Intrinsical - Lani Woodland [113]
“Dallin doesn’t deserve that.” I guided the curling iron down a section of my hair. “Besides, Brent didn’t ask me to the dance. He seemed overjoyed that he gets to go with Sara.” I tried to swallow down the bitterness in my voice but it got caught in my throat by a lump of rejection. “I mean, sure, I risked my life to save him, you know. No big deal. So glad I saved him so he could date other girls.”
“Let’s not forget that you agreed to go with Dallin after Brent had protected you from the mist all those times.” Cherie coaxed a curl into place with her finger then made it stay with another pin. “And he was also willing to give up getting his own life back and freeing his brother to keep you from harm.”
“That was different . . .” I said defensively.
“Maybe not to him,” Cherie pointed out with a shrug.
My now-beating heart sunk like an anchor to my knees as I considered her words.
****
Dallin and I had danced four songs in a row when my feet protested and I begged him to sit a few out. He guided me toward the bleachers in the gym. Silver and black material was draped from the top of the room, forming a false ceiling, and then cascaded down, paneling the walls. White lights twinkled from the potted trees, large silver clocks adorned the walls and small clocks made up the centerpieces of the black-linened tables.
“Want something to drink?”
My gaze slide to the refreshment table, which seemed miles away on a path lined with hot coals. “That would require me to move,” I whined.
Dallin gave me a dangerous grin. “I’m more than willing to get it, but it will require payment.”
“Fine, I’ll answer all of your Calculus questions for you on Monday.”
“Just as I had hoped,” he said, his voice tinged with disappointment at my non-flirty answer. I liked Dallin, enough not to lead him on until I knew the ‘Brent door’ had been slammed shut and deadbolted. “I’ll be back.”
Dallin retreated down the stairs while my eyes found Brent and Sara dancing in the crowd. Judging by the mutual smiles, they appeared to be having a great time. I forced myself to look away, concentrating on the pale pink patterns on the delicate fabric of my dress, my fingers tracing the lines and twirls there. The song ended and a new one started. I continued to study my dress, pretending it was fascinating.
“Did your date dump you?” Brent asked.
My vertebrae cracked because my head popped up so fast. He towered above me, looking mouth-watering in his black suit.
“No, he went to get me something to drink.”
“Oh, I was afraid I was going to have to be a gentleman and offer you a pity dance.” Brent eased himself down beside me.
“Nope, you don’t have to be a gentleman,” I said lightly, wiping my suddenly sweaty palms on my dress.
Brent leaned in close, his minty breath tickling my cheek. “Good to know I don’t have to be a gentleman with you.”
“Ha, ha,” I said sarcastically, but not moving away from him, and pretending my pulse hadn’t sped off like a NASCAR driver. “Where’s your date?”
“She’s . . . in the bathroom, I think.” Brent swiveled his head toward the dance. “Having fun with Dallin?” Brent asked dryly.
“Yeah,” I said through gritted teeth. “How’s Sara?”
“Great.” Brent studied his nails and I could almost see the longing to chew on them flicker in his eyes. “So, I was wondering if you still wanted to get training to control your projecting.”
“Well, I only did it that once without meaning to . . . well, and the time Thomas spiked my drink.”
“I keep forgetting what a natural you are. You really don’t need my help.” Brent slumped, resting his elbows on the bench behind him.
“You have lots of other things you could teach me.” I said quickly. “Training would be good.”
“Yeah, it will be like old times,” Brent said, nodding his head, something akin to a smile playing on his lips.
“Hey, Brent,” Dallin said uneasily, noting how close we were sitting. I quickly put some space between us, and Brent shook his head in obvious amusement. My cheeks burned as I took the water Dallin offered me.
Brent gave me an ironic look, his eyebrows arching slightly. “I