He steps away, revealing a familiar figure lingering nearby.
Declan.
My heart thuds in my chest, a myriad of feelings twisting within, fighting for dominance.
“Happy New Year, Claire.” Joshua leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek. Then he retreats, leaving me alone with Declan.
He’s impossibly tall in a navy blue suit that fits like it was tailored to his body. The light catches the faint streaks of silver threading through his dark hair. But it’s his eyes that pin me in place.
Stormy.
Intense.
Fixed entirely on me.
He extends a hand. “Dance with me.”
“I didn’t take you for the type of person who liked to dance,” I respond.
“I’m not.” His mouth tilts into a nervous smile. “And I’m probably going to step all over your feet.”
“Then why do you want to dance with me?”
“Becauseyoulike to dance.” His throat works as he swallows. “And I’m willing to make a complete fool of myself if that’s what it takes.”
“If that’s what it takes for what?”
“For you to forgive me for being an ass.”
The words slice through me.
Around us, the room seems to hush, the music softening to little more than a hum. I catch Joshua in my periphery, his eyes steady. Then he mouths,Give him a chance.
The irony almost undoes me. Joshua, my first everything, nudging me toward his father, the man I once foolishly imagined would be my last.
“Please, Claire.” His voice drops, becoming raw.
“I deserve more than just a dance, Declan.”
“I know. But you also deserve to be with someone whowilldance with you whenever the mood strikes. So let me show I’m willing to be uncomfortable just for you.”
I stare at him for several long seconds as a jazz rendition of “Everytime We Say Goodbye” plays in the background. The pleading look he gives me is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Despite my uncertainty, I slide my hand into his.
The moment his palm closes around mine, warmth spreads through me, like that feeling of coming home after a long time away. He draws me close, guiding me along to the slow swayof the music. He moves with precision and confidence. Like he does with everything else in his life.
“I thought you had a work emergency,” I say after several protracted moments of tense silence.
“I think we both know I didn’t.” His gaze never leaves mine. “Thankfully, my son flew out to D.C. and smacked some sense into me.” He blows out a small laugh. “Or, more accurately,punchedsome sense into me.” He works his jaw.
“Joshuapunchedyou?” I ask in disbelief.
“I deserved it. Hell, I deserved more than that. I was an idiot. A fucking coward.”
I try to look away, but he won’t let me. His fingers touch my chin, tilting my head until his stormy eyes are all I can see.
“I thought I was protecting you. From me. From being with someone broken. But Joshua made a good point. I’ve been letting my father control me, even from the grave. In the process, I hurt the woman who means more to me than anyone ever has.”
