He helped her out of the car and kissed thespace behind her ear. “A few more steps.”
Chantelle followed his lead. His kisses madeher insides shiver. “Lance?”
“Okay.” The bandanna loosened around hereyes. “Now.”
Chantelle blinked and her eyes adjusted tothe bright lights in front of her. A performing arts theater? Whywould he bring her here? Looking up, she glanced at the brightmarquee with the name of the show, “90s Night.” Posters on thebuilding advertised the show. Chantelle didn’t recognize theperformers, but as she stared, she noticed similarities to artistsshe grew up listening to. She grinned and looked over at Lance.
He wrapped his arms around her waist.“They’re impressionists. Tonight is Monica, Brandy, Destiny’sChild, Silk, Dru Hill, SWV, and Boyz II Men.”
She shrieked with excitement. “Let’s go!”
Lance chuckled, clasping her hand. He paid atthe box office. They waited along with the rest of the patronsaround the rope lines. Chantelle stood in disbelief, holdingLance’s hand. This was the happiest she’d seen him. Was it becauseof her?
She had to give him credit for her happiness.Biting her lower lip, she had yet to tell her boss about thecanceled wedding. Chantelle adjusted her purse on her shoulder. Shewouldn’t think about that now.
Once inside, they bypassed the concessioncounter with snacks and beverages. Instead, they paced to themultiple doors to the seating area with cushioned seats. Sheproceeded to the aisle, but Lance led her to the stairway that ledto the balcony.
“Is that necessary?” She asked.
“I want you to have the best seat in thehouse.”
Chantelle smiled at his thoughtfulness, buther mouth dropped open when they came to a private box. “Lance?”She took her seat.
He sat next to her. “Like it?”
“You must have paid for these earlier. Whydid we wait in line then?”
His mouth twisted into a grin. “I didn’t wantto give my plan away too quickly.”
She leaned in and kissed his lips. “This issweet. Thank you.”
When the show began, the muffled voices inthe theater ceased. Chantelle stared on the stage, noticing afamiliar tune of her teenage years, “Angel of Mine.” Though thesinger didn’t sound like the original artist, Monica, she made ither own.
“Want to dance?” Lance clasped her hand.
Her eyes widened. “You’re not well if you’reasking me that.”
He laughed and pulled her to her feet.“Another reason I wanted a private box.”
Chantelle shook her head, but indulged him.Lance brought her to his chest. The music swelled around them as itdid at the dance studio. Only difference was, nothing was betweenthem.
Teasing the nape of his neck with herfingers, her body swayed with his as they moved to the music.Chantelle relaxed in his embrace. His strong fingers held securedat her waist.
“Chantelle, I’ve been thinking,” he said.
She rested her head on his chest. “What’sthat?”
“I know you’ll be leaving soon.”
She paused in her steps with him. “I know. Ihaven’t decided what I want to do.”
Lance raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?You thought about staying?”
She bobbed her head. “Mr. Perkins... offered…well, he says that I can take over the paper.”
The corners of Lance’s mouth quirked up. “Yourunning the paper in town? That would bring you home. You’ll alsobe able to print what you wanted as the owner.”
Chantelle folded her arms. “It’s a hugedecision.”
Lance cupped her face. “Whatever you decide,do it for you. I want you here with me, but if your heart’s set onsomething else, I’ll understand. I’m not going anywhere.”
Would it be so terrible to move back home?She’d seen enough of the world. Had enough adventures. Perhaps itwas time to settle down. It didn’t make her a quitter. Her dreamswere only changing. Change was good.
Chantelle felt too hot and cold at the sametime. Why was history repeating itself? Her having to decide. Leavethe ones she loved or pursue her dreams.
“Chantelle?” Lance’s forehead wrinkled.
She pulled her lips in. “We keep coming backhere, Lance.”
He sighed. “I know, but we’ll figure it outthis time. It’s you and me.”
“I love you.” Saying the words again broughtrelief. Her shoulders sagged. “I just...”
Lance drew closer and embraced her, kissingthe top of her head. “Let’s not focus on that now.” He turned themto the stage as the group impersonating SWV sang their segment.
Chantelle listened as she heard them sing“Weak.” “Remember that one?”
“I do,” he said.
Chantelle wrapped her arms around him, neverwanting to let him go. He was right. Tonight was their night.Lance’s hands grazed her back, leaving tingles dancing all overher.
She tilted her head and brought her lips tohis. They stopped dancing. He claimed her lips as he did the othernight on the road.
Chantelle wouldn’t worry over their future.Lance wouldn’t let her go, and she wouldn’t walk away from him. Shewouldn’t lose her first love twice. The first time nearly crushedher. She had stayed up too many nights as the tears drenched herpillow.
It seemed like a lifetime ago. Though yearshad passed between them, he still made her heart pound on theinside. One of Lance’s hands cradled the back of her head. Her armsremained locked around his neck. His kiss was soft but filled withpassion as his lips meshed with hers. As his hands glided down hersides, his thumbs rubbed the arc of her hip-bones.
“I think we’re missing the show.” Shebreathed against his mouth, but he only kissed her again.
“Are we?” His voice was only a whisper.
“Uh, huh.”
Lance only paid attention to her lips,kissing along the curve of her mouth. “I’m still making up for losttime. It’s been too long.”
“Lance, the show.” Her voice soundedbreathy.
Then his kisses led behind her ear.Chantelle’s knees wobbled, but he held her up. He only held hertighter.
“I love you, Chantelle.”
Her heart melted. She blocked out the worldaround them. She held onto Lance.
***
Chantelle fumbled to silence her cell phone,which vibrated on her bedside table. It rattled in her ears,disturbing her dream of her and Lance. Flowering bulbs of tulipssurrounded them in the open grassy field where she stood.
She had twirled on her tiptoes in the sun,and he stood off to her side laughing at her antics. Then
