Page 38 of Keep Your Friends Close and Your… Work Enemy Closer?

Staring past me, she thought for a long moment, the music slowing down as the band played the first few notes of a romantic song I hadn't heard in ages.

"You might have a point," Cordelia finally said.

"I might have a point? You're actually agreeing with me?"

She bumped my arm slightly with her shoulder. "Don't let it go to your head."

"Wait. Just for the record, youareactually agreeing with me, right?"

"Maybe. Would you just shut up and dance?"

After glancing around at all the couples surrounding us, including Venus and her husband who'd appeared out of nowhere, Dee placed her hands on me, cutting off any gloating I was about to do... actually, cutting off all coherent thoughts in my head.

"You're supposed to put your arms around me too," Dee whispered.

Right. Fuck. Why was I being such a dolt?

All those dance lessons my mom had made me take years ago flashed through my mind, but I couldn't remember a damn thing. Somehow, though, my hands knew where to go, one settling on the side of her waist, and the other finding her hand, our palms coming together, our fingers intertwining, her hand so delicate in mine.

Given her sharp edges and bite, it was surprising to me how soft she felt, the curve of her waist, the way her skin was so smooth. In my imagination, she was all hard angles, and I had to admit, the contrast was intriguing to me.

Instinct taking over, muscle memory apparently a real thing, I truly began to lead her in a dance, her surprised exhale against my chest making me smile. The space between us becamecharged with an unexpected electricity as our bodies began to move in sync.

Glancing down at her, I tried in vain to get a good glimpse at her eyes to get an inkling of her thoughts, but she kept her head averted to the side, looking at something behind me.

My gut clenched. I didn't want her distracted. I wanted all her focus on me and me alone.

So I pulled her in tighter, our bodies coming together, her curves fitting against me perfectly. I was rewarded with another gasp-like noise. I liked it. And I wanted more from her.

I suddenly craved it more than anything.

Holding her as close as possible, her body seemed to melt against me, her breasts soft against my chest. Fuck.

She felt incredible. Was there any chance she was feeling it too?

There was no way in hell.

But then something amazing happened. Cordelia's body relaxed completely, her head coming to rest against me, tucked perfectly in the space under my jaw, something about the gesture so trusting, almost vulnerable.

I felt a twinge in my chest. A twinge that I hadn't felt in forever.

The music seemed to slow, and the world around us faded away, leaving just the two of us swaying together, lost in this moment.

An overwhelming urge overtook me. Just to kiss this girl and see what it'd be like.

But I'd probably get slapped if I tried. Oddly, the thought made me smile, almost laugh. And the shift in mood broke the spell, the magic dispersing as Dee lifted her head away and cool air flooded the sudden space between us.

Above her head, I spotted Venus in the puppy cuddle corner, with only the attendant for company, a little dog in her arms thatshe was cooing over. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to approach her.

My mouth close to Cordelia's ear, I said, "Now's our chance." As much as I hated to do it, I gently let her go, her eyes widening as she looked in the direction I indicated with my nod.

"Let's go."

To my surprise, she grabbed my hand, and together, we walked the short distance to where Venus stood. I'd actually met her as myself, as Max, a few years back. I doubted she remembered me, but God, that would make it easier if I could throw my name around at least.

No one gave a crap about Jared—shit, what was my last name again? And Venus certainly wouldn't either. But even if I failed miserably, I had to give this thing a try.

For Cordelia.

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