Emotions came at him from all directions as she walked toward him. For a split second he panicked and considered backing out. He wasn’t ready to date again. Would he ever be? Reason edged out the panic. A single evening date with no future expectations was the best way to jump back in the dating scene.
He hated that phrase. He didn’t want a scene. If he were going to invest time and emotions into a relationship, he wanted a friend, first and foremost. Someone with whom he could spend time on an adventure or be equally as content watching a movie together or reading books in comfortable silence.
His many adventures with Cece this week played in his mind. He thought of last night when they’d been tired after a full day but not ready to call it a night, so they had visited the castle’s library and spent two hours reading next to each other.
“Are you okay?” Cece’s question broke into his thoughts.
“Yes,” he answered automatically, then decided to be honest. “I’m having an internal struggle, and I’m sorry because that’s not fair to you.”
“Stop apologizing.” Cece reached for his hands and covered them with hers. “I understand and it’s okay. You don’t have to feel bad.”
“Thank you.”
She removed her hands from his. “We should go if we’re going to make the picture line.”
“Let’s go.” He glanced down at their hands then met her gaze. Consciously, pointedly, he wrapped his hand with hers.
They took the elevator to the second floor, then found the grand staircase leading to the ballroom. Up until now, they hadn’t had access to the ballroom, as the staff took a full week every month to prepare for the event.
James had attended many black-tie functions throughout his career, including galas, dances, fundraising dinners and more. None of those prepared him for the sight of the ballroom. Cece’s wide eyes reflected the same astonishment.
Tiered crystal chandeliers hanging from a ceiling painted nautical blue with whisps of white glittered like ice suspended in air. Ornate tapestries in rich colors hung from the golden walls. Dining tables lined the perimeter of the room, covered with rose-quartz linen and were perfectly set according to proper etiquette standards. Sprays of greenery and neutral florals made up the centerpieces.
Cece’s fingers dug into his. “Am I dreaming? Pinch me if this is real. I didn’t know places this beautiful and ornate existed in real life.”
“I’m not pinching you,” he said with a hint of amusement. “This surpasses any place I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m pretending I’m making my grand entrance.” Cece postured herself with a rigid back and her chin firmly up. “Do I look like a debutante?”
“You would outshine them all.” He held firmly to her hand as he escorted her down the steps.
She turned and smiled at him when they reached the final step. “All eyes would be on me only because they’d be jealous I’m here with you.”
They were playing an innocent game of flirtation, and a part of him he’d thought had died with Crystal came to life. He’d missed moments like this, where it was her and him and no one else mattered.
Feeling light and happy, he lifted his arm, bringing her hand up with his and gave her a twirl. Her short squeal of surprised delight pulled on the chords of his heart.
“I will get you on that dancefloor,” she declared. “Wait and see.”
“You can’t blame me if you go to bed tonight with bruises on your feet.”
She touched his cheek in a featherlight touch. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
Chapter Fifteen
Cece sighed, wishing the night never had to end. The evening had been perfect, more magical than she’d dared to dream.
Dinner had been exquisite. Starting with a fresh greens and roasted beet salad, it was followed by beef with cabernet sauce, asparagus, and gorgonzola au gratin potatoes, and ended with caramel flan.
She and James had shared a table with Edwin and Kate, who looked years younger in the burgundy dress she’d chosen. Two ladies from Australia also joined them at the table, both of whom had come in hopes of the legend being true.
In her enjoyment of the week, Cece had almost forgotten about the legend. She could understand how the romantic ambiance of the ball could lend itself to such a legend, but she still doubted its existence. Perhaps love came to those who attended because Finlovia, with its welcoming people, and Ellington Castle, with its quixotic setting, gave people space to heal and open their hearts.
It had done that for her, and she suspected James as well.
“The final dance is coming up,” he said. They’d sat out the previous one to relieve their parched throats with cups of cold water brought straight from Finlovia’s prized springs.
“Are you actually asking me to dance instead of me having to drag you?” she teased.
