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Emma could have jumped with relief at the sight of Patrick, looking so dashing in his suit, his hand outstretched to her. She stepped away from Aleksander and into Patrick’s arms without a second thought.
“I hope I’ll see you again soon!” Aleksander called as Patrick led Emma into the next dance. Emma fought the urge to rest her head against Patrick’s strong chest and block out the rest of the world, particularly Aleksander.
“Are you okay?” Patrick asked.
“Hmm? Yes, of course.”
“You just had the strangest expression while you were dancing with Aleksander.” Patrick tilted his head. His handsome features were overtaken with an expression of concern, even care. “I wanted to come get you sooner.”
“He’s… he’s not a very nice person, is he?” Emma asked. It was an understatement and she probably shouldn’t have said anything, but anger was still bubbling inside her.
“Did he say something to you?” The concern now grew toward anger. “Did he do something?”
Emma knew she had to stamp out this line of inquiry before Patrick got suspicious. If he figured out that she was working for Aleksander, however unwillingly, he would never trust her to see Aurora, and Emma would end up in jail. So, she quickly shook her head.
“No, no, not at all. I just didn’t get a good feeling about him. And I felt bad because he implied that he regularly steals your dates.”
“Or he tries, at least.” Patrick shook his head.
“Do you have a lot of, um, dates?” Why are you asking that? Emma could have slapped herself. Patrick wasn’t a real romantic interest. He was a mark. And even if she were interested in him, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to ask about his past love life.
“No.” Patrick looked down at her, and once again, Emma saw the color of his eyes seem to darken. “I’m focused on work. I don’t have a lot of time for romance, unless the woman is very special.”
Emma wasn’t the kind of girl to fall over herself at a romantic declaration, but Patrick’s words made her knees go weak and she almost stumbled on the next step. Only Patrick’s strong arms around her kept her on her feet.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m just a clumsy dancer,” Emma joked. “I’m fine. But thank you.”
It was time to change the subject, before she started to imagine that she and Patrick could really be together. It was too late, though. Even as she searched for a new topic of conversation, she could imagine Patrick bending his head to hers and capturing her lips into a gentle yet hungry kiss. She could imagine those strong hands on her face or around her waist, pulling her closer, those blue eyes darkening to mirror a stormy sea…
The fact that they were dancing and that the whole atmosphere was incredibly romantic didn’t help Emma banish her unwelcome daydream.
“What are you thinking about now?” Patrick asked. “You have the funniest expression again.”
Emma felt her cheeks heat and ducked her head. “I was just thinking about that painting you bid on. I’m wondering if you’ll win it.”
“Hmm.” Patrick looked suspicious, but he didn’t press her. Emma was grateful for that.
They danced to a few more songs, then retired to the room with the tables for a few speeches and the announcement of the auction winners. Patrick did win Sunshine on Young Faces, which he appeared to be pleased about. He also won a few paintings as investments, which he had discussed with the other LWC employees.
After the event was over, Patrick insisted on dropping Emma off at home first.
“I really don’t want you to go out of your way,” Emma insisted, but she was touched that he cared enough to escort her home. Plus, not having to ride the long bus route again was a welcome change.
“It’s no trouble. And it’s cold out. I want to make sure you get home safely.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. No arguing.” Patrick opened the door of the cab he’d just flagged down, and Emma slid in.
“Well, thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Patrick closed the door and rounded the cab to the other side.
“Where to?” the driver asked. Emma gave her address, and as they glided down the quiet late-evening streets of Chicago, street lights illuminating their faces in turn, Patrick smiled at her.
“I really enjoyed this evening. Thank you for accompanying me.”
