"Welcome everyone to the ten year reunion of South Haven High, class of 2003!"
Clapping and cheers erupted from the several hundred people who were in attendance. Katrina's eyes left the stage and Kirk to check out Damon, while he was distracted. She stood just above his shoulder, her 5'7 little more than six inches shorter than him. Sensing her eyes on him, he looked down at her and gave her a wink. Her heart fluttered and pulse raced at the gesture. She immediately shifted her gaze back to the stage, but could still feel his eyes on her.
Despite her eyes being on Kirk, whatever he was saying was lost on her. Her mind was focused on the tremors rushing through her at the feeling of him watching her. She wondered if he had a girlfriend or woman at home. And where was home? There was so much she wanted to know, she silently prayed Kirk would wind up his long-winded speech soon so she could get back to Damon. Apparently, Kirk liked to hear himself talk just as much now as he had when they were younger.
"And now, I see that the prom king and queen are here tonight. So let's kick off the night with the king and queen dancing to the same song they danced to all those years ago."
Here Without you, by 3 Doors Down began to play and with a little coaxing the former king and queen joined together in the center of the dance floor. Neither one seemed overly impressed to be forced to dance together, which made Katrina wonder what had transpired between them to cause such a rift.
"He's gay."
"Huh?" Katrina's brows furrowed as she tore her eyes from the couple to meet Damon's.
"That's why they're slightly hostile towards each other. He left her for a man not to long after graduation. She took it hard."
Katrina's blue eyes widened and her jaw went slack. "No way!"
Damon grinned and nodded his confirmation. "Yes way."
People began to pair up and join the king and queen on the dance floor.
Turning towards her, Damon took her daiquiri from her hand and extended his hand to her. "Will you join me Kat?"
Katrina looked down at his outstretched hand and hesitated. Looking back up into his dark eyes she saw the regret in them, a silent apology and request for forgiveness. He was extending an olive branch to her, so how could she not accept?
"Please, Katrina."
"I'd love to," she responded taking his hand. His hand closed around hers, eclipsing her small on into his larger one as he led her to the dance floor. He led her to the side of the dance floor, away from the other embracing couples and then pulled her into his arms.
She twirled once, laughing softly, her blonde locks whipping around her head as she twirled and then slipped into his arms, sliding her hands up his chest and locking her fingers behind his neck. He immediately pulled her close, and she found herself amazed at how familiar it felt to be in his arms again. The years seemed to peel back and she was transported in time ten years to when life was simple and they were in love.
*****
Katrina buried her face against his neck, as Damon pulled her closer. Her body felt so good against him, it had been a while since he'd been with a woman and he'd forgotten how good it felt to hold someone he cared about so closely.
He'd thought about her more times than he could count over the years. Whenever he'd feel the hint of loneliness she'd appear in his mind. She'd been so sweet and carefree. It didn't matter how crazy his ideas had been or how impossible his dreams were, she'd always supported him. Even when he got accepted to Stanford, she was the one to tell him to go, even though he knew it was the last thing she'd wanted him to do.
A rush of guilt and regret came crashing over him, hitting him like a slug to the stomach. "I'm sorry Kat."
She tensed in his arms and pulled back to look him in the eye. Her brow furrowed. "For what?"
"For leaving you behind."
She smiled, but the smile was weak at best. "It was for the best." She looked down and fingered the lapel of his suit jacket. "We had different paths..."
The song switched up to U Got It Bad, by Usher.
"No, I was selfish. I was young and wanted to conquer the world. I didn't realize that I already had what was most important in life. I've never again found a love like what I had with you."
She opened her mouth to comment and then snapped it shut. Damon cursed himself for coming on too strong. He'd been doing a lot of self-reflection over the past little while and despite the sense of accomplishment he got whenever he took over a new company; the truth of the matter was that he'd never been truly happy since he moved out of Bangor and away from her. When he considered his life, he had four years of pure happiness and they were all due to her.
Damon pulled her back into his arms. He lowered his nose to her hair and took in the scent of her shampoo - apple. "Your hair even smells the same."
Katrina laughed and glanced up at him. "I'm not one for change. I can't believe you remember what shampoo I used to use."
"I remember a lot of things, Kat."
She lowered her gaze, a blush colouring her cheeks. "Me too. Every time I go to the park and wind up at the lookout and I remember the night you first told me..." Her voice trailed off and her blush deepened.
"That I loved you," Damon finished off for her.
She nodded.
"I did Kat, but my ambition got in the way." He caught her chin in his hand and tilted her face up so her eyes caught him. "It was real. I don't doubt that for an instant."
A look crossed her face that reminded him so much of the eighteen year old young woman he'd foolishly left that it left him winded. The music ended and neither of them noticed until the couples around them began to break up as the tempo increased.
With great reluctance, Damon released his grip on Katrina and stepped back, however, he kept her hand securely in his. "Can I make a confession?" He asked as he led her from the dance floor.
She looked unsure. He was overloading her, he knew this, but he needed to say what was on his mind and in his heart. He didn't have the luxury of time any longer.
"I'm still trying process your apology," she admitted.
"Come with me." He led her through the ballroom and out into the foyer.
"Where are we going?"
"A place a little quieter and less crowded. I rented a room here yesterday afternoon and did a little exploring last night. I found a beautiful little spot..."
"Ahhh. The gardens. You're right. They're beautiful."
Damon laughed. "Guess you've been doing some exploring here as well. Are you also staying here tonight?"