Page 50 of His Unforgettable Bride
“Superb,” Livy continued. “Next, clasp your free hands at the chest or shoulder height.”
Meeting her gaze, Gray cradled her hand. “Or you could say at the height of my heart.”
Heart, for heaven’s sake? Tonight had nothing to do with romance. If Gray thought to lighten the mood with his little quip, he’d fallen woefully short. Or was she the only one wrongly pairing heart and romance together?
And was she alone in thinking the sisters were practically shoving her into his muscular arms? Society had more illogical rules than logical, in her humble opinion. Besides, other than the dance after the open house, how much waltzing would she perform in the days to come? “How often does the average lady ordinarily dance in a year?”
Tabitha’s brows knitted. “I’m certain it varies from woman to woman, though it’s a fundamental skill for all young ladies. You must learn now because our dance won’t have enough partners.”
“I suspect you shall have a fullroster of men longing to dance with you, Juliet,” Livy added.
Leaning his hip against the piano, Cy leafed through the music sheets. “Definitely.”
Gray frowned and squeezed her fingers tighter than necessary before releasing her hand. What was wrong with the man?
Livy proceeded to explain the specific dance steps. They’d move in a square. Hence, the name box step.
They practiced the movements for several turns, and she was surprised by how much fun it was. A delightful surprise, to say the least.
Afterward, Gray released her. “I believe you are a natural, Juliet. I only hope I keep pace with you.”
“False, and I look forward to savoring every crumb of your chocolate cake.” Still, a small thrill of excitement warbled inside her.
Tabitha clapped her hands twice. “What is the first rule for dancing?”
Cy rested his elbow on the piano, his chin on his palm. “Somebody needs to say it, and I volunteer. The first rule Livy read is rubbish. No flirting on the dance floor takes away half the fun. Or perhaps all the fun. Am I right, Gray?”
Tabitha pursed her lips even more than she usually did.
“Completely.” Gray’s mouth quirked up into a playful smile.
The sight sent her heart into a tumble. His grins were always so charming.Hewas so charming. And too blamed good looking.
Tabitha began playing again, calling Juliet to straighten her carriage and ease back into Gray’s waiting arms. Soon, they leaned into the rhythm and waltzed, though perhaps not as perfectly as Livy and Cy. The pulse of music led their steps.
“Gray, you’re very good at this.” Not for a minute did she think tonight was his dancing debut.
“I’m as surprised as you.” His whisper tickled her ear.
She supposed dancing was far from horrible with the right partner. And Gray was definitely the right partner. He was patient, careful, and gentlemanly. She felt him studying her face from time to time. Whenever she gazed up at him and their eyes connected, her blood stirred with warmth.
The man knew how to hold a woman with strong hands and make her feel coveted and priceless. The closeness, the growing intensity, the feel of his hands on her—it all excited and scared her at the same time, so she kept her eyes mostly on his chest.
When the song ended, they broke apart, and Cy applauded. “It’s almost as if the waltz was made for the two of you.”
“Balderdash.” Juliet swallowed hard, her eyes darting between Livy and Tabitha before turning to Cy. She swooped into an awkward curtsy before straightening. “Please forgive me. I meant to say,Thank you, kind sir.”
Tabitha stood and covered her lips with her fingers, perhaps to hide a smile. “On that note, tonight’s lesson draws to a close.”
“Yes, indeedy.” Livy tucked her manual under her arm. “Thank you, everybody, and I shall see you in the morning.” With a nod, she crossed the room, humming.
“I look forward to it.” Cy’s eyes twinkled as he watched her depart, or maybe Juliet imagined the glint. Was he flirting with his dance partner?
Livy glanced over her shoulder, smiled enthusiastically, and resumed her exit.
What was happening? Regardless, it wasn’t Juliet’s concern. She had enough to tend with. Especially her climbing attraction to Gray, which swirled her thoughts as much as her heart.
Sixteen
