Page 28 of Holly, Jolly, and Oh So Naughty

“I’m not complaining now,” Lily replies softly. “That’s why I said it’s almost comforting.”

“I’m taking that as a compliment.”

“Please do.”

As we rock and sway, shuffling around the floor like we did even when attending parties with more alcohol than sense, I cast an eye around the room and sure enough, Margret is on the edge of the dancefloor. She watches with a beady eye, but there’s a pleasantness about her smile that I don’t expect.

I hope we’ve done enough to satisfy her curiosity, and I have no idea how I’m going to make it up to Lily, but I will try.

My attention drifts back to Lily as the rest of the dancers melt away. For a few long, happy moments, I can pretend it’s just us. But that’s all it is.

Pretending.

She’s not mine.

She’s not part of my life, not really.

She has her own life, with her adorable daughter and Mark, who I’m certain is Emma’s father. Any time I try to entertain the idea of asking Lily on an actual date, Mark’s face ruins that fantasy.

Could she really say yes with someone like him hanging around?

But with such romance in the air and Lily curled into me like this, I can’t pass up the chance to ask for more.

“Lily?” I lean away from her slightly. She looks up at me through her dark lashes, her red lips slightly parted.

I ache to taste them, to feel her moan against my lips and gasp for air as I consume her.

“Mmm?”

“I was wondering if you wanted?—”

“Lily!” Taylor suddenly appears, looking pretty in a blue dress with green frills. “It’s almost time for the auction!”

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Lily grasps my shoulders and squeezes, then presses a brief kiss on my cheek. “I have to lead this. I’ll find you after!”

With that, Lily is away and I remain there, staring after her with my heart knotting into a lump in my chest.

I was so close. So close to one more date.

After tonight, I have no idea when I will see her again.

“Look at you.” Margret appears at my side with a smile. “You look utterly smitten.”

I wave her off immediately. “Oh, no. I’m just… a little in awe, I think. Lily is quite a woman.”

“That she is.” Margret chuckles throatily. “Don’t you go breaking her heart now, you hear?” She pats my arm and scurries away, leaving an uncomfortable tightness in my shoulders.

I don’t want to break her heart. Not again.

The dancefloor is cleared quickly, and the band steps away to allow the auction to set up. Within ten minutes, the only music is from the speakers, and several works of art scatter the stage. Everything from paintings to clay models and even a few wooden carvings surround Lily’s gigantic cake.

Several people around me munch on cupcakes smothered in blue icing, and I spot Lily on the edge of the stage. She nervously rubs her hands together, puffing out her cheeks. I stare at her, hoping to catch her eye and give her some distant moral support, but she never looks my way.

Lily walks onto stage in elegant, striding steps, and my heart lifts. She looksstunning,especially when she hits the spotlight and the quiet sparkles on her ruffles come to life.

“Good evening!” Lily beams around at everyone. “I hope you’ve all eaten well and danced until your heels ache. I know I certainly have. Now, we come to the meat and potatoes of the night! I can see a few of you have already started making donations and to that, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every cent counts, and together, I’m certain we can make a huge dent in the funds needed for this free clinic!”

A few cheers of support rise up from the crowd around me.

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