Page 91 of Until I Have You

When she takes it, her face hardens more.There isn’t any joy in it, the joy I’ve grown used to.Her touch has become something I crave, but I’ve also come to crave the way she responds to mine.

However, now she is calculated and distant.

I cannot blame her for being cautious.

We were risky last night.Bloody hell, Bonnie was asleep in my arms when she snagged that kiss.Everything could have fallen apart in an instant.

It didn’t.And that’s what matters.

One dance won’t hurt us.Two family friends engaged in an elegant sway to a Clapton song is nothing.

Nothing at all.

I guide Abigail back to the dance floor, strike the usual dancing form, keeping a respectable distance between our chests and begin to lead her in a compulsory sway.

Abigail says nothing.She avoids my gaze altogether.

What’s the matter with her?

I wet my lips to speak.“I’ve wanted to tell you…the dress suits you.”

Her lips perk up.

“Not like other bridesmaids dresses that seem to be punishments rather than enhancements,” I go on.

Abigail’s smile turns into a giggle.“Thanks to Bridget.She has an eye for that sort of thing.”

I shift my hand on the small of her back, tightening the waterlike fabric in my palm.

She moves closer to me.A micromovement.But she does not resist.

“Yes, they make a beautiful couple.Bridget and Seth.”

“They do.Stepsibling-ness aside.”

I chuckle.“Your family and friends certainly find love in strange places.”

Abigail’s nose scrunches, her freckles clumping together.“It feels like just yesterday I was advising her to stay away from you when in reality I had nothing to be worried about.”

“Yes, Seth staked his claim clearly if I remember correctly.”I glance upward at the sky, narrowing my eyes.“Sonia had nice taste in bridesmaids’ dresses too.”

“Yes, no wonder you had eyes for Bridget.”

I try again, pulling Abigail closer.

She bends to my will.

Now I can speak in a softer way.A way that can’t be overheard.“Bridget would have been convenient at the time, but it’s you I remember.”

“Me?”

“Yes, I remember how even then you wouldn’t look at me, and you found the idea of walking down the aisle with me absolutely abhorrent.”

Abigail blushes.“Notabhorrent.”

“Ah, what word would you use?”I lean a little closer.

Abigail’s lips part.

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