staring at the spot where music rained down on the party goers below. “It’s a work of art,” she whispered, reverently.
“You should have seen the workers trying to maneuver the stage into the branches. They ended up having to dissect the stage and place it in sections.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it.” The banyan tree looked to be barely holding the band—almost as if they were floating there—on a cloud—trimmed with white lights. The orchestra, dressed in formal gowns and tuxedos, gently swayed with each soothing note as if they were oblivious to the fact that they hovered five feet above the rest of the world.
“My mom’s idea,” Travis said. “Her friend Patricia had seen a similar one in France. My mother had to recreate that magic.”
“It is magical.” Olivia was breathless.
For the next ninety minutes, she enjoyed the evening. There were people from Boston that had flown in for the occasion, adults and young people…several that Olivia knew. She enjoyed catching up. The young people hovered around the pool, a large gathering including a bunch of new guys, Travis’s college buddies. Olivia tried to steer clear of them. Between the drinking and their remarks, they weren’t the sort she enjoyed hanging out with.
The thing that really surprised her had nothing to do with college guys—and everything to do with Travis. She hadn’t expected to have fun. She’d thought she’d spend the time staring at her gold watch wishing Jesse was there. And she did wish he was there. But she’d had fun without him. She was having fun. With Travis.
She and Jesse had decided it would be best to meet down the beach at the public access gate around nine o’clock. By that time, she would have made a solid appearance with Travis, her mother would be settled in with the adults, and she would no longer be noticed or missed.
“One more dance?” Travis snaked an arm around her waist and nudged her closer.
He smelled like Polo cologne—one of her favorites. It was surprising how well they fit together as they glided around the floor as one. A tiny voice niggled that time was slipping away. She didn’t want to keep Jesse waiting. “I need to leave.”
His disappointment was whisked away by his infectious smile. “Go find your island boy. I’ve got things under control here.”
“But my parents think I’m with you. If they see you and not me—”
“I’ve got this, Liv. Don’t worry. I’ll get word to your mom through my mom that a bunch of us are leaving to go build a bonfire down the beach—which we are. Once you’re gone, this party will be lame.”
When she sank her teeth into her lower lip, Travis chuckled. “Don’t look so concerned. We do it all the time. You can come with us and wait there for Jesse, that should take care of any questions. It’s only eight-thirty. You’ve got a little time.” His gaze caught hers, and he tightened his hold.
Before she knew what was happening Travis’ lips touched the edge of her mouth. The soft pressure of his lips on her face caused a sudden intake of air. Heat rose to her cheeks.
When he slowly leaned away, that half smile was back. He’d done this with such expertise, he must have kissed a lot of girls. Still, she was embarrassed. What if someone saw? What if Jesse saw? Of course, she knew he wasn’t there. The awkwardness trickled down her body and caused her to look around the dance floor. There, on the other side of the stage, her mother held a Cheshire grin. As soon as she realized Travis had also noticed Olivia’s mother, she hooked her arm around his waist.
He bent and whispered in her ear. “Let’s put on a good show. We’ve got her as a captive audience.”
Olivia allowed herself to be glided around the dance floor. Travis was a good dancer. Of course. She let his arms linger around her. Then, before the song ended, he took her by the hand and slowly led her to the side of the house.
They tucked beneath a palm tree where there were no prying eyes.
“I can’t thank you enough,” she said.
He shrugged. “What are friends for?” But instead of letting her hands go, he used his thumbs to make tiny circles on the tender flesh of her wrists. “Liv…”
“Yes?” Under the scrutiny of the guests, Travis’s touch seemed natural, but alone with him, little teardrops of wariness descended on her shoulders.
He drew a breath and released