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“Your left?” I almost bump into the guy behind me.

“Our left.” She steers my shoulders until I face the right way.

I attempt a turn too late. She ducks under my arm and lands against my chest, laughing, and I catch her waist, finally competent at something.

“Excellent.” I keep her close as couples pass. “This part should continue.”

“We’re obstructing traffic.” She looks up, eyes bright.

“They can take another route.” I move us aside.

By the end, I have occupied three incorrect places, apologized twice, and completed one turn that makes her smile as though I have accomplished something substantial. I decide the threat to my dignity was worth it.

Mae passes, stops, and looks satisfied. “You danced.” She studies me. “I assumed the reports were exaggerated.”

“Tell them they were.” I rest my arm around Anissa’s waist.

“I’ll say enthusiastic.” Mae escapes before I object.

Anissa leans against me. “You were a little enthusiastic.”

When the band starts a slow song, my courage soars. “This one I can manage.” I draw her close.

“Good.” Her fingers settle at my shoulder. “Less supervision.”

We take a few careful steps before she relaxes. Her fingers brush the skin under my collar, and I catch my breath. She notices and moves closer. I want to take her home, but I also want the music to last so I can keep holding her in front of everyone, so they know she belongs to me.

She rests her cheek against my chest. The trust matters more than anything she could deliberately do to tempt me. For a few minutes, I stop trying to earn another chance and let myself be happy.

“What happens after tomorrow?” She lifts her head. “Without a festival schedule?”

“I ask to see you again.” I stroke her waist. “You tell me what you want. If you’re here, we'll make room for you. If work takes you somewhere else, we talk together.”

“You’d try?”

“I’d come to you.” I hold her gaze.

Her forehead touches my cheek. “I needed to know you wouldn’t decide I wasn’t worth the trouble.” She grips my shoulder.

I stop dancing and cup her face. “You’re worth trying for.” I caress her cheek. “You always were.”

She kisses me in the middle of the floor. Happiness nearly brings me to my knees. When somebody nearby applauds the band, she laughs against my mouth.

“I meant to avoid a spectacle.” She stays close.

“I made one two songs ago.” I kiss her forehead.

She looks at me long enough for me to feel her decision before her hand closes around mine. “Take me home with you.” Her eyes stay on mine. “I want to be with you tonight.”

thirteen

Anissa

Silas parks beside the cabin, and I sit looking at the lit porch. Last time, I left believing I had imagined his feelings. Tonight, I know how wrong I was. “I’m thinking about the last visit.”

“I know.” He kisses my knuckles. “I can’t change it. But I can make sure you know how much I want you here now. You can stay without anything happening.” He turns toward me. “I want you here either way.”

“I want you, Silas.” I hold his gaze. “Nervous isn’t unsure.”