Page 53 of Peach Blossom Hollow

Violet shrugged, her bare shoulders lifting. Her light brown skin with the faint reddish undertones was smooth and irresistible. Leo gently brushed one of the longer tendrils of hair off her neck, and she shivered as his fingers grazed her skin.

“You had a little something there,” he lied. He lightly touched the elbow holding her champagne. “Want to dance?”

“I thought you were here to make deals with some mucky-mucks?”

She was watching the crowd in that serious way he’d noticed earlier. All night she’d been acting like more of a networking social butterfly than he’d assumed she’d ever be comfortable being. She had made several quick, strategic introductions, and had even occasionally eavesdropped on nearby conversations, then joined in, drawing Leo with her. So far, he’d met a lot of corporate heads. It was as though Violet had studied the guest list before their arrival and was determined to be the woman he wanted Christine to be.

Which was kind of funny, seeing as they weren’t looking to move their friendship into something more than it was.

“You’ve been working hard. I believe a break is in order.” He reached for her glass with plans to abandon it, even though it was still full. Violet took a sip, then allowed him to set it aside as the orchestra began a new tune.

She hooked her fingertips in his with a featherlight touch that sent tingles up to his elbow. On the dance floor, she floated into his arms, and he inhaled her scent. Her waist and lower back were small under the span of his hand and she was scented with something he couldn’t quite identify. Rosemary? Lavender? Whatever it was, he found it soothing and relaxing, like her. He couldn’t help but hope that his tuxedo smelled of her when he got home tonight.

They easily fell into step, dancing almost as if they’d taken lessons together. Who would have thought it? A cowboy and a wallflower could tear up the dance floor to an orchestra’s slow beat.

“Thank you for introducing me to so many people,” he said.

She smiled, the strings of lights above the dance floor creating twinkling highlights in her glossy black hair and making the small gems twinkle. He reached up to touch one. They seemed to be glued to her hair.

“You don’t seem shy tonight,” he said.

She gave a small shrug, interrupting their rhythm, and he gripped her tighter to prevent her from tumbling. She was suddenly so close, sharing the heat that was building between them.

Before tonight he’d noticed that she was pretty, but he’d never realized just how beautiful.

“What’s your secret?” Leo asked.

“I’m just being a good friend.”

“You’re always a good friend.”

“And I’m practicing being less reserved and self-conscious and shy.” Her face had gone red, the hand on his shoulder trembling slightly, her lower lip clamped between her teeth.

“Well, thank you. For pushing beyond your comfort zone to try and help me. I appreciate it.”

She relaxed, and their steps took on an easy rhythm again.

“Have I been a good practice-boyfriend tonight?” He’d put thought into the limo and setting her up with something to wear as promised, but beyond that had slipped into autopilot, thinking more about career moves than her.

She nodded. “Very good.”

She wouldn’t meet his gaze, and he wished she’d stop searching out whoever she wanted to introduce him to next, and focus on him.

“Have I hit all five of the good boyfriend habits?”

“You don’t have to hit all five with me,” she said absently.

“But practice. I want to be good at this.” For some reason it felt extra important to ace this tonight, like he was writing his final exam.

“You’re fine.”

“What can I do to make your night better?”

Her lips parted and her eyes finally met his. She seemed unable to speak, her cheeks flushing with color.

“Now you’re going to be shy? Right here? Withme?” He crinkled his nose at her, trying to loosen the shyness that seemed to have her in its grip.

The song ended, and they stopped swaying. Eventually, Leo realized he should release her from his embrace. He cleared his throat and guided her to the side of the dance floor, suddenly feeling awkward.

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