"Cant say I have..." she says, growing slightly uncomfortable.

Apparently, it was the wrong thing to say. He immediately launched into a full explanation of the sport, citing all the games hed won, his teammates flaws and shortcomings, and all the years hed carried the team to victory. That led to his plans for college, how hed gotten a scholarship to Louisiana State, how hed been voted Most Likely to Succeed, and the brand-new Mustang his dad bought him just because he was so proud.

"Hey," he said at last, "you wanna get out of here? Im meeting a bunch of people at Brodys house later--his old man is out of town, and theres gonna be a party after the dance. Wanna come?"

She smiles apologetically, "No thanks... I think I'm just gonna stay here."

He pouted. "Really?" he said, and his hands slid past her hips

She tensed, glaring at him. "Yes."

"Excuse me." Ash stood there under the dim lights, solemn and beautiful as he extended his hand to Claire. "May I cut in?"

She immediately backed away from the quarterback, moving towards Ash. She took his hand, grateful for the interruption.

Perhaps he was still off balance, or maybe it was something in the princes steady gaze that made him take a step back. Still looking a bit confused, like he didnt know what had just happened, he wandered off the dance floor and into the crowd.

Ash smiled at Claire. He drew Claire close, and whisked her away.

She sighed, "That was... an experience." She said, her face showing her disgust.

He chuckled softly. He laughed so infrequently, and it was a deep, marvelous sound when he did.

The song was slow and sweet, so they swayed back and forth, barely moving.