Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 27: Ballgowns and Chandeliers

and I would start off the routine in the middle of the floor. When the chorus hit, the others would join in with us.

The next morning, we had rehearsal in the ballroom. After stretching, we started warming up our lifts and tricks. It was so much easier without Sophia around. Hayden had his arm around me loosely as Luca started taking control of the practice. He decided that Hayden When the music started, Hayden and I started the routine slowly. The others started walking to their places, it was amazing. I loved dancing with Hayden. It was like we knew exactly what the other was thinking when we were dancing. I loved him. It showed all throughout our dancing. We finished the routine on the floor. Hayden smiled at me lightly before he kissed me gently. My hand went to the back of his neck. I heard a slow clap start. I looked up startled. I smiled when I saw who it was.

"Hey dad," I said, getting up. I hugged him gently.

"It's looking great sweetheart," my dad said. He kissed my head before he left. He was like that. He would say what he needed to say and then leave. We practiced for a little while longer before going back to our rooms. I sighed as I ran a brush through my hair. I was staring off into space thinking about my dad.

"What's wrong, Jo," Hayden asked. I shrugged before I put the brush down and looked at him.

"It's just... nothing. It's nothing," I said. Hayden kissed my head as his arms went around me.

"What's wrong," he asked again. I sighed and pursed my lips.

dad... I just wish he'd spent a little more time with me," I answered

I'm here. You have me," he said softly. I smiled lightly and looked up at him before I kissed

know, and I love you for

room service,"

standing in the middle of the charity ball. I let out a breath and smoothed out the front of my costume. Hayden laced his hand with mine and smiled

he asked lightly. I let out a breath as my heart pounded painfully in my chest. I nodded unsurely. Performing was fun and normally not this big of a deal for me, but this was different. I knew most of these people. I'd known

the dance floor and watched us. The other two couples joined in with us and I smiled lightly. Hayden's hands were so sure, and I trusted him completely. When

girls a dress and he also got the guys' suits. After I was in my dress, I rolled my hair up into a sock bun with a braid around it. My bangs were pinned back and I reapplied my lip stain. It was a subtle pink. I went to see how Hayden was doing. He smiled at me. He looked even more handsome than before if that was possible. He jelled his hair

he said softly. I chuckled

there patiently as I finished tying his bowtie. "There," I said once I finished. I started walking away but Hayden's arm caught me

had nothing but love for me. That made me smile. His scent was intoxicating; it was a mix between a musk and sophistication. That was the only way I could describe it. "I love you," he said softly. My

laced my fingers with his before we left the room for the ball. I made my rounds, saying hello to everyone and introducing Hayden to them. They praised us for our performance. Finally,

were so beautiful and graceful out there; and you too, Hayden,"

respectfully. His hand went