Page 77 of Once Upon a Curse for True Love
As the dessert buffet opened, the music became louder and more lively, and the reception kicked into high gear.The Callidora coven’s spontaneous clapping and stomping to the beat of the band’s enchanted instruments had the entire tent pulsing with energy.Even the Black family eventually got dragged into the joyous spirit.
Andromeda was debating if she had room for another chocolate mini dessert, when Mila King, her earlier tears replaced by festive exuberance, looped her arm through Andromeda’s and pulled her toward the dance floor.“Come on!Sarah Michelle insists everyone has to dance.”
Before Andromeda could protest, she’d been dragged in a chaotic swirl of limbs, with steps that changed every few seconds and no discernible pattern.Mila twirled her around, laughing as Andromeda struggled to keep up.
“Is this even a real dance?”Andromeda gasped as she avoided colliding with one of Sarah Michelle’s cousins.
“Who cares?It’s fun!”Mila spun away, replaced by another Callidora relative who seized Andromeda’s hands and pulled her deeper into the fray.
Andromeda caught glimpses of Donatello as she was passed from partner to partner.He stood at their table, but his dark eyes tracked her progress on the dance floor, heating her skin despite the cooling evening air.
After what felt like hours but was only twenty minutes, Andromeda’s feet protested the combination of enthusiastic dancing and impractical heels.She winced as she landed hard after an exuberant twirl, her ankle wobbling dangerously.
As if sensing her discomfort, Donatello appeared at her side with a polite nod to her current partner.“Mind if I take the next one.”It wasn’t even a question.He took her, guiding her away from the dance floor with a supportive arm around her waist.
He led her to a lone table tucked beneath the fairy lights.“Sit.Those shoes are worse than medieval torture devices.”
Andromeda sank into a chair, extending her aching feet.“They’re not that bad, but weren’t designed for whatever interpretive chaos that was.”
Donatello kneeled before her, took one foot in his hands, and slipped off the offending heel.His fingers pressed into her arch with the right amount of pressure, drawing a moan of relief from her that was too suggestive for a public setting.
“Better?”he asked, his eyes dancing with amusement as he moved to the other foot.
“Don’t stop, and I’ll love you forever.”She sighed, then flushed at her own words.
Donatello’s hands paused before continuing their ministrations.“Mmm,” he mumbled, his tone casual but his eyes intent.“I’ve been thinking.”
“A dangerous pastime for you,” she teased.
“You don’t have a roommate anymore,” he continued, ignoring her jab.“Now that Sarah Michelle’s moved out…”
Andromeda raised an eyebrow, her heart racing.“That’s true.Just me and Quill rattling around in that house.”
“It wouldn’t be terrible if your toothbrush and illegal spell books ended up permanently at my place.”His thumbs kept working their magic on her instep.“Among other things.Like you.”
“Are you asking me to move in with you, detective?”The question was casual, despite her racing pulse.
“I’m suggesting it would be more efficient than you spending five nights a week at my place and then rushing home to change clothes and feed your judgmental hedgehog.”
Andromeda pretended to weigh her options, tapping a finger on her chin.“I don’t know.I’ve grown accustomed to my freedom.My independence.”
“You can be free and independent in my house,” he countered.“I’ll even give you dibs on the shower and unlimited access to my hoodies.”
“Tempting,” she admitted.“But I’ll need more incentive than plumbing privileges.And I already steal all your sweats.”
Donatello’s eyes darkened.“I can think of several incentives that aren’t appropriate to discuss at a wedding reception.”
Heat flooded Andromeda’s cheeks.“Fine.I’ll move in if I catch the bouquet.”
“Isn’t that tradition about the next person getting married?”Donatello pointed out, rising from his kneeling position to sit beside her.
Andromeda winked at him.“We’ve always made our own rules.Why stop now?”
Before he could respond, the DJ announced it was time for the bouquet toss.Women from both covens gathered on the dance floor.
Sarah Michelle stood with her back to the crowd, her bouquet of enchanted roses and lilies glowing in the twilight.She glanced over her shoulder and grinned before turning away again.
“One… two… three!”the DJ counted down.
