Page 45 of RAKEish

Mr. Insta-Love smiled. “Of course. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better as the night moves forward.”

Watching him walk away, Lux sighed. “He’s really quite nice…isn’t he?” she said to Scott, who had listened to the whole exchange instead of moving on like a gentleman.

“Boring was what I was thinking.”

She raised her brows. “Which I’m sure is what you were thinking last night when I propositioned you. But luckily, your boring might just be my Mr. Right.”

“You’re wrong, you know,” he said. “About me. You’re wrong.”

She moved a little closer, not wanting to be overheard. “I don’t think so. Actions speak a lot louder than words, and your actions have deafened me.”

“Whatever you think they said, you’re mistaken.”

“I doubt that.”

He swore softly. “Just remember, Doc, you’re obligated to give it your all to try to land a rake using the methods I’ve taught you.”

“Then get the hell away from me, so I can.”

“Ladies and gentlemen. It’s time for part two of the flirtation gala. Men, you’ve offered the ladies your best pickup line—now it’s time to show off your dance moves. When the music starts, make your way to the floor and grab a dance partner. Each time the music changes, pick a new partner.”

Lux glanced around for Insta-Love. She refused to write him off just because Scott had put doubt in her head. Knowing him, that was one of his rakish moves to defeat the competition. Right as she laid eyes on Mr. Insta-Love, a woman walked up to him and said something that made him smile.

“May I have this dance,” said a gentleman stepping in front of Lux. A guy who looked a tad like a younger version of Jason Momoa.

“You may.” Lux placed her palm in his, a bit dazzled by his movie star looks.

The music started, a Latin song, and her dance partner twirled her onto the floor, causing her to laugh in surprise.

Then he pulled her into his chest. “Do you know how to cha-cha?” he asked, even as he spun her out.

Before she could reply, he spun her back in and started moving his feet and his hips. “Just follow my lead.”

She did her best to keep up and found herself wondering if Scott was right. Did great dancers make great lovers?

The music changed, and she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she saw a smiling Mr. Insta-Love. “My turn.” He pulled her into his arms.

She waited for excitement to zip through her and was disappointed when it didn’t. “I didn’t catch your first name.”

The music turned to a slow song, and her partner moved her around the floor like a man comfortable on the dance floor. “It’s John. And yours?”

“Lux.” Fuck Scott and his head games. This guy wasn’t a dud. Just like she wasn’t a dud.

“I’m sorry if I startled you earlier with my insta-love question,” John said. “It’s just that my parents fell in love the first night they met, and they just celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary, so it’s on my mind.”

Lux stumbled and stepped on his toes. “Sorry,” she murmured.

“Don’t be,” he said with a kind smile. “Mistakes happen.”

“My parents didn’t make it to their fifth.”

“I count myself lucky to have had such great role models.” He pulled her a little tighter. “They are as in love today as they were the day they got married.”

She stepped back enough to look into his eyes. “Then age hasn’t dimmed your father’s love of your mother?”

“Oh, God no. In his eyes, she’s as beautiful today as she was in her twenties. You should see the way they still flirt with one another.”

“Was she a beauty in her twenties?”

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