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Before I realize it, my hands are clenched into fists.
Mary’s not mine. I’ll do well to remember that. She has the right to dance with whomever she pleases.
And I have the right to cut in.
Which I do, tapping the man on the back.
He turns. He isn’t quite as tall as I am, but he’s handsome, with dark hair and eyes.
“Yes?” he says.
“I’m cutting in,” I say adamantly.
“All right.” He gives Mary’s hand to me. “If it’s all right with you, Blossom.”
Mary’s cheeks redden. “Yeah, it’s fine, Ben.”
I take Mary in my arms as the slow jazz continues. “Who was that?” I ask.
“Ben Black.”
Her words stun me. Ben Black is the brother of Braden Black, my new business partner. How did I not recognize him? “Now that you mention it, he looks a lot like his brother.”
“Yeah, only, his eyes are brown and Braden’s are blue.”
I’m done talking about Ben Black or any other man with Mary. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
She shrugs against me. “That’s okay. I passed the time.”
“Dancing with Ben Black?”
“Part of the time.”
“Did you do anything other than dance?”
“I had a drink.”
“You know that’s not what I’m asking.”
Her cheeks flush in the disco lighting. “Ben and I don’t play together.”
“Why?”
“Ben is no longer in the lifestyle. He left it a while ago. He only comes to the club every now and then to see how things are going.”
News to me. And I don’t really care. It’s not my business. I’m just glad she had no intention of playing with him.
“Drink?” I ask when the music gets a little faster.
“Sure.”
I lead her to a small table in the corner that’s unoccupied and pull out a chair for her. “I’ll get it. What would you like?”
“Ronan, you don’t have to. The service here is impeccable. Someone will be here before—”
“What can I get you to drink?” a topless server asks.
“Hi, Kaylee,” Mary says. “I’ll have a lemon drop.”
