James stood and extended his arm. “May I have this final dance?”
“You may.” She put her hand in his, reveling in the warmth of his touch.
He led her to the floor where others had gathered to send out the night with a final song. The final selection was a waltz, but James hadn’t lied when he said he couldn’t dance. Cece didn’t care. She could have tried to show him the moves, but instead lived in the moment and went with the flow.
There were couples on the floor dancing a proper waltz, but many swayed to their own movement. James wrapped his arms around Cece’s waist. She looped her arms around his neck, keeping a proper space between them.
“How many do you think of those present not already in love will find love within three months?” James asked.
“You still have no faith in the lore of Ellington Castle?”
A lazy smile pulled at his lips. “I might be more of a believer than I was a week ago.”
“I wish you had another week here. First Anya, then you. Even Edwin and Kate are leaving Monday.” She leaned in closer to him.
He freed one hand and touched her cheek. “We’ll stay in touch.”
She didn’t know the answer she’d wanted, but his response left a pit in her stomach. Staying in touch wasn’t seeing each other again. It lacked a closeness, but what could she expect? They’d had a wonderful week together, but both knew the odds of creating a lasting relationship based off that were improbable. Why was she even assuming he felt the same way?
She swallowed the negativity, refusing to end the night on that note when the rest of the evening had been perfect.
At 11:59, the final note played. James didn’t rush off the dance floor, and Cece followed his lead, relishing every short-lived minute in his arms. She felt a safety and protectiveness there she hadn’t known with….Daniel. She’d blanked out and couldn’t remember his name for a second, which made her silently smile.
“We’re the only ones left,” James whispered in her ear. Regret shadowed his eyes.
They moved off the dancefloor and returned to the table to collect her evening bag. Staff had already begun their cleaning efforts. James kept hold of her hand as they left the ballroom, through the main, ground floor entrance this time.
“What time does your flight leave tomorrow?” she asked.
“Eight,” James answered with a frown.
“At night?”
He shook his head slowly. “In the morning.”
Her stomach coiled to a tight knot. “I thought we’d have time for breakfast at least.”
“I’m sorry. Grant reserved the flights. I’m sure he never imagined I’d be reluctant to leave.” James gripped her hand more firmly.
The elevator dinged and the doors opened . Her feet hurt too much for stairs after a night of heels and dancing. They stepped inside with four others, ceasing their conversation until they were alone again.
“What time will you leave Ellington Castle?” she asked a few minutes later when they stood outside her door.
“A shuttle is leaving here at five-thirty.”
That was barely five hours away.
“You won’t get any sleep. Are you packed?”
“I’ll sleep on my flight. All but my hygiene items are packed, and the tux obviously. I’ll turn that in at checkout and they’ll get it back to the rental shop for me.” His gaze never left hers.
She tugged on his lapel, figuring she had nothing to lose with a little shameless flirting. “Too bad you have to return the tux. You looked so good in it.”
A slow smile curled his lips. “I own a tux at home. With my move to Virginia, perhaps you’ll get to see and enjoy that one as well.”
“Hmm. We’ll need to make that happen.”
“I could float the idea of a fundraising dinner for Anya’s charity. Grant’s willing to help, and said we’ll talk more when we’re both back.”
