Page 69 of Class Act

His voice was low, for my ears only. “Hailey, I know I . . .”

“Ford,” Gianna called as she and Randy came up, clapping us on the backs. “That was wonderful. You simply must dance with me next and teach me some of your moves.”

“Yes,” Randy joined in jovially, “and Hailey can do the same with me.”

Ford’s fingers tightened around mine and I noticed his nostrils flare before he shifted back to a polite expression, released me, and stepped back. He looked to them both with charming ease and moved to lead Gianna to an open space. I mourned the loss of his closeness.

“Shall we?” Randy’s arms were open waiting for me as the next song started.

I grabbed my skirt and curtsied with my dimples flashing. I’d be as charming as Ford had been. “Indeed, we shall.”

I danced with Randy and then each of the other three men in succession before starting the entire rotation again. Eventually, I found myself back near Ford in what had become a game of musical dance partners. I was exhausted from keeping up the chit-chat, but also feeling relaxed and sunny from the dancing, by the time Ford and I were once again facing each other. My strappy heels, however, weren’t made for this, even if I was thoroughly enjoying it, and my feet were squawking loudly.

Ford hurriedly stepped toward me, his arms open as he playfully darted looks around at the others, as though daring anyone else to try to dance with either of us. There was no hesitation from me as I stepped into his space and took his hand.

He was warm from the exertion, and I could smell that same scent I’d noticed so many other times as he gathered me close. The formal dance position from before was relaxed, with his hand resting at my waist rather than firmly against my upper back. My right hand was held lightly in his, his arm bent close to our bodies. The waltzing tunes had slowed into something more soothing, and conversations had fallen to intimate tones between all the couples who were back together. It was probably the restaurant’s way of slowly bringing the evening to a close, and I appreciated the skill with which they’d planned out everything.

“Have these people convinced you to do business with them yet?” I asked, as we moved slowly, giving up on any official dance moves.

“Maybe. They’re a group of strong negotiators.”

I grinned, and it morphed somehow into a yawn. I was embarrassed and turned my head to cover it. I wasn’t that tired, but most of my nights were spent at home quietly recovering from my busy days and even busier evenings as I caught up on household tasks and errands.

“Did they wear you out?” Ford’s voice was mellow, and I found myself wanting to rest against him.

I fought against it and shook my head. “Them and the twenty-five children I spent the day with.”

He made a noise. “My two wear me out sometimes. I don’t know how you manage a herd.”

I tilted my head toward the others. “The same way you manage one.”

He chuckled quietly, and I felt it down to my toes. We’d closed the space between us without noticing, and I vacillated between pulling away or leaning in. He answered the debate for me, moving his hand from my waist to rest on my back. I let my head fall against him, and it was like something clicked into place as my ear touched his collarbone. Heat and light filled me, and in that moment I knew, I just knew, that somehow this man had the power to either be my everything or to leave me deeply wounded. It filled me with both joy and terror, and I faltered in our movements.

He read the stumble as me being tired, and he tilted his head down as he said, “How about we call it a night?”

I felt his words against my forehead. I nodded, unable to say anything, and reluctantly let go of him as he made his rounds, shaking hands and saying goodbye.

While he did so, Gianna came and placed her hand on my forearm. “Hailey, from where I’m sitting, that man is definitely off the market.”

A blush crawled into my face, making my light skin a bright pink shade. “Gianna . . .” I argued, but she wouldn’t hear it.

She gave me a quick hug and made her way back to her husband’s side.

When Ford had finished his goodbyes and I’d done the same, he surprised me by taking my hand in his and guiding me through the restaurant. It felt natural to have my fingers wrapped around his larger hand. We didn’t speak as the spell continued to weave its way around me. We stopped at the coat check and Ford helped me into the gray wrap coat that matched his suit so perfectly. Then his hand was on my back as we moved out the front doors and stood under the covered entrance while we waited for his car to be brought around.

“You were right,” I said in an effort to be light and normal. “It’s definitely chilly tonight.”

He glanced at me. “Are you warm enough?”

“Yes. I’m fine. I grew up here, remember? I can handle the cold weather.”

“That’s right. You’re a mountain girl at heart.” He said it approvingly. “I grew up in Colorado, so I’m not too worried about snow either.”

“What part?”

“In a suburb of Denver.”

“Is that where you went to college?” I asked.

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