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picnics and swims all these years! I mean really , how bad was this damn fog I’d been living in? The thought of running my hands, mouth, and tongue all over him doesn’t quite shock me this time. I get more comfortable with my reactions to him every day, but I’m still nervous as hell right now. You’re probably supposed to ease yourself from foggy tomboy hermit to jezebel, but I’m ignoring that inner voice right now.
    I start to unbuckle his belt, stopping to look up at him and make sure this is okay. He nods slightly and runs a hand down my face. I slide it through the loops, adding it to his shirt. My hands are trembling as his hand joins mine to guide me as I unbutton his pants and pull down his zipper.
    The air hisses between his teeth and I feel his body tense, but he helps me move his jeans to the floor, our gazes still locked as he steps out of them. He is now standing before me, lit only by the moonlight through my window, in just his navy boxer briefs. I can clearly see the effect this is having on him, and I have to force myself to hold his gaze rather than let my eyes wander.
    I really hope he doesn’t think less of me right now, but I can’t seem to help myself. He’s awakened something in me and I feel a little forward, but yeah…not quite seeing disapproval in his eyes, more the exact opposite, so I’m thinking we’re good.
    I lay down, folding back the covers, and say, “hold me, Evan.”
    He gently slips under the covers with me, sliding up against my back. I lift my head up and pull up my hair, so he can slip one arm under. The other arm goes around my waist and pulls me tighter against him. I don’t even try to stifle my satisfied sigh and I feel him twitch against me in response.
    “Night, Evan.” My voice comes out shaky.
    He kisses my hair. “Night, my Laney.”
     

Chapter 6
    Amazed
    ~Laney~
     
    P rom night is finally here and it’s one of those moments it’d be nice to have my mom. My dad is amazing, the best man I know, and I’m sure he’ll cry at my wedding if I ever have one, but what I wouldn’t give to have her helping me right now.
    I wonder where she is at this exact moment? Did she think of events like this that she’d miss before making her departure? I’d feel better knowing she overlooked some things instead of simply not caring. Shaking the thoughts and threatening tears away, I go to assess myself in the full-length mirror. Apparently we have one of those handy.
    Upon initial review, I’m actually quite pleased. I clean up nice. I’ve chosen a light blue gown, just like I told Evan I would. The dress is strapless with a sweetheart neckline, the edges of that lined with the slight twinkle of tiny beads. The corseted waist flares out to a “flirty” skirt, so said the saleslady, and stops just below the knee. The dress tightens around my bottom and has a revealing, low-cut back. Thank you, Coach, for the pushing that enabled my body to actually pull this off. And no, my father has not seen it yet.
    The blue compliments my tan skin and blonde hair, which is pulled into a loose twist with a few tendrils left around my ears and embellished with sporadic beaded pins that match the twinkle of my neckline, as do my new stud earrings. The silver glitter heels Kaitlyn loaned me put me at 5’9”, no problem with Evan’s tall frame, and I’ve put in plenty of practice sessions to make sure I can walk in them. I’ve gone with a very light and natural look on the make-up, the only kind I really know how to do, but it’s enough that I try not to cry as I imagine my mom behind me, catching my eye in the mirror.
    “You’re so beautiful, sweetheart,” I imagine her saying.
    “I get it from you, Mom,” I’d respond.
    She was beautiful, I remember. Oh, enough of this…tonight will be great.
    Walking down, my breath catches with the sight of him. His deep blue gaze slowly comes up to meet mine. I feel dizzy and send up a silent prayer that I don’t fall the rest of