Summer Falls in Love

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

  “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Natalia, Jake’s stepmom’s, angelic voice echoed throughout the whole backyard of the Dawson Mansion. Everyone quieted down and turned their heads to Robert Dawson’s gorgeous supermodel 3rd wife, who wore a white spaghetti-strapped maxi dress that she paired perfectly with an up do.  “Welcome, officially, to the annual Dawson Christmas Ball!” Claps and whistles emerged from the crowd of varieties of ages.

  “As you all know, every Dawson Christmas Ball, we have the yearly tradition of the Christmas Dance,” Natalia smiled broadly, her pearly white teeth glinting. Robert sipped his champagne. That was his wife, everyone; that dazzling, breath-taking, glowing lady there, yeah? That’s my wife. “So everyone, pick your partners and let the romantic evening dance commence!”

Jake automatically turned his head to Summer, vice versa. They grinned and Summer placed her hand in Jake’s as he led them to the open space on the patio where some couples have already gathered. Danielle paired with her brother, Cam and Zach took Havana’s hand. Summer couldn’t help but wink at Zach, which he was completely thrown off guard by. She knew? Was he really that obvious about his feelings?

Soon, classical jazz music emerged from the live band by the corner. It was a slow song. Jake slowly slipped his arms around Summer’s waist as she circled his neck with her hands. They gazed into each other’s eyes. And once again, that little voice sounded in Summer’s head. Is this really all fake? The way Jake looks at her…he could fool anyone…unless he was just that good of an actor…and Summer was just too naïve.

  “Jake,” Summer started, halfway when they were dancing. Truth be told, they’ve been dancing for two songs, but to Summer, it felt like a really short time. All she wanted to do was gaze into those lovely drowning blue eyes…wait what? Where was this coming from? And Summer decided it was then that she wanted to clear things up once and for all. Insecurity overcame her and the 30 seconds of courage ticked away.

  “Yeah?” He responded gently, not once breaking eye contact.

  “You know, all this…” She looked away and eyed their position, “All this…it doesn’t feel-” fake.

  “Excuse me,” a male voice interrupted from their right, much to Summer’s annoyance. So much for 30 seconds of courage, eh?

  “Yes?” Jake responded as they turned their heads to face a grinning Alex. He pursed his lips.

  “I am going to steal your girl for a dance, if you don’t mind, brother,” Alex said and Jake forced a smile with a slight laugh.

  “Sure,” He said like it didn’t matter…but it did, “I’ll come save her later.”

  Alex threw his head back in laughter, “I took dancing lessons, Jake! Don’t underestimate me!” But of course, the last sentence had a more deeper and dangerous meaning than it sounded. Alex hoped, for his brother’s sake, he’d get the hint. Jake left their presence and Alex looked back at Summer.

   “One dance,” Summer quickly said. And Alex smiled dazzlingly.

  “That’s what we agreed upon,” Alex said, shrugging as he slipped his arm around Summer’s waist. His arms didn’t feel as warm as Jake’s did, it didn’t give her those tingles up her spine. Involuntarily, Summer placed her arms around his neck, trying not to show her hesitance. Then he leaned into her ear, “Unless you want more.” Summer’s breath became ragged and Alex smirked as he retracted his head.

  “Don’t flatter yourself, half-Dawson,” she threw back and Alex raised an eyebrow at her, amused.

  “Half-Dawson?” He repeated, almost teasingly, “Robert Dawson is legally my father, Summer.”