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“I feel this way because he’s an asshole who broke her heart. And she’s acting like it never happened.”
She smiles softly at me. “And?”
“And I want to pound his smug face in.”
“And?”
“And I want her dancing with me, not him.”
“Then, I suggest you stop being an ass, turn on the charm, and go do something about it.”
“What do you mean?”
“She’s pretending to look at Trent, but she’s looking at you. You can see her eyes swing this way every so often. She doesn’t want to be with him. If I were you, I’d break into a wide smile and laugh like I just told the funniest joke you’ve ever heard. Be the adorable, charming guy that I know you can be.”
I think about what she’s saying. And then I do exactly as I was told.
Chapter 14
Liz
I try to leave the dance floor after my time with Trent, but he twills me back in for a second round. Admittedly, I’m having fun. I haven’t let loose like this in years.
Actually, I can’t remember the last time I danced like this. When I was Jake’s assistant, I was occasionally his plus-one to a few charity galas like this when his crazy ex-girlfriend was unwilling to attend. However, I spent most of my time speaking with business associates, not dancing and having fun.
Trent is being a perfect gentleman and dance partner tonight. He’s graceful and knows all the dance steps, probably due to years of lessons. Thankfully, he doesn’t complain at all as I trample his toes, but instead, makes a joke about it.
I steal a furtive glance at Ethan. He’s sitting there with his arms crossed, glaring at us. I can feel the heat of that stare. I think I’ve finally figured him out. He doesn’t want me but doesn’t want anyone else tohave me, either. That’s just not going to work. I tear my eyes away from him and try to focus on my current dance partner.
Trent continues to twirl me around as he makes jokes to get me laughing. He’s turned the charm up to about level one million. He’s complimenting my hair, my eyes, my dress. He’s saying anything and everything to make me smile and make me laugh.
Still, I want to know what Ethan’s doing. I glance his way again, only to notice that he’s no longer glaring at me. Lana is beside him, and they are talking.
And laughing?
I wonder what that’s about? I take my attention off Trent and almost trip him up when my feet get tangled with his. Gah, Ethan looks so gorgeous when he laughs like that. I know I’m staring, but I don’t want to turn away. His eyes lock with mine across the room, and he winks and nods at me, acknowledging that he caught me looking.
I feel my face turn beet red.
Trent makes a sound in his throat, and I quickly pull my attention off Ethan. “I feel like your mind is elsewhere,” he says.
“No, not at all. I’m just trying to focus on my dancing. I’m not very good.”
“I’ll set you up with some lessons. Everyone should know how to dance properly.”
“I’ll think about it,” I say noncommittally.
“I would like to take you out sometime. Soon. Dinner.”
A picture of Ethan kissing me in the car flashes in my mind. “Umm, I don’t know. Maybe once the mystery of the notes is solved.”
“If you’re worried about safety, let’s skip dinner at a restaurant. I’ll order from a restaurant and have it delivered to my place. We can eat there. I have a security system and cameras. You’ll be perfectly safe.”
Alone? At Trent’s place? My mind begins screaming out all kinds of warnings. I have no doubt that he’s asking for more than a casual dinner. I don’t know what I’ve done to give him the impression that we are moving past the friend zone into the dating zone, but I need to put the brakes on.
“Trent, that’s just not a good idea. I thought you understood that I’m not looking to move our relationship any further. I’m just looking for friendship, nothing more. And that’s not likely to change.”
Trent looks irritated. “I’m not pressuring you for more. I’m just asking for dinner . . . as friends.”
