Clasping my hand in his, he cradled the small of my back and drew me close to him. “Why wouldn’t it be a good idea?”
“Well.” I couldn’t breathe around him. I definitely couldn’t talk. “People will see,” I added lamely.
“That’s the point. We’ve danced together before, Sophia.” Again, he pushed a wayward curl back behind my ear. Only this time, his fingers lingered on my skin. “People would talk more if we didn’t dance together.”
He had a point there.
“Plus,” his grin grew devilish and a little lopsided, “I can’t get enough of you, Sophia, and if this is the only chance I get to see you this week, then I’ll take it. Even with everyone’s eyes on us.”
“This is really hard.” Sighing, I nestled into his chest, laying my cheek against his thundering heart. “I hate this,” I mumbled sadly.
His heart sped up a notch, and on my back, his hands pressed me into him. “You hate dancing with me?”
“I hate not being able to kiss you.”
His sigh was loud. “I know Sophia, and one day,” he rested his chin on the top of my head, “one day you’ll be mine and I’ll kiss you in front of everyone. That’s a promise.”
I knew he meant it.
“One day.” Murmuring, I closed my eyes. The music was old-fashioned, but it felt romantic. It felt good to be held by him. To dance with him.
It felt good just to be with him.
“Soon-…”
“What will be one day soon?” My brother’s voice broke through the spell, and we jumped apart almost guiltily.
Matteo recovered first. Twirling me under his arm, he spun me toward my brother, who caught me easily.
“That she will get asked to dance by a boy her own age.” Winking at me, he grinned at Gio. “If anyone would ever put up with her, that is.”
Gio’s lips twitched up into a grin, but his eyes were deadly serious as he looked between us. “Yeah,” he said finally. “I don’t think she will have long to wait for that. Come on, Sophia.” Gripping my hand hard, he yanked me away. “Mom and Sad need you.”
. I shot a look over my shoulder at Matteo.
“What’s going on?” I mouthed silently, and Matteo's frown deepened, shoulders hunched as he followed after us.
“Sophia, darling.” At the very edge of the crowd, my mother stepped forward. Pulling me into her arms, she hugged me quickly. “This is such a magical night, isn’t it? You look perfect.” Holding meout at arms’ length, she studied me. “Doesn’t she look like a beautiful young woman, Matteo?”
Blushing, I waited for his answer.
“She is.” Matteo swallowed hard. “Yes, she does. Although beautiful doesn’t quite cover it,” he said in a rush, and again my brother frowned.
We were going to have to be careful. Gio was getting suspicious.
“Come and stand with your papa and me, Sophia. We have a very special announcement,” my mother cooed, and again, I was led away. Only this time, the only person who followed us was my brother.
“What’s going on?” I whisper-hissed.
Gio didn’t say a word as we took our places next to our parents.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as many of you know…” My father’s boomed out. Reaching for my hand, he drew it up to his lips and kissed it. “My beautiful daughter Sophia recently turned nineteen, and I know many of you have approached me about …”
I drowned him out. I hated it when they spoke about me like I wasn’t there. It grated on me. Letting my eyes wander, I found Matteo on the edge of the crowd, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed about his chest. He gave me a lazy smile, and I relaxed with a sigh.
“We have searched long and hard for the perfect husband for her,” my father continued.
My head snapped up. Wait what?
