulders and pulling me down as if he was dipping me during the waltz, looking at me laughing and my dad even chuckled. There was a hint of deep affection when Nathan looked in my eyes for a split second.

“That will be a good one.” He turned as he finished snapping going to set the camera in the kitchen and Nathan just held me there looking into my eyes.