Page 73 of Beneath the Blue Moon
I look down at her in time to see her blush.
“Technically, you found me, right?”I ask.
“I guess.It took you long enough to make a move, though.”
The group chuckles and Mike steps forward.“If you ever gettired of this one, give me a call.”
“I’m afraid that would be a mighty long wait, Mr.Dresden.”
She stares into my eyes, and my heart feels like it’s aboutto rip through my chest.She’s perfect.And she’s mine.
“Please tell us, any sisters?”Mayor Whitley asks.
“Only child.Sorry, gentlemen.”
“They’re all married.Don’t listen to them,” I tell her.
“Hey, we could be un-married for a woman like this.”
“I bet you could, Stan.”
“Ethan, your friends sure know how to stroke a girl’s ego.”
“That’s not all—”
“Don’t go there, Mike,” I stop him.
He takes one look at my face and backs off.I’ve had enoughof this conversation; it’s time to dance with my beautiful date.Besides, thesong that’s playing expresses exactly how I feel—Thompson Square’s “If I Didn’tHave You.”It could be our song.
“Excuse us, gentlemen.”I nod to them and lead her to thedance floor, pulling her into my arms.She smiles, and my heart skips a beat.God,I love this woman.
“Stan was right.Youareenchanting.”
“First you’re bewitched, now enchanted.I see a pattern here.”
“I’ve been waiting for you for a long time, Casey.”
“For me?”
“Yes.You… and only you.”
***Casey***
This night has certainly had its twists and turns.And nowthis.Now he’s staring at me like the glass slipper fits.He said he’s beenwaiting for me.Not someonelikeme—me.How do I respond to that?He places his forehead on mine, and I close my eyes against the emotionsbubbling inside me.I could easily fall in love with him.Hell, the sex alonehas me halfway there.If he keeps talking like this, he’s bound to push me overthe edge.He’s seriously got me coloring outside the lines—wayoutsidethe lines.There is no way I could make a clean break from him.
“Walk with me,” he says.
We leave the ballroom behind, and he leads me through a sidedoor into the courtyard.He veers to the left, heading in the direction of abeautiful water fountain.
“I love these things.I’m gonna have one at my house one day.”
I like this one.There are no bells and whistles—just acircular fountain with a water jet in the center, surrounded by six smallerones.Lights on the bottom illuminate the water, and it sits under aGreek-themed gazebo, supported by four ionic columns.
“I’ll build one for you,” he offers.
“That’s sweet, but I don’t exactly have the space right now.”
He opens his mouth to say something but changes his mind.Instead, he sits on the concrete enclosure of the fountain and pulls me ontohis lap with a heavy sigh.
