Before she had a chance to reply, Ambrose cut her off.
“Excuse me. Can’t you see we’re busy? If Cerise was going to dance with anyone, it would be me.”
“Oh?” I spoke with mock surprise. “Didn’t she break up with you or was I misinformed?”
Ambrose sputtered, trying to come up with a reply.
“Besides, Ambrose,” I said, purposely using his first name to piss him off, “It’s just a dance. It’s not like I intend to corner her in a storage room and have my way with her.”
Cerise choked on the water she was drinking.
“Are you all right, Doctor Thornheart?” I asked, patting her back. “You should really be careful. You know how dangerous sipping water can be.”
She nodded vigorously, coughing. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice raspy.
Ambrose gawked at both of us, still speechless.
Cerise turned to him. “This conversation was over anyway. I’d like to go dance with Doctor Pendragon.”
He stayed silent as Cerise rose and followed me to the dance floor. Taking her hand in mine, I placed my other carefully onher waist and began to lead us. I really wanted to yank her flush against me, but I didn’t want to do anything to worsen her stress.
“Liam,” she said harshly. “I can’t believe you said that.”
“I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.” I feigned innocence. “I was just reassuring him I didnotplan on doing that.”
She blew out a frustrated breath but smiled despite herself. “I must admit, the look on his face was one I’ll never forget.”
“Nor will I.” I grinned back.
“I never got a chance to tell you that you look incredible tonight,” Cerise said, her violet eyes warm.
“Why thank you, sunshine. And I know I’ve told you several times, but you’re beautiful. I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you all evening.”
She squeezed my shoulder.
I scanned the ballroom as we continued, my eyes catching on Coen in the corner with the blonde woman. She was speaking animatedly and he couldn’t pull his eyes away.
“Who is that woman?” I asked. “I saw you speaking with her earlier.”
“Doctor Fiona Thatcher.”
“Where does she work?”
“She’s a botanist. She just left her last position. Said she’s been taking some time off to attend to personal family matters. Why do you ask?”
I jerked my head in her direction. “Seems like my best friend can’t stay away from her.”
“Your best friend is Coen Langley?” Cerise looked appalled.
“Yes, he is. I guess I never told you that. Why are you so surprised?”
She lowered her voice. “Everyone says he’s…”
“An asshole? He is.”
She winced. “And he makes his students cry.”
I spun us, gripping her hand. “Oh, he does. But he has many layers. He’s notall bad.”
