Page 111 of Heart of The Night

‘Well, because you’re an obstinate realist, and she’s a hopeless romantic.’

My lips twisted into a faint smile. ‘Is that so? And what are you, Will?’

‘Me?’ He pulled me closer, his hand sliding further down my back as he stared into my eyes. ‘I’m head over heels.’

His words sliced through the music, leaving a stunned silence in my mind. The air hitched in my throat, my heart throbbing.

He tittered at my facial expression. ‘Anyway, I won’t do anything too complicated. Just follow my lead.’

Regaining my senses, I took a deep breath to steady myself. ‘I’ll do my best.’

‘It’s a quick tune,’ he warned, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, ‘but we can slow it down a bit if you’d prefer.’

‘Depends,’ I said, cocking my head from side to side. ‘How many of your toes would you like to keep?’

He laughed softly. ‘For a dance with you, I’d be happy to sacrifice them all.’

I rolled my eyes, my lips still bent in amusement.

Almost immediately, William began to move, the closeness of his hold making it somewhat tricky to keep pace. We had barely started when I accidentally trod on his shoe.

‘See? That’s one down,’ I joked, though I felt my cheeks redden with embarrassment.

‘Step on me all you like, chérie.’ He grinned, clearly unfazed. ‘I’m having a blast either way.’

His word choice drew a chuckle from me, easing the tension as we tried to find our rhythm. When we finally began to move in sync, he pulled me even closer, guiding our steps with gentle precision. His head dipped slightly, his eyes holding a striking intensity as he stared into mine.

‘You look radiant tonight, Cara.’

‘Well…’ I smiled at him, my eyes wandering over his handsome face – his heart-shaped mouth, his strong nose, his piercing eyes. ‘My nan always said that in a woman’s features, you see her lover’s character.’

William’s lips twitched, betraying that he enjoyed the poetic take. ‘Hm.’

‘You treat me like a diamond,’ I said, leaning into his embrace, ‘so I shall shine like one.’

His hand tightened around mine, his fingers splayed against the small of my back. Our steps slowed, the music weaving around us like an intimate secret. William’s gaze never wavered from mine as he slowly lowered his head, his breath warm against my skin. With a tenderness that made my heart ache, his lips brushed against mine, a soft, lingering kiss. The subtle scent of his cologne filled my nose, the kiss igniting a fire that seemed to consume all my senses.

As he pulled back slightly, the warmth of his breath still mingling with mine, I saw the flicker of desire deepen in his eyes, a silent plea for another kiss. But as he glanced over my shoulder, taking in the crowd, his frustration was palpable. With a barely audible groan, he tightened his embrace momentarily, a silent lament for the privacy we lacked.

Then, as if enjoying some private joke, his expression shifted from frustration to playful determination. With a mischievous grin, he gently pushed me away and spun me around. Caught off guard by his sudden move, I found myself swirling under his steady hand, a laugh escaping me as I regained my footing.

‘Keeping me on my toes, are you?’

Chuckling, he tugged me closer again. ‘If it were up to me, I’d just keep you. Full stop.’

I drew a shallow breath, my chest suddenly churning with pain. I’ll stay, I wanted to say – anything to put him out of his misery.

‘Mind if I cut in?’ Alex suddenly asked from behind me, his tone light yet respectful.

I quickly glanced at him, then back at William. He gave Alex a smirk, amusement flickering in his gaze.

‘Not at all,’ he said, stepping back a pace as he gently released me. ‘Cara might, though.’

I turned to Alex, my features twisting with a hint of embarrassment. ‘I’m not sure you realise what you’re asking,’ I said. ‘I’ll probably destroy your toes – your shoes at the very least.’

Alex grinned and rolled his broad shoulders. ‘I think I can handle it.’ He opened his palm, inviting my hand.

I took it with a faint shake of my head. ‘Well, there go your rights to sue me for damages.’

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