“That’s what it felt like, but I was awake. IknowI was awake.”
“You must realize how stupid this sounds. How many ciders have you had?”
He shook his head. “At that point—none.”
I sighed heavily. My cider-soaked brain was having a hard time digesting the information, and I didn’t want to dwell on it any longer. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. I had to find my own partners, but I managed.”
His cheek lifted in a tentative smile. “And it seems you did a great job at that, considering you won.”
I smiled back. “I did, didn’t I? I actually won.”
“And maybe I will win with you next year.”
“If you don’t ditch me again.”
“I told you! I didn’t?—”
“I know,” I interrupted. “I’m just giving you a hard time.”
“Forgiven?” he asked.
I considered. “If you bring me another cider, I’ll think about it.”
He nodded quickly. “That can be arranged.”
“Fine, then.”
Something furry bumped against my shin, nearly scaring me to death. I jumped away from Asher with a squeal. I slapped a hand over my heart in an attempt to keep it inside my chest.
“Gods!” I hissed. “You scared me, little cat.”
“That’s my cue,” Asher said, bowing awkwardly at the hips. “Enjoy the rest of your night, Ginny.”
I nodded at him as I fought to catch my breath.
Strange, a cat in the middle of the dance floor among hundreds of chaotic feet. They were bound to get squashed that way.
Fresh cider in hand, I returned to my friends, and my gaze roved over the crowd.
The entire ballroom was moving, roiling, swaying. Couples slipped away into alcoves and around dark corners to steal moments of privacy.
Sweat slicked my skin, making the gold fabric of my gown cling even tighter.
I continued to dance, though I never stopped expecting to glimpse a dark figure from the corner of my eye.
Deep down, a secret part of me washopingto see him…
Must have been the alcohol.
CHAPTER 23
Shade
My hit list grew.
I drifted from alcove to alcove, from shadow to pillar, never letting Ginger out of my sight.
She was wild and free, dancing like her life depended on it.
