Page 107 of Love ad Lib
Henry squared his shoulders. As he approached Libby, his sister drew Eveline away.
He bowed. ‘Elizabeth Bennet, if your card is not already full, would you do me the honour of a dance?’
Her pink lips parted and her hand flew to her chest. ‘It would, um, be, yes please.’
He held out his hand and she took it. ‘I’m afraid I don’t know any steps,’ he said.
‘Er, maybe we could slow dance?’
Henry nodded and drew her to his chest.This is in public. It’s okay. It’s just an act.He suppressed a sigh. Libby fitted into his arms perfectly. His heart thudded faster and faster as he swayed with her. He closed his eyes, wishing the rest of the world would disappear. Wishing this moment could be private. Wishing what they were faking could be real.
The musicians played on, and they didn’t stop dancing. Henry had never experienced such blissful contentment before. As the piece came to an end, everyone clapped. He glanced up to see they were at the edge of the room, behind everyone. No-one was looking their way.
He gazed down. Libby’s eyes were bright and her lips were parted. Her tongue slipped out to wet them and he stifled a groan.
‘Libby…’
She brought her face closer to his.
‘Yes?’
God, he wanted to kiss her. Did she want to kiss him?
Henry cupped the back of her head and she gasped, moving closer.
Her lips were millimetres away and he could feel the fast puffs of her breath.
Desire rushed through him, urging him to bridge the gap and bring his lips to hers.
She moved her hand to the back of his neck, clutching his cravat.
Holy shit. Shedidwant to kiss him.
This was it.
‘Jesus Christ, get on with it,’ Julian barked. ‘I’ve got twenty quid riding on this.’
Henry broke away from Libby in shock. Julian was staring at them, and Rupert was eyeing his watch.
Estelle yanked a bullwhip from her back. ‘I will fuckingendyou!’
Julian hid behind his wife. ‘The bet was Rupert’s idea.’
Rupert laughed. ‘And you just lost!’
Estelle shoved Rupert, pushing him backwards. ‘You fucking twat! You ruined it.’
‘What’s going on?’ Arthur asked, entering the room. He was dressed as a centaur and, thankfully, his genitals were covered.
‘Henry and Libby were having a moment, and Rupert and Julian ruined it!’ Estelle yelled.
‘Is that all? Deary me, I thought the house was falling down.’ Arthur turned to them. ‘You two carry on. Don’t mind us.’
Henry glanced at Libby. She looked mortified.
He took her hand. ‘Come on, let’s get out of here.’
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