I spin Tori around, then bring her back in close, the sweet scent of her perfume winding around me. She fits perfectly beneath my arm and I’m struck by how natural it feels dancing with her. The initial stiffness between us is gone, replaced by an easy grace.
Dark eyes glittering in the light of the chandeliers, this is the most at ease I’ve ever seen her. Even surrounded by all these people, wearing a fancy gown, she’s surprisingly calm. Face relaxed, her smile radiant. I’ve never seen her like this before—but I like it.
This is a version of Tori I could get used to.
Gone is the ice queen, thawed over the course of the evening. Seeing her like this —calm and happy — makes me want to stay out on the dance floor longer.
Just to holdthisTori in my arms.
The song ends and the Rayburns sidle up next to us.
Mr. Rayburn taps my shoulder and gestures at Tori. “May I cut in?”
“Of course.” Tori smiles at him, and we swap partners. I instantly miss her — her soft skin against mine, the way she gazed up at me. Mrs. Rayburn is a good dancer, but she’s not Tori.
We chat about her daughter, hockey, and the upcoming season, and soon enough the song is over.
Tori reappears with Mr. Rayburn at her side.
“Time to go, I’m afraid.” She taps her watch and tips her head toward the door.
We say our goodbyes and leave the ballroom behind, the music fading as we walk across the lobby.
We’re almost out of the Yacht Club when Eleanor and Trent MacDonald sideline us.
“Victoria, sneaking out so soon?” Eleanor peers down her nose at us and my muscles tighten, fists balling at my side.
“Afraid so, Eleanor,” Tori says with a tight smile. “Bennett has practice early in the morning.”
“Shame. We didn’t have much time to catch up.”
“Too bad. I’m sure we’ll meet again. Back in the city.”
“So — you are planning on returning to the city?” Eleanor fidgets with the string of pearls around her neck.
“Of course. I’m only here while the team gets established.”
“Really? I heard you were staying. Especially after everything that transpired…”
Tori bristles next to me, her pulse jumping in her neck.
Eleanor keeps going. “Interesting. The move down here felt like a natural transition for you.”
“No, Eleanor.” Tori’s voice is calm, the words clipped. “I’m only here temporarily, helping my father. I’ll be back.”
The words linger heavy in the air, falling somewhere between a promise and a dare.
Trent shifts uncomfortably, taps Eleanor on the forearm. “Darling, we must be going. The Caldwells are waiting on us.”
Eleanor flashes us a fake smile, then leans in and kisses both of Tori’s cheeks.
“I’ll tell Preston you said hello.” Her voice is syrupy sweet and the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
Tori’s nostrils flare slightly before she returns a smile every bit as genuine. “Please do. Give him my regards.”
The MacDonalds finally walk away, leaving us alone, Knox lingering in the shadows.
I take a tiny step closer, my lips hovering at the shell of her ear.
