Spectral by Shannon Duffy

whatever you need. And your eyes are like the ocean.”
    I hugged him back, grateful he was so cool and understanding. “Thanks, Chase.”
    A loud twang sound came from the stage as Roman struck a chord on his guitar, startling everyone to attention.
    “I gotta go,” Chase said. “See you at school on Monday.”
    “You sure?” I reached for his arm as he walked away, worrying my lip between my teeth.
    “Yeah. Take it easy. And I’m not leaving cause of him.” He ticked his head toward the stage. “I’ve got karate class.”
    I watched him walk over to Jack giving him a fist bump, and then strolling out the door.
    I hated being responsible for making him feel badly. I finished the last of my drink, grabbing the glass Chase left behind, downing that one too. By that time, my head was a little woozy. I made my way closer to the stage and listened as Roman’s cousin’s voice rang out in an amazing raspy tenor. Roman’s fingers moved swiftly along the guitar frets and I couldn’t help but think how sexy he looked standing there. The music vibrated the floorboards beneath me and through my body like waves crashing on the shore, carrying me out with the feeling of the tide. I imagined it took me to a faraway island, away from my mess of a life. As Roman played, he watched me sway to the music through wisps of his dark brown hair that hung down across his eyes. I mingled in the midst of several others who danced, carefree to the world.
    They must have played for almost half an hour before they stopped to take a break. After a few moments of silence, a CD started playing. Softer notes carried across the room and the couples moved closer and slow danced together.
    My stomach tied itself into a tight knot as Roman lay his guitar down and walked toward me.
    I bit down on my lip. “You guys were awesome.”
    “Hey there, little butterfly,” he said with a grin when he reached me. He held out his hand for me to dance with him. “May I?” he asked all proper like. His slight, but totally sexy accent, made me swoon.
    “Um, sure.” I placed my hand in his and he drew me into him. Warmth radiated through his shirt and his familiar scent, ocean breeze mixed with cinnamon, tickled my nose. His lips twitched upward at the corners, and I imagined tracing my fingers across his mouth.
    What’s wrong with me ? Of course I’d had a few little crushes over the years, but this felt different. There was something about Roman that made me giddy whenever he was around.
    He leaned down and whispered into my ear with a husky voice. “Were you drinking?”
    “Just a little,” I said feeling my face flush hot. Then I added defensively, “It was the first real drink I ever had.” I didn’t want him to think I was reckless. Lightweight.
    Roman leaned back to study me and his jaw relaxed. He pulled me against him again and thankfully he changed the topic. “Hey, thanks for coming.”
    “No problem, I’m having a blast.” I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, and then wrapped my arms around his neck, entwining my hands behind him. He was a lot taller than me, so I stood on my tip-toes as he held me tightly. My shirt had shimmied up a bit, and I was totally aware of his warm hands against the bare skin on my lower back. His touch sent shivers down my spine.
    We danced against each other, the music and neon lighting transforming our bodies into fluid rhythm. His toned chest through the soft fabric of his t-shirt and the gentle sway of his hips against mine was intoxicating.
    I tried to gather my senses. “Where are you from anyway?” I asked, realizing I didn’t know much about him.
    “Italy originally. But I’ve been traveling around a bit.”
    “Ah, that’s what it is.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Your accent…I was wondering where you were from.”
    He chuckled. “You’re the one who has an accent.”
    “ Touché …and I guess we have more in common than we first thought, huh?”
    Amusement warmed his eyes.