Logan laughed. “Sorry, only a sister.”
“Dang.” Cece shrugged. “It was worth a shot.”
The two old friends chatted for a minute about Cece’s new position as head of Pediatrics at a hospital in Manhattan. Logan listened intently, adding a few remarks to help show his interest in their conversation. Then the music in the background stilled. They announced the bride and groom’s first dance.
Cece hugged Brooke. “It was great seeing you.” Then she leaned in and whispered but loud enough for him to hear, “Your new guy is hot and nice, do yourself a favor and hold on to him.”
“I’ll try,” Brooke replied.
“I’d better get back to my table.” Cece stepped away then glanced in his direction. “It was nice meeting you.”
Logan smiled. “Likewise.”
They sat back down and watched for a moment as Ian and Aubrey danced far off on the dance floor.
“Cece seems nice,” Logan said as he readjusted his tie. “I’m sure working in Manhattan is exciting.”
“She was a great co-worker, but I’m happy for her and her promotion.” Brooke leaned back against her seat. “As for Manhattan, I think Chicago is a big enough city for me.”
“Yeah?” His ears perked up. “Could you see making Chicago home?”
“Maybe,” Brooke shrugged.
Their gaze caught. His breath hitched.
“I mean what is home anyways?” Brooke gnawed on her bottom lip.
“I think it’s where you make it, but I’m partial to Chicago.”
Brooke peeled her glance from him. “I’ve never really felt I had a home anywhere, but Chicago is growing on me. I think with time it could become home. I figure it’s as good as place as any to settle down.”
Those in the room erupted into applause as the song and dance ended. The announcer opened up the dance floor to everyone else. A soft smooth slow song came out of the speakers. Logan watched for a minute as others joined in with the happy couple. Then he pushed back his chair and stood.
“Dance with me.” He held out his outstretched hand.
Brooke tilted her chin up and met his gaze. Her hair had loosened even more, practically fallen out of the updo. The silky strands cascaded over her shoulders. She yanked the last of the bobby pins out of her hair. Then she shook her hair and used her hand to fluff it out.
“There.” She tossed the bobby pins onto the table. “My head was killing me from how tight the hairdresser did the top part.” Her hand smoothed out it out a bit more. “Does that look okay?” She scuttled out of her chair.
“You look perfect.” Logan wrapped an arm around her waist and gently brought her closer. “Now come dance with me.”
“Right,” Brooke paused, “is this for pretend? Because I think Justin is far too drunk to notice.”
“What?” Logan faltered. “No. I want to dance with you, not for pretend, not for anything other than I want to be close to you.”
“Do you?” Brooke tilted her head and examined him. “I can’t decide what is real and what isn’t.”
“I want to dance with you.” Logan’s chest tightened. He wished he had the words to better convey the myriad of emotion trapped inside of him. “That’s what is real.”
The song changed from a soft melody to a fast, upbeat one. His chance to slow dance withered away, and he hated it.
“Fine.” Brooke snatched his hand. “Looks like they are onto the fast songs. Are you ready to show me your wicked dance moves?”
Logan cringed. “I’m such a dorky dancer.”
Brooke crinkled her nose. “Which is something I’m sure I’ll find endearing.”
She weaved them through the throngs of people and made their way over to where her friends danced. Those on the dance floor bopped and swayed. Brooke continued until they landed next to Aubrey and Ian dancing. The iconic YMCA song blared, and Logan let himself get lost in the joyful spirit of dancing. Brooke glimmered under the twinkle lights which hung over the area. She looked beautiful and free as she laughed along with her friends. The song ended then a long slew of faster songs followed. Logan shucked his jacket off and tossed it on a chair nearby. Brooke’s tight curls loosened even more, and he resisted the urge to run a finger down the length of the smooth strands.
