Page 77 of Puck Me Secretly

He winked at me and mouthed, “Thank me later.”

I was still smiling when I glanced over at Max.

Max stared at both of us, with unabashed hostility directed toward Calder. His jaw was tight and his gaze was flat and cold.

Katrina, as if she could sense the tension between us, leaned over Max. “Would you mind accompanying me outside?”

CHAPTER 30

Calder lifted his head,like a predator catching the scent of his prey. “You know, I was going to get a touch of fresh air. Would you like me to accompany you wherever you are going?”

Katrina’s eyes widened. I could tell she was both flattered and impressed. She was weighing her options between a disinterested hockey player and an interested member of an elite world she so desperately wanted to be part of. Her ambitions won out. “That’d be appreciated.”

Calder stood up with a flourish and walked around the table to pull out her chair. I watched as he tucked her arm over his. As they walked away, I could hear her girlish giggle.

Max continued to give me the death stare.

I took a sip of water.

He continued to glare, all riled up.

I glanced around the table. We were the only ones that remained sitting. Most people were mingling before the dance portion of the evening started. The band started the first song of the night.

“Max, why are you trying to kill me with your gaze?”

“Your date is a complete punk.”

I played indifferent. “Calder?”

His eyes looked away from me for a long moment before returning to my face. “He’s one of the Baby Men.”

“You and Katrina make a lovely couple.”

“We’re not a couple.”

“She doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo.”

He stood up and walked around to my side of the table and offered me his hand. “Would you like to dance?”

His shift in mood threw me. Nerves jangled in the pit of my belly as I placed my hand in his and let him lead me out to the dance floor where couples already moved together to the music.

The song changed toUnforgettableby Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole. I stifled my gasp when Max swung me into his arms. One hand wrapped around my waist, and the other hand held my hand. I tentatively put my hand on his shoulder. Together we started to dance. Max was light on his feet, and confident in his ability to guide me around the dance floor.

I stared up at him in amazement.

“What?” His eyes caressed my mouth.

“You’re a good dancer.”

White teeth flashed in amusement. “You’re surprised?”

“A bit.”

“I’ve got a few talents.”

“What else?”

He spun me around. “Well, I make a mean grilled cheese.”

---