Bethany knew the dance well, very well, in fact, as Tabetha had insisted on practicing weekly all winter. Unfortunately, Bethany had always danced the gentleman’s steps.
“I’m used to leading,” she admitted. Having her hand on his shoulder left her feeling… vulnerable. She was going to be expected to step backward and trust he’d not dance them into a potted plant.
“So am I.” He grinned. Moving her hand back and forth a little, almost as though testing her frame, he smiled at her with teasing eyes. “But you’re welcome to lead if you wish.”
Foolish man.
He jokingly went to return her hand to his waist, but she stubbornly refused and gripped his shoulder. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“You’re looking disapproving again. Do you require kiss number eight?” Was that why he’d been staring at her mouth?
“You wouldn’t!” Because they were in the middle of a dance floor and the music was about to strike up any moment. She could be brave.
“Is that a dare?”
She knew better than to dare him. How many times had Westerley complained of losing some bet or another to ‘blasted Chaswick?’
“No.” And then she licked her lips and forced them to soften, which wasn’t as easy as it sounded. He leaned closer threateningly. He wouldn’t! Would he?
She exhaled and parted her lips in anticipation at the same moment the music began.
Instinctively, she would have stepped forward if Chase was not so very much stronger. His manhandling left her with little choice but to surrender herself to his will.
After taking no less than ten or so steps, her dismay turned to pleasure.
A twirl sent her heart fluttering and in no time, she’d adjusted to dancing backward on the balls of her feet as he weaved them expertly through the other dancers.
“I thought you said you hadn’t done this recently,” Bethany ventured, hoping she wouldn’t misstep in order to make conversation.
“I didn’t say I forgot how.”
Almost as though she had no choice but to do so, she stared into his brilliant blue eyes. Dancing with him like this was almost a representation of their relationship. Forced almost at first but then tentative. It required unspoken communication and… trust.
She’d always considered him the most handsome man she’d ever met, but in the course of a few days, she was beginning to finallyknowhim.
No man deserved to be as good-looking as he was and yet she wasn’t attracted to just his looks. As he guided her across the floor, he dominated his surroundings but not by using force or bullish behavior. He did so with precision, taking long even strides and navigating his way through the other couples effortlessly.
Dancing with him was a most extraordinary experience.
“What?” He cocked an eyebrow, looking down at her. “Do I have crumbs on my face?’
“No.”
He lifted his left hand and sent her twirling with his right. A lighthearted breathlessness consumed her by the time she was in his arms again.
She couldn’t help wondering if he’d forgotten their discussion over dessert.
“Are we still going to…” Bethany stared at his cravat. “Tonight. Do you still want to?” Had he changed his mind?
He missed a step but recovered just as quickly.
“Doyoustill want to?” He turned the question back to her.
She did, but it was embarrassing to say so. It’s just that if he’d changed his mind, she wanted to know ahead of time. It would be mortifying to sit waiting in her chamber until the early hours of the morning only for him not to come.
“I don’t want to if you’re doing it out of pity.” This. This concern had simmered beneath her enjoyment all evening.
Chase sent her twirling again, only this time when he drew her close, he held her so that major portions of their bodies touched. The muscles in his thighs moved against hers with each step and his chest felt hard and unyielding against her breasts.
