I make it two steps.
“The refreshments table. Do you want anything?”
He gets up and hovers at my back, more like a bodyguard than my date. “I’ll go with you.”
Getting tired of this putting a damper on our night, I spin to face him, tilting my head. He looks fine, but something is bothering him.
“Are you okay? Things started out great, but you’ve been weird since we got here.”
Connor blinks. He cups my face, his brows pinched. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? You can tell me if you’re not having a good time. I don’t want you to suffer for my sake.”
“Yeah, of course. I’m here with you, aren’t I?” He bends his head down, kissing me tenderly. “I’m sorry. Let’s go dance.”
Connor laces his fingers with mine and draws me onto the dance floor as a slow song starts up. The worry plaguing me eases when he smiles at me, a real one this time. Nearby, Blair and Devlin dance together. She looks amazing tonight in her sleek dark gray dress that sparkles when the light hits it, and Devlin looks very dapper beside her in his suit. The two of them are absorbed in each other with twin smiles full of fondness.
“You look beautiful tonight,” Connor murmurs, pulling my attention back to him. “Have I told you that yet?”
A slow smile pulls at my mouth. He slides his arms around my waist and rests his forehead against mine. We stay like that through two slow songs, swaying in a tight circle, floating in our own world.
“I’m happy,” I whisper, placing my cheek on his chest.
“Yeah? Me too, baby.” Connor kisses the top of my head and squeezes me in a tight hug. “All I want to do is make you happy.”
“I’m glad Wyatt gave me the wrong number. You’re who I’m supposed to be with.”
Connor gives me an intent look that pierces through me. The room goes still and my heartbeat speeds up at the way he stares at me.
“Thea, I—” He stops, then takes a breath. “Sunshine, you’re my world. I lo—”
Someone bumps into us as the music changes into a faster song, knocking my balance off kilter. Connor catches me.
“Hey! Watch it!” He turns to me. “You okay?”
“Yeah.”
The moment we were having is broken. Whatever he was about to say, he lets it go.
Smirking, he says. “You ready?”
“For what?”
“This.”
He gets me breathless and laughing as he twirls me around. After a few songs, we’re gasping, leaning on each other as we grin bright enough to light the entire room.
“Thirsty?” Connor asks. When I nod, he says, “Be right back.”
While he’s getting us drinks, I spot Mr. Coleman nearby and head for him.
“Thea. You look lovely tonight.” Mr. Coleman’s hand lifts for a second, then drops. He curls his fingers into his palm. “Very beautiful.”
Blushing, I laugh off his compliment. “I just came over to thank you for pushing me to do the planning committee for the dance. It was fun to work on.” I gesture around at all the committee accomplished. “I think the dance turned out really nice.”
Mr. Coleman gives me a warm smile. “You’re perfect.” Clearing his throat, he nods to the dance floor. “Really, I’m so impressed. I knew you’d be perf—”
“Here’s your drink, babe.” Connor interrupts Mr. Coleman’s praise, inserting himself between us and giving Mr. Coleman his back. His face is twisted with tension. “Let’s go over there.”
Mr. Coleman’s expression hardens. Connor ushers me away with a hand at my back, pushing a little harder when I don’t move fast enough for him.
“Connor, it’s rude to interrupt. And stop pushing me.” I step out of reach. “I was having a conversation and you just—”
“Thea, listen,” he snaps, then closes his eyes, smothering a frustrated sound. “Sorry. Listen, he’s bad news. You have to stay away from him. I turn my back on you for two seconds and you walk right into danger.”
“Danger?” I scoff, growing annoyed with his feud with our teacher. “Are you serious? Is this you being jealous again?”
“Don’t fight me on this.” Connor backs me against the wall, on the outskirts of the dance. His jaw is set in determination. His tone brooks no argument as he lays out his demands. “Stay the fuck away from him.”
“How do you expect me to stay away from a teacher I have to see every day for class?” I fold my arms. “He’s my favorite teacher. I’m sorry if you feel threatened by that, but I was only—”
“Threatened.” The sound