TTSP Novel Sneak Peak

         A curl fell over my eye as I stood directly in front of him,  

dropping my bag. “I missed you."

This time he gaped at my lips as though they were edible and made for him alone. "Me?" 

Being with the crew today was like having vegetables before dessert, and somehow hanging out with them was preparing me for something far more delicious . . . like Chris was always the prize, lingering inside everything I did. “Even when you're somewhere else, it feels like we're together. Thanks for letting me meet Melissa, by the way,” I added. “She's really pretty.”

This amused him somewhat. “Hmm." Folding his arms slowly, he added, “She's my cousin.”

Out of surprise, I covered my mouth and asked, “Your cousin is here?” No one even mentioned their relation to each other. Somehow I must've missed this one small (important) detail. Now, as I searched his profile, I realized they both looked noticeably similar. “Wow. It must be cool having your cousin here. I thought family members weren't allowed." 

He nodded and replied plainly, “She's an exception. She turned a few years ago. It rarely happens, but it's nice having a piece of my old life, something to remember my old city by.” At the mention of his old city, he stood a bit taller than usual, rounding his shoulders.

“Where's your old city?” I was interested to know where a person of his caliber emerged from.

“D.C.” His gaze was openly inquisitive, searching through mine. “Tonight, I never left the ceremony," he admitted solemnly. "I ended up watching you until it was over. I couldn't stop looking at your sweet face.” The back of his hand found its way on my belly, making it tremble from the sudden collision of his touch. “I have something for you,” he uttered.

“You could've come out the shadows and danced with me,” I finally said.

"I don't think so," he replied. Then he whispered underneath my hair, "You were my star tonight."