Entangled ✔️

chapter 22

The one with Dance

He led Ahana out to the dance floor as “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles started playing. He grasped Ahana in his arms a little too tightly, whispering in her ear, “Just remember how we practiced.”

“Adam, you’re laying it on a little thick,” Ahana replied.

“I thought I was just being attentive.”

“You are. Thanks for coming tonight.”

“You look beautiful, Ahana.” She looked away from him as she often did when he complimented her.

“Do you like the dress?” She asked the question with apprehension.

Adam stared at it, realizing what it was that made Ahana look even more tantalizing tonight, a feat he didn’t think was possible. The dress she wore was low cut in front. She never wore anything that revealed her chest due to the scar. It had an asymmetrical strap that perfectly covered the scar. How odd it would be in just the right place.

“I like it very much, and I’m going to love taking it off you later.”

“Your sister helped me pick it out,” she said.

Adam felt her tense in his arms and knew it was the dancing. He rubbed her back until her muscles loosened.

“When you went shopping on Saturday?” Adam had seen most of her purchases when she was putting her clothes away, and he would have definitely noticed this dress.

“No, I called her the other day. She actually had her seamstress readjust the strap for me,” Ahana replied. Adam was pleased Rachael and Ahana had bonded. He would never have considered introducing any other girl he was seeing to his sister for that reason.

But Shana wasn’t another girl, and they weren’t dating…not technically.

“You would look gorgeous even if the strap didn’t exist.”

“I couldn’t do that. People stare and ask questions. It’s uncomfortable.” He couldn’t imagine how Ahana had to struggle with so many choices around that scar. He wanted to ask her what had caused it, but it was apparent she wasn’t ready to talk about it.

“Did Rachael tell you what her husband does for a living?”

Ahana stared down, but Adam moved his hand from her waist to tilt her chin so she was looking at him. “Yes, she told me he’s a plastic surgeon, and he could make it disappear. I’m thinking about it.”

“I only brought it up because it affects you so much. I think you look amazing just the way you are.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” He could hear the doubt in her voice. She didn’t believe him, but it wouldn’t do any good to say more. It would just make her uncomfortable.

“What were you and Mr. Stone talking about? He seemed kind of touchy-feely with you.”

“I was wondering about that. I’ve worked with him for years, and I didn’t think he knew my name. I think he was flirting with me. He asked me to lunch next week.”

Adam struggled to make his voice clear, knowing his hands were shaking slightly. “Are you going to lunch with him?”

She shrugged. Adam had an urge to take her by those shoulders and shake her. “I don’t know. He seems nice, and maybe I should broaden my horizons.” Adam’s body tensed as soon as she said it. She must have felt it too because she backed away and looked at his face.

“Why do you have to broaden?” Adam didn’t even know if she meant dating or more, but either way he disapproved.

“It can’t hurt to get more…perspective.”