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Cole cracked a grin. “Are you taking more dance classes besides salsa? You’re good at this.”
Her lips curled upward giving her away. “No, maybe I’m a natural. You’ve improved though.”
He led her into another turn. “I try.”
Cole then dipped her to one side. When he brought her back to his chest, he heard Leah’s breathing hitch. His hand brushed her mid-back, and he closed his eyes to savor the experience. Sensing a fluttering in his chest, he inhaled deeply, but he only caught the fresh scent of her perfume.
He paused their waltz for a moment. The others danced around them, but the affection glowing in Leah’s eyes captivated him as her hands rested on his shoulders. He then bracketed her waist and resumed to sway her back and forth to the music. The sensation of being flooded with warmth overcame him.
“You keep surprising me,” she said. Her delicate fingers grazed the nape of his neck.
He smirked, but unconsciously parted his lips. “Is that good or bad?”
“I don’t know yet, but I can tell you one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m glad I’m here with you.”
Cole lowered his head and rested it against her forehead. “I said you were beautiful tonight, right?”
Leah tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I don’t mind you saying it again.” Her hands inched closer, her arms coiling around his neck. “Cole…”
He met her glance. “Leah?”
Her magnetic eyes were like pools of desire, but she didn’t utter a word. He brought one hand to her face, his fingers tips grazing her jawline. She gasped. He got a warm, fuzzy feeling, adoring her as he would a sweet and supple rose in bloom. She deserved to be cherished. He felt her breath upon his cheek like a perfumed air. When Leah raised her chin, he seized the moment. Cole leaned in closer to—
“Jeremy, are you serious?” a female voice exclaimed.
Cole jerked his head toward the middle of the dance floor. Everyone turned to see Jeremy on one knee in front of April. Leah stepped away from Cole’s embrace avoiding eye contact. He regretfully released his grip, directing his attention to the impending proposal.
“Will you marry me?” Jeremy asked April.
April bounced on her toes. She clapped her hands as a smile pranced on her lips. “Are you kidding me? Yes! Yes!”
The crowd applauded as Jeremy slipped the ring on her finger. He rose to his feet and kissed his future wife. Cole clapped along with the others, but when he pivoted towards Leah, like a dream, she vanished.
****
Leah’s palms rested face down on the counter. She almost kissed Cole. Was it the music or the way he looked in his tuxedo? He looked debonair. She got a fluttering feeling in her stomach as she observed him photographing the wedding and reception. His breath had tickled her ear when he asked her to dance. Her mind had turned to mush, and she couldn’t resist the invitation.
He held her so close. The heat of his hand seeped into her skin. She practically floated across the dance floor in his arms. How did she remain on her feet while her knees weakened? His strong hands kept her from falling but did he not sense she wanted to faint? Leah fixed her gaze on him when they froze on the dance floor.
Leah sighed as she hung her head. She wasn’t supposed to have feelings for Cole. Perhaps it was a good thing they didn’t kiss. Would it make things awkward if they were more than friends? She paced the floor, hands resting on her hips. She rolled her shoulders back and checked her makeup in the mirror. So far, she looked the same, no mascara smudges.
She exited the ladies’ room and returned to the reception hall. She held tight to her clutch bag. How would she explain running off to Cole? She sighed as she noticed him marching toward her.
“Are you okay? What happened?” he asked, sounding worried. His forehead creased.
Leah swallowed the lump in her throat. She kneaded her shoulder. “I was a little dizzy, so I went to the ladies’ room.”
He rested his strong hands on her shoulders. “Do we need to leave? I can take you home.”
She dismissed his comment with a wave. “No, I’m fine. It’s been a long day. I’m okay. Besides, you have a job to finish.”
“Are you sure?” He brought his hands easily back to his sides.
“I’m sure. Don’t worry.”
