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il later.
When she glanced over his shoulder, she noticed they were the only ones now dancing. What in the world? But the music continued to play and they continued to move to the beat.
Their audience had formed a circle. And then she caught sight of her stepmother. If looks could kill, Alina would be nothing more than a little sooty spot on the floor. On each side of Dorian were Alina’s stepsisters, who looked as though they’d each sucked on a lemon. She never understood how people could live their lives being so nasty.
But tonight, nothing could ruin her good mood. Nothing at all. She was on cloud nine and she had no interest in coming back to earth. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
She leaned closer to Graham. “We have an audience.”
He glanced up. “So we do.”
“Maybe we should stop. I don’t feel right taking up the whole dance floor.”
“I agree about stopping, but how about we give them something to look at first...” Graham stopped dancing but he kept his arms around her.
What is he doing? Her heart pounded.
He bent his head and captured her lips with his own. Her breath hitched in her throat.
Oh, I know exactly what he’s doing.
Suddenly it didn’t matter who was watching, she was quite content right here in his strong, capable arms. His kiss was light and tender, but oh so stirring.
And she knew she shouldn’t let herself fall for him. But it was too late. She’d fallen hard. It was as though they were fated to meet and she couldn’t imagine her life without him in it.
When the music stopped, Graham stepped back. He lowered his arms and she immediately missed the warmth of his touch. She didn’t want to let him go so soon.
But it was as if the spell had been lifted and she glanced around at all of the curious onlookers. Some people had their phones held up as though they’d been filming them. Others whispered back and forth. What in the world had gotten into them to put on such a public display of affection? Heat swirled in her chest and rushed up her neck, setting her cheeks ablaze.
Once they’d moved to the side of the room, Alina fanned herself. Her face felt sunburned, as though she’d been lying on a sun-drenched beach for hours.
“Come on.” Graham reached for her hand. “Let’s get a little air.”
Alina had no idea where they were going, but some cool air and privacy sounded perfect. They walked to the far side of the ballroom and that’s when Alina remembered about the overlook.
Graham pushed open the door and they stepped out. A glance around assured her that, at last, they were alone. For the party, Graham had set up portable heaters out here, making it comfortable.
They moved to the edge. With the evening sky for a backdrop, the Manhattan skyline twinkled with lights. It was like a stunning piece of art, only better.
“This is so beautiful,” she said.
“Yes, you are.” Graham’s voice was deep and throaty, making her pulse race.
She turned to him, finding him smiling at her. “Shouldn’t you be inside with your guests?”
“But I like it so much better out here with you.”
He was saying all of the right things to make her heart go pitter-patter. “I hope the evening is meeting all of your expectations.”
“It most definitely is.” Desire burned in his eyes.
She swallowed hard as she tried to keep her train of thought. “I was talking about the party. You know, so you can sway your business associates to join you in that new venture.”
He continued to stare at her, making her heart beat erratically. “But I’d rather talk about you and me.”
She smiled and shook her head. “You’re impossible.”
“Am I? I guess you’ll have to do something about it.” He reached for her, drawing her near.
