Page 36 of Enchanted Hero
Everleigh clenched her fists. “Even though we came together, we’re not together. Not together like a date together. Does that make sense?”
Everyone shook their heads.
“Oh.”
“It’s okay.” The reporter winked. “Maybe you can explain it to me, on the record.”
A dozen bricks now weighed down her chest. “It’s just one of those things that’s inexplicable.”
“Talking of the inexplicable, did you hear about the magic show?” The reporter shoved the recorder back at Alexander. “Rumor has it the man actually flew. I’ve been getting quotes all day from audience members. People are speculating it’s the same man from the tornado.”
Alexander swiped a glass of merlot from a passing waiter. “I’m sorry, Ms. Stevens, but clearly it was part of the show. What are the chances of actual magic happening at a magic show?”
For once someone didn’t automatically agree with Alexander. “Perhaps more than you think.” The reporter sobered, her glittery gossip style demeanor replaced by the seriousness of a seasoned journalist. “It’s all anyone can talk about. Even the government is involved.”
Everleigh stiffened. “The government?”
The reporter nodded. “Officials are all over the fair, speaking to people. Have they caught up with you yet?”
“No,” Alexander said firmly. His gaze wandered, halting at something, or someone, across the room. He addressed the ever-growing crowd. “I’m afraid we have to go. Can I count on you to be tasteful?”
“As always.” The reporter smiled, and Everleigh just managed to hide her grimace. Was anyone not at this man’s command?
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
She followed him through the crowd, smiling and greeting and waving until they reached a plain wooden door. He held it open, revealing… a wonderland.
It was just like she’d imagined her prom would be, all those years ago. A clearing in the garden, sparkling lights frosting the trees, twinkling stars in a velvet sky. A gentle breeze carried the scent of roses and gardenias, as the soft sounds of nature played backup to music she couldn’t quite locate. “I didn’t know they had an outside area,” she breathed, pivoting all around. A single table was set with the same dazzling decorations as inside. “Why isn’t anyone out here?”
He shrugged. “It was a last-minute thing.”
“Wait a minute. You couldn’t have… you didn’t…” She parted her lips. “Did you do this for me?”
He inclined his head. “I thought you’d enjoy it.”
“But how?” The decorations and scenery should’ve taken hours to set up. “I was with you the entire time. When did you ask someone to do it?”
He smiled. “I’m pretty good at getting things done.”
That didn’t explain any of it, but as usual with Alexander Stone, there’d be no more explanations. Her anger of earlier thawed, just a little. “Thank you. It truly is beautiful.”
He held out his hand. “Would you like to dance?”
More than anything.
Next to candles flickering under the starlit sky, she surrendered to the power that was Alexander Stone. He grasped her in his muscular arms, once more capturing her as they soared through a dance, moving in perfect harmony. Her resistance faltered with every step, caught in temptation she couldn’t fight. Time was meaningless, in this world of enchantment.
The songs melted into each other as they danced beneath the diamond curtain of stars. She would’ve continued forever if he didn’t finally pull back. “Are you hungry?”
She nodded, although she hungered for something far more dangerous than hors d'oeuvres. He pointed to the table, which now held two covered platters.
Everleigh parted her lips. “But how?”
“You were a little preoccupied when they brought it.”
She could only accept the explanation, as they strolled hand-in-hand to the illustrious display. Yet something didn’t quite fit as they reached the gleaming table and two throne chairs that flanked it. She sank into dewy softness and placed a delicate lace napkin on her lap.
