Page 138 of Double Fault

For a solid thirty minutes after dinner, I’m stuck talking to one person after another. When I finally escape, I make a beeline for Sabrina where she sits, watching the people around the room. A few chairs over, Maddie is busy chatting Fisher’s ear off, but he’s listening intently and giving her a genuine smile.

It takes a little convincing, but I finally get the woman who’s taken up permanent residence in my mind and my heart out on the dance floor.

“I can’t do any kind of fancy dancing,” she warns as I pull her into my arms. “But I think I can manage some swaying.”

“I’ll take what I can get.”

She loops her arms around my neck, and I settle my hands on her waist. The heels she’s wearing are sky high, making her only about two or three inches shorter than me.

“This is silly,” she says, peering around the almost empty dance floor. “You know that, right?”

“Don’t care. I want to dance with you, so that’s what we’re doing.”

“You really confuse me sometimes.”

My lips find her ear. “You like that about me. Keeps you on your toes.”

“I’m literally on my toes in these heels. Remind me to stab Ebba with one later. These things are a death trap.”

The song changes, but I don’t loosen my hold on her.

“Really? Because all night, I haven’t stopped imagining fucking you in them when we get back to the hotel.”

Gasping, she rears back and looks around to see if anyone overheard my crude comment.

My words were quiet, and with so few people in our proximity, there’s no chance.

“But Maddie?—”

“Will be staying with Ebba. I already arranged it.”

She shakes her head, but her lips quirk in a smile. “You think of everything, don’t you?”

“I can’t help it that I’m perfect.”

With a snort, she pokes my side. “You wish.”

I manage to get her to dance with me through one more song, but when she pulls away, I’m left feeling bereft.

“I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one night. I should probably take Maddie back to the hotel and get her things packed. It’s getting late.”

Checking my watch, I silently curse. “You’re right.” I kiss her gently, then lace my fingers with hers and guide her back to the table.

Fisher shoots me a look, clearly no longer as into conversing with an eight-year-old as he was fifteen minutes ago, and takes off.

“Mads, it’s time to go. Sabrina’s going to take you back to the hotel, but what do you think about staying the night with Ebba?”

“Sure.” She shrugs, unbothered. “I like her. It’ll be like having another sleepover.”

Damn, this kid is easy-going, and I’m a lucky bastard. Kneeling down, I pull her in close and press a kiss to her cheek. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

I straighten and hand her off to Sabrina, then watch them until they disappear from my sight.

Across the room, Fisher catches my eyes. “Schmooze,” he mouths.

Right.

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