We Never Kissed

Chapter 40

Ava

Alex hung back by the entry as Gunnar and I chatted with a few of the dancers backstage. We were both as giddy as two kids meeting Mickey at Disneyland, even though we’d both been in their position as dancers in this venue ourselves. I was a little worried that coming to Vegas and seeing all my friends still performing in shows was going to feel like a blow, but it didn’t. I was just grateful to see their beautiful faces again, and I didn’t have an ounce of regret for the current state of my life.

Kieran rubbed a hand over Gunnar’s bicep. “Boy, you still got it. Not even letting yourself go. ”

“Please, I’ll never neglect this body,” Gunnar said matter-of-factly.

As our friends laughed, I glanced over at Alex, who rolled his eyes. I was actually surprised he’d been the one to invite Gunnar on this trip with us. Given it was an early birthday present for me, I appreciated it.

When we said our goodbyes, I heard Claire say to Gunnar, “See you in a bit.”

I assumed she was talking about the after-party Sydney was having, but Claire had a new baby, so it seemed odd she’d go. I was sure Alex would not want to attend, but by the time I thought about making an excuse, Gunnar was suddenly ushering me out of there.

We made our way to our seats, which were perfectly selected for the best view and experience. Not the front row but just a few rows back. Gunnar was on the aisle, then Alex next to him and then me. I noticed the two of them were chatting while I checked some things on my phone. Grinning, I mused how lucky I was to have two such wonderful men in my life. The last six months—since Alex and I found our way back to each other—had been pure bliss. It was almost like a brand-new courtship. We went on dates, got to know new things about each other, and had some of the most incredible nights together.

I felt Alex’s lips next to my cheek. “Do you know how amazing you are?” He placed a soft kiss behind my ear, sending chills over my skin.

I flinched and giggled like a school girl. “Alex!” I turned my head so our gazes connected. Then quieter, I said, “I love you.”

He leaned in until his lips were just brushing mine. “I love you more…”

“Thank you for the trip.”

He smiled. “I just love seeing you so happy… We can come here anytime you want, you know.”

I nodded. “I know. Honestly, as great as it is to see everyone, it also solidifies everything I’ve been feeling lately.”

His smile faltered, and his brows knitted. “Oh? What’s that?”

I touched his cheek. “That I’m the happiest I’ve ever been…and it’s all because of you.”

He took my hand in his, then, and interlaced our fingers. “I feel the same way.” When he leaned in for another kiss, Gunnar coughed loudly, and we both turned that way.

“Not that I’m feeling like a third wheel or anything, but the show’s going to start any minute.”

“Sorry, Gunnar,” I said, leaning forward to see him better. “Maybe if we go to Sydney’s after party, you’ll meet someone.” Alex could tough it out for a bit, I figured .

“Besides the fact that I don’t do long-distance relationships, I doubt we’ll make it to the party.”

I narrowed my gaze on him. “What? Why?” When I darted my eyes to Alex, he looked annoyed.

Then Gunnar rushed to say, “I, uh, just meant we might get distracted, you know…” The lights faded and Gunnar pointed toward the stage. “Shh, it’s starting.”

Everything fell away when the music started, and I immersed myself in the experience. Of course, I could still envision myself up on that stage, but I instead chose to focus on my friends and how well they were doing, and how most of them, like myself, were already working toward a new life away from entertainment.

Toward the end of the show, Alex leaned in and whispered, “Be right back?”

Figuring he had to go to the restroom, I said, “It’s almost over.”

His mouth pulled into a tight line, and he grimaced. “Sorry, can’t wait.”

I tilted my head to see Gunnar shrug and then move so Alex could get out. But then they both walked off. I hoped Gunnar wouldn’t miss the end, a chance to see the light shining on our friends’ faces when they took that final bow.

A few minutes later, the music faded, and the boys still hadn’t returned. Our friend Kieran took center stage as the other dancers ran off, and I furrowed my brow. This wasn’t typical for this show.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special treat for you tonight if you’d like to stick around for just another few minutes.”

“Oh, God,” I whispered under my breath as the audience clapped and cheered. They can’t possibly think I am in any position to get up there and dance. Could they? I shook the thought away. That would be ridiculous.

Kieran turned her head to the side and announced, “We have a very special guest tonight, and he has something important to share with all of you…especially one very special woman.”

He ? I followed her line of sight, and my heart stopped. Alex was walking onto the stage. “What the—”

Stopping front and center, Alex took the mic from Kieran, and then his gaze homed right in on me. “Baby…I’ve loved you most of my life, and I can’t believe how damn lucky I am to finally be with you.”

“Whoo!” someone shouted from the audience. “Yeah, man!”

Alex let his sexy grin out and continued. “You mean everything to me, Ava. Everything.” I covered my mouth with one of my hands, then felt someone touching me. My friend Claire took me by the wrist and led me toward the stage as Alex continued. “I can’t imagine my life without you and just want to make you smile. Which is why you’re the only person in the world who can bring this out of me…”

As Claire led me up the stairs and seated me in a chair, Alex handed the mic back to Kieran. Then music began to play as all the dancers flitted around the stage getting in formation behind Alex. I laughed as my eyes glazed over with tears when I realized the song was “The Time of My Life” probably since we’d recently watched Dirty Dancing , and I’d told him how much I love the song and the movie.

Holy crap, this is not happening . Except it was. Alex might not have been a professional dancer, but my man had moves and was so damn sexy he had the whole audience cheering for him. I laughed when I caught sight of Gunnar behind him with the other dancers.

It wasn’t long before Alex came to me, swept me from the chair and held me in his arms. We swayed to the music, and he whispered in my ear. “I hope this is okay…”

I pulled back and locked gazes with him. “Okay?” I laughed. “It’s a dream come true.”

We swayed and grinned and kissed, and just before the song started to fade, he reached into his pocket and then lowered to one knee. “Ava, please, make all my dreams come true and marry me. I promise I’ll spend every day of my life making yours come true too. ”

I nodded and barely choked out a “yes” before he slid the ring over my finger. Then I pulled him up, and his lips went right to mine. The kiss we shared held so much emotion, so many promises, and the best feeling of all…I knew Alex would come through on every single one.