Dangerous for You by Anna Antonia

laughing when Waylon opened the door and held his hand out. I took it without hesitation and exited the limo as smoothly as if I’d done it my whole life. Murmuring my thanks to our driver, I waited for Gabriel to tuck my arm in his.
    “Ready for the ballet, baby?” Gabriel’s sparkling smile touched the milling people around us, inspiring them to return his nonverbal greeting.
    “I’m ready to see your mother again.”
    “Nice deflection.” We walked up the carpeted stairs, Gabriel nodding to the people he recognized and smiling at the ones he didn’t.
    “Where is your mother? I’m surprised she didn’t ride with us.”
    “She came here on her own.”
    “Why?”
    “She wanted to give the lovebirds privacy. Too bad we didn’t take advantage of it with a romp in the limo, huh?”
    Once inside I expected us to sit in the main seating, perhaps close to the front, but instead we were escorted up a roped off staircase. Several steps down a dimly-lit corridor and then we were shown to a door. Behind which was apparently the Gordon box.
    Fancy!
    “I see that look, darling.”
    “What?” I whispered. “I’m impressed even though I’m not surprised. It’s…”
    “Yes?”
    “It’s typical over-the-top Gabriel Gordon.”
    He whistled. “Then you won’t be surprised when I show you my little boat or my quaint cottage by the sea.”
    The usher opened up the door with a murmured “Enjoy the show.”
    Gabriel shook his hand. I noticed a flash of green pass between them when Marie stood up and greeted us. Her joy was infectious. “Gabriel! Emma! I’m so glad to see you both made it.”
    Releasing my hand, he strode into the small room, hugged his mother, and then kissed her powdered cheek. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world, Mama.”
    I stood back, suddenly shy at how warm and affectionate they were with each other. I never doubted my mother’s love, but somewhere between her long work hours and my intense focus on school, hugs and kisses weren’t as common as they should’ve been.
    I need to make sure I give my mom an especially long hug next time I see her.
    Gabriel held out his hand. “Come closer, Emma. I can barely see you in the dark.” His teasing inspired smiles in all of us. I joined his side and he immediately slipped a possessive arm around me. “Doesn’t Emma look especially beautiful tonight, Mama?”
    Marie agreed while she took my hand in greeting. “I love that color on you, Emma. You look so regal.”
    “Thank you.” I hesitated a beat before saying, “Your dress is spectacular, Marie.”
    The voluminous emerald skirt emphasized her tiny waist while the black bodice tastefully showcased her décolletage. The velvet wrap added another level of glamour. Gabriel’s mother truly looked like an exquisite doll. I tried hard not to stare, but she was so beautiful it was hard to ignore.
    “You’re so sweet, Emma. No wonder my son is smitten with you.”
    I blushed and murmured something appropriate.
    “Mama, don’t embarrass us both. My Emma is very shy, can’t you tell?”
    She laughed softly. “I’ll try but it seems to be hardwired into mothers to embarrass our children at least once a day. Which apparently includes their girlfriends.”
    The lights dimmed several times, an indicator we should take our seats. Soon I forgot all about my blushes as the orchestral program began. The next hour flew as fast as the dancers leapt and twirled onstage, plumed in brightly colored costumes that made me wish I’d worn a tutu at least once. I exchanged glances of admiration with Marie as we both were swept up in the retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
    “You look like you’ve gotten ballet-fever,” Marie whispered during a lull. “I’m afraid there’s no cure other than to continue coming to performances.”
    “I think you’re right.”
    She patted my hand. “I’ll go with you when Gabriel can’t. Which will probably be more often than not considering he doesn’t really like the