‘No chance. Marianne is helping clear some of the tables so I’m on my own and need someone.’ It was a sedate number, but it wasn’t long before that was replaced for an energetic twist track that involved way too much moving after a heavy meal – not that it seemed to deter anyone else.
When others in the team joined the dance floor, including Hudson, Nadia wasn’t quite so relaxed. She was self-conscious, worried about what she looked like, discombobulated by his presence.
After the partying was interrupted by the MC announcing the estimated amount raised that evening and a rapturous applause rang out along with whoops and cheers, hugs ensued between the team, supporters, anyone. The atmosphere was electric and whoever predicted this would be a wonderful fundraiser had been right.
She grabbed a glass of water from the table at the side and took it out of the back entrance of the marquee. She needed the fresh air. The sun had set while they’d all been enjoying their evening and the breeze gave her a welcome little shiver.
She hadn’t been outside all that long before Hudson came and stood beside her.
‘You escaped,’ he said.
‘I needed to. It’s hot in there and frantic.’
‘It’s been a good one. Only one problem…’
‘We have to better it next year?’
‘Exactly.’
Their view was of the coast beyond. The lights of a boat in the distance and the moon up above reflected into the water and showed a beauty that existed no matter whether it was day or night.
‘What I told you earlier…’ Hudson began.
‘Don’t worry.’ She turned to him. ‘It won’t go any further.’
‘It’s not that.’ Hands in his pockets, he looked at the ground. She wondered whether he couldn’t wait to loosen his bowtie or whether he wanted to keep the tux on the way she wanted to stay in her dress: to make this evening last for longer.
It was when he looked right at her, she knew he was going to say something about the way he felt.
He reached for her hand. ‘I’ve been wanting to say something to you for a while. Not only about the divorce, but about… well, us.’ He was nervous and it made Nadia feel calmer to know she wasn’t the only one.
‘Us?’
‘I think you might have feelings for me that extend beyond a friendship,’ he said.
‘I do. But… I don’t ever want to get in the way of anything.’
‘You won’t.’
‘The kids.’
‘They will always be my priority.’ He groaned. ‘Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m crazy to even think about having a life of my own right now.’
‘You’re not crazy.’
He reached out and moved the few strands of her hair away from her lips when the wind blew it there.
She looked up at him, at his handsome face, the olive skin, the five o’clock shadow, the endearing smile she could melt into. ‘You really have feelings for me?’
‘Most definitely.’ He grinned. ‘Do you think you might like to go on a date with me? Maybe even more than one?’
She smiled. ‘I’d like that. But no rush, not if it’s not right for you and your family.’
He let out the breath, looked at their hands, entwined, stepped even closer. He kissed her very gently on the forehead. ‘That’s all I need to know for now.’
She could’ve stayed in the moment forever. ‘We should get back inside before we’re missed.’
‘Dance with me?’ he asked as they made their way back to the marquee and rather than lively music, the track changed to the sort of music that drew couples in closer together. Some of those couples were in love – others were friends.
