A Hot Mess by Christy Gissendaner

The world around them faded, and all he could see was her. To see her like this, knowing he was responsible for her joy, filled him with pride. If he had his way, he would spend every day of his life making sure she never knew disappointment like she had with Simon.
    Several couples joined them on their makeshift dance floor. Onlookers gathered around to watch the impromptu performance. Cait stumbled once she realized the attention they received, but Dylan held on to her.
    “Breathe, Cait. You’re doing fine.”
    She’d never been comfortable being the center of attention. For someone so lively and beautiful, Dylan didn’t understand how Cait could be shy at times. It was just another facet of her he adored. He liked the sweet and saucy mix of her.
    The dance drew to a close, and Dylan swept her into his arms. He couldn’t wait. He had to kiss her despite the people who watched them.
    “Dylan!” Cait’s protest was smothered as he pressed his lips to hers.
    She tasted like the mint gum she’d chewed on the way there. He deepened the kiss and wrapped his arms around to her back to pull her full length against him.
    Cait made a purring sound in the back of her throat. Dylan itched to do more, but they were in public.
    He pulled back with slow reluctance and gazed into the endless seas of green that were her eyes. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Cait.”
    An adorable shade of pink tinged her cheekbones. She appeared delightfully flustered. Cait reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear and gave him a shy smile.
    Her cheeks flushed darker when the onlookers applauded. “Oh, my goodness!”
    Before she could panic, Dylan gave a quick wave to the crowd, grabbed Cait’s hand, and led her away.
    Cait’s heels clicked on the cement walkway as she kept up with his pace. “Where are we going?”
    There was more he wanted to experience with her. “I have another surprise.”
    “Are we late, or do you think we can slow the pace a little?”
    Dylan slowed his steps and shot her a sheepish look. “I’m sorry. I was just excited.”
    Cait stopped walking altogether and tugged on his hand. “Why are you doing all of this, Dylan? I get that you want to cheer me up, and I appreciate it, but why the seduction tactics? You don’t have to use your tricks on me.”
    “They’re not tricks.” Dylan frowned.
    Cait stepped closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Are you sure you’re not doing all of this to get in my pants? I thought we’d already decided that was a given?”
    “Chill out, Cait. I just want to make this Valentine’s Day memorable. Okay?”
    “Oh, trust me. It’s certainly memorable.” There was a sparkle in her eye as she spoke, but then her expression froze.
    Dylan knew the instant the memory of yesterday came to her. The amusement leached from her face, and her lips turned down at the corners. He didn’t want her to think of her heartless ex. He wanted to be all she could think about.
    With a sigh, he turned to walk. “Come on, Cait. Let’s go.”
    * * * *
    Boats glided over blue water, propelled by oars that were held by men wearing black-and-white striped shirts. Bright red scarves were knotted about their throats and berets were set at a cocky angle on top of their heads.
    Cait stood with Dylan on the small wooden dock and waited to board a gondola. He still held her hand, but the playfulness he’d displayed the entire day was gone. She wasn’t sure what she’d done, but she’d upset him somehow. A black mood had descended on their lovely afternoon, and she wished she could make it go away.
    The gondola arrived, and Dylan stepped into it. He held out his hand to help her step over the edge. She clutched at him as she tottered on her heels and fought to gain her balance. She and boats had never been an easy combination.
    “Thank you,” she said after successfully navigating her way aboard.
    She and Dylan sat in the front of their ride as the gondolier pushed away from the dock. They soon