group.
“If we’re taking a walk, we’re all overdressed,” I pointed out.
“We’re not walking far.”
We made our way to the big fountain and I realized it had been turned on at some point. It was also lit, an effect that couldn’t be appreciated during the day. The soft glow and the murmur of falling water created a romantic, fanciful atmosphere. Music from hidden speakers added to the mood.
“Dance?” Zach turned me to face him.
“Here?” I made a small hand gesture to indicate our position.
“Yes, here.” He slipped his hands behind my back, putting light pressure on the lower curve of my spine, urging me to move closer.
I stepped into his arms and we shifted into a slow dance. I laid my cheek on his shoulder and surrendered to the moment. I’d never been romanced like this before. Moonlight and music, cool night air chasing away the soporific influence of wine, the seductive brush of Zach’s body against mine.
The song ended. Zach’s lips brushed the top of my head. “Thank you.”
Then he handed me off to David, and my head spun as I found myself in his arms. His hands settled on my waist, possessive, sure, strong. I moved my feet in a daze as I struggled to adjust to the change in partners. He was graceful and controlled, but there was an edge to his movements that thrilled me, as if only a thin layer of civilization hid a savage hunger.
Dancing with him brought out an answering hunger in me. I let my body sway into his, felt his hands move down to mold my hips and pull me closer. My breath came faster through parted lips, and just when I thought he might kiss me, he let me go instead. I found myself with a new partner.
They were all trying to drive me crazy, I decided. But Jack wanted to whirl and dip me, making me laugh with his antics.
Matt surprised me with a tango and, when I protested that I didn’t know how, said, “Just follow your partner,” and then I could, after all. He led me through the steps and ended with my back against his chest, his arms holding me lightly, loosely, but so seductively I almost swallowed my tongue.
By the time I’d danced my way down to Will, I was grateful for a simple clutch and sway. And as we moved together, it occurred to me that this was one way to subtly break down barriers, allowing touch in socially acceptable public ways, getting me accustomed to the scent and feel of each of them in a nonthreatening manner. It was only dancing, after all. But tomorrow night it would be more, and it would be easier because I’d talked and laughed and eaten and danced with all of them.
I didn’t know if I should be grateful or if I should feel manipulated. Thinking about it divided my concentration and I stepped on Will’s toes.
“Sorry.” I stopped and stood in the circle of his arms. “I think I’m all danced out.”
“Want to sit?” Will indicated a bench by the fountain.
“Sure.” I made my way to it and perched. The pack had drifted off, and I saw an opportunity to have a moment to myself. “Would you mind getting me a glass of juice or something? I’m feeling a little low on energy.”
“Did you overdo it?”
“I’m fine. I just need to rest for a minute.” I gave him a reassuring smile. He hurried off. I rested my arms on my legs and leaned forward with a sigh. Now that I’d stopped, I did feel a little light-headed. I peered at a blade of grass near my foot that appeared to be growing and shrinking, blinked hard, and hoped I wasn’t going to faint again. Hurry back, Will .
I looked around to see where the others were. They had to be close by, but I couldn’t spot any dim shapes moving in the night. A sound to my side made me turn my head, my hand already moving to reach for the glass Will was bringing me even if it held wolfsbane. But it wasn’t Will moving toward me. Even in the dark I recognized the big man who’d been in the mall parking lot, Wilson or Miguel. He hadn’t introduced himself.
I checked my motion, but
“If we’re taking a walk, we’re all overdressed,” I pointed out.
“We’re not walking far.”
We made our way to the big fountain and I realized it had been turned on at some point. It was also lit, an effect that couldn’t be appreciated during the day. The soft glow and the murmur of falling water created a romantic, fanciful atmosphere. Music from hidden speakers added to the mood.
“Dance?” Zach turned me to face him.
“Here?” I made a small hand gesture to indicate our position.
“Yes, here.” He slipped his hands behind my back, putting light pressure on the lower curve of my spine, urging me to move closer.
I stepped into his arms and we shifted into a slow dance. I laid my cheek on his shoulder and surrendered to the moment. I’d never been romanced like this before. Moonlight and music, cool night air chasing away the soporific influence of wine, the seductive brush of Zach’s body against mine.
The song ended. Zach’s lips brushed the top of my head. “Thank you.”
Then he handed me off to David, and my head spun as I found myself in his arms. His hands settled on my waist, possessive, sure, strong. I moved my feet in a daze as I struggled to adjust to the change in partners. He was graceful and controlled, but there was an edge to his movements that thrilled me, as if only a thin layer of civilization hid a savage hunger.
Dancing with him brought out an answering hunger in me. I let my body sway into his, felt his hands move down to mold my hips and pull me closer. My breath came faster through parted lips, and just when I thought he might kiss me, he let me go instead. I found myself with a new partner.
They were all trying to drive me crazy, I decided. But Jack wanted to whirl and dip me, making me laugh with his antics.
Matt surprised me with a tango and, when I protested that I didn’t know how, said, “Just follow your partner,” and then I could, after all. He led me through the steps and ended with my back against his chest, his arms holding me lightly, loosely, but so seductively I almost swallowed my tongue.
By the time I’d danced my way down to Will, I was grateful for a simple clutch and sway. And as we moved together, it occurred to me that this was one way to subtly break down barriers, allowing touch in socially acceptable public ways, getting me accustomed to the scent and feel of each of them in a nonthreatening manner. It was only dancing, after all. But tomorrow night it would be more, and it would be easier because I’d talked and laughed and eaten and danced with all of them.
I didn’t know if I should be grateful or if I should feel manipulated. Thinking about it divided my concentration and I stepped on Will’s toes.
“Sorry.” I stopped and stood in the circle of his arms. “I think I’m all danced out.”
“Want to sit?” Will indicated a bench by the fountain.
“Sure.” I made my way to it and perched. The pack had drifted off, and I saw an opportunity to have a moment to myself. “Would you mind getting me a glass of juice or something? I’m feeling a little low on energy.”
“Did you overdo it?”
“I’m fine. I just need to rest for a minute.” I gave him a reassuring smile. He hurried off. I rested my arms on my legs and leaned forward with a sigh. Now that I’d stopped, I did feel a little light-headed. I peered at a blade of grass near my foot that appeared to be growing and shrinking, blinked hard, and hoped I wasn’t going to faint again. Hurry back, Will .
I looked around to see where the others were. They had to be close by, but I couldn’t spot any dim shapes moving in the night. A sound to my side made me turn my head, my hand already moving to reach for the glass Will was bringing me even if it held wolfsbane. But it wasn’t Will moving toward me. Even in the dark I recognized the big man who’d been in the mall parking lot, Wilson or Miguel. He hadn’t introduced himself.
I checked my motion, but
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