“Again . . . Why?”
Calyn chewed on her lip—a bad habit on the dance floor when a clumsy trip could cause painful consequences. “Well, we’ve just been acquainted.”
“You’ve never danced with an acquaintance before?”
“I have.”
“Then why not him?”
She gave Thom a bashful look. “I find myself...”
At her hesitation, Thom smirked. “You’re attracted to him?”
Her expression grew worried. “Are you angry?”
Thom huffed. “Why would I be angry?”
“Because you—” Calyn paused, and her eyes narrowed. “You’re courting me. Men are usually jealous when their intended is attracted to another man.”
“My intend—” Thom nearly tripped, baffled. “Calyn,” he said sharply, “we are not courting.”
She looked genuinely surprised. “We’re not?”
“No.”
“You’re sure?”
Thom worked to withhold his incredulous laughter. “Quite sure.”
“Oh.” Calyn stared over his shoulder as they danced, deep in thought. Then she said, “Father said you had intentions toward me. That’s why he allowed me to come with you all—so I could win your heart and marry you.”
Pressing his lips together, Thom cursed Deckard’s likely hand in that farce. “Mm, yes, well... No, my only intentions toward you are to help you find a good husband who isnotme.”
With a steady nod, Calyn continued to look thoughtful. “Do you mind if I say I’m glad?”
Thom grinned dryly. “You don’t want to marry me?”
She gave him a playful look that reminded him quite a lot of Evylin. “To be honest, I did want to once. But over time, I realized that I don’t find you all that attractive beyond your looks.”
“I’m hurt.”
She heard his sarcasm, used to the Shires’ banter. “That’s one of the reasons,” she admitted, pinching his shoulder. “You’re too mocking. It makes me feel naive and slow-witted.”
Thom’s expression softened. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I don’t mean to make you feel that way. But I’m glad you don’t have any more designs on me than I do on you. And if you’d like to dance with Cris, I won’t stop you.”
He considered it further, then added, “Though if he’s anything like his aunt, I warn you, his remarks might be even more cutting than mine.”
“Oh, no!” Calyn insisted. “Cris is the model of a gentleman. Though he’s clever, he was very attentive too.”
Thom smirked. “That could have something to do with his attraction to you.”
Calyn blushed. “Do you think so?”
“He’s watching us presently,” Thom noted. “As he’s done constantly for the last half hour. I’m quite certain.”
Calyn giggled lightly, her bright smile filling Thom’s heart. He liked this young, impetuous girl. She reminded him of the best parts of Meria and Evylin. She was a wonderful sister to add to his life.
“Come on,” he said, twirling her toward the edge of the dance floor. “It’s time for you to dance with your Schonesecaréso.”
