Tonight was the night.
I stared at my reflection, fiddling with the hem of my dress. My nerves were on edge, my hands trembling slightly. I tried to calm myself with deep breaths, but it wasn't working. The soft click of the door opening pulled me from my spiral. I turned to see my dad standing in the doorway.
"Tasha," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. His eyes widened, and a proud smile stretched across his face as he stepped closer. He placed his hands gently on my shoulders, both of us looking into the mirror.
"You look so beautiful," he said, his voice soft.
"Thank you, Dad," I replied, my cheeks heating under his gaze.
He turned me to face him fully and sighed deeply. "I know it's been hard for you...with your mom leaving. But I'm so happy to see you finally coming out of your shell." He paused, his smile softening. "I need to thank Caroline for helping you."
My brows furrowed in surprise. "How do you know about Caroline?"
He chuckled. "She called the house phone. I answered. You didn't think I believed you paid for all this without a job, did you?"
Heat rushed to my face as embarrassment set in. "I—I just didn't want you to fret over me deciding to go," I mumbled.
"Sweetheart, I'm happy you're going. I just wanted to contribute something to you going too," he said, a proud grin forming. "There's a black SUV waiting downstairs. I want you to go to the dance and have fun. But not too much fun," he added with a mock-stern look.
I laughed, nodding in agreement. "I will, Dad."
He walked me downstairs, where my brother, Connor, was waiting at the foot of the stairs.
"You look pretty," Connor said, rolling his eyes as I linked my arm with his.
"My little brother is being nice? Who are you, and what have you done with Connor?" I teased.
"Don't get sappy," he muttered, opening the car door for me.
Dad helped me tuck the flowing layers of my dress into the car, then leaned down to wave. "HAVE FUN!" he shouted as the car pulled away.
Once we were a block from home, I lowered the window, letting the cool air calm my nerves. "I can do this," I whispered to myself, tightening my grip on the seatbelt.
When we arrived at the venue, I stepped out and stared up at the beautiful building. Two hours late, but the place was still buzzing with excitement. Couples dressed in stunning formal wear milled about, laughing and chatting. I handed over my ticket and stepped inside, immediately awestruck by the under-the-sea theme.
The hall was bathed in blue—Emmett's favorite color.
I took a shaky breath, letting the sight calm me. A grand white spiral staircase led down to the shimmering dance floor, where students swayed to the beat. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching, until they landed on him.
Emmett.
He stood near the punch table, looking effortlessly perfect in a sleek black suit. His raven hair was gelled back, save for one soft curl at the nape of his neck. He looked like he'd walked straight out of a dream.
I reached the bottom of the stairs, unsure of what to do next. Before I could decide, a tap on my shoulder made me jump. I spun around to find Milton, his purple suit hugging his slim frame perfectly.
"You look...wow," Milton stammered, his eyes wide. "I mean, oh my God, you're gorgeous. What are you doing here?"
I smiled and took his hand, letting him collect himself. "You only live once, right?"
Milton grinned, throwing his arm around me and leaning his head against mine. Kyle approached, balancing two drinks in his hands. He stopped short when he saw me, his eyes comically wide as he circled us.
"Stop that!" Milton hissed, grabbing his drink and swatting at Kyle.
Kyle shook his head, his expression still one of disbelief. "I'm sorry, it's just...DAMN. You look amazing."
"Nice compliment, jackass," Milton muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Babe, you know you're the most handsome guy I've ever seen," Kyle teased, slipping an arm around Milton's waist.
Milton's lips curved into a smile as he leaned back against Kyle's chest. They were adorable together. Watching them made me happy—it was obvious how much they cared for each other.
But my happiness faltered as my eyes searched for Emmett again. He was gone. Instead, I saw Giana, stunning in a shimmering blue mermaid dress that hugged her hourglass figure.
"Pinky."
The familiar nickname pulled me from my thoughts. I turned around, tilting my head up. And there he was.
"Hey, Emmett," I said awkwardly, my heart racing.
He didn't respond right away, just stared at me like he was seeing me for the first time. Kyle's hand slapped his back, snapping him out of his trance.
"You look..." Emmett paused, his eyes roaming over me. "Gorgeous."
The sincerity in his voice sent my heart pounding.
"Thank you," I murmured, meeting his gaze. "You look really handsome."
He blinked rapidly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. "I—"
Before he could finish, Giana looped her arm through his. "You forgot your crown, babe," she purred, pressing close to him.
I blinked, taking a step back. "You both won prom king and queen?"
"Obvi. Why wouldn't we?" Giana said with a dazzling smile.
"You both deserve it," Milton chimed in, his fake smile as sharp as a blade.
Giana's smile faltered. "It was bad enough being in the limo with you," she huffed, glaring at Milton.
I glanced at Emmett, who was still watching me, his eyes unreadable.
"I want to dance," Giana declared, tugging Emmett toward the floor.
Milton let out a low growl. "That bitch," he muttered.
Kyle burst out laughing, and even I couldn't suppress a smile.
"Are you okay?" Milton asked, his eyes darting to me.
"I'm fine," I lied.
"You sure?" Kyle pressed, concern flashing across his face.
I nodded. "Go ahead. Dance," I said, waving them off.
Milton hesitated but squeezed my hand before letting Kyle pull him toward the dance floor.
The music shifted to a slow song, couples drawing close as they swayed. A pang of loneliness struck me as I watched them.
"Tasha."
The deep voice in my ear made me jump. I turned to find Damien standing behind me, his white suit pristine and his usual smirk replaced by something softer.
"You look beautiful," he said, his tone surprisingly genuine.
"Thank you," I replied, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
He extended his hand. "Can I have this dance?"
I hesitated but placed my hand in his. He led me to the dance floor, his hand resting lightly on my lower back. We swayed to the music, his broad shoulders towering over me.
I glanced around, my eyes landing on Milton, who gave me an exaggerated thumbs-up. I bit back a laugh.
But when I turned again, my gaze locked with Emmett's.
His expression was fierce, his jaw tight, his eyes burning with something I couldn't quite place.
My breath hitched. That look...
Was Emmett Pierce attracted to me?