Page 24 of Sassy for the Demon Daddy

I pull her up. “So to them, a waltz was just as lewd as sex.”

Raising my arm, I twirl her. She spins out, and then, with a tug, she spins back, and I hold her from behind. “It’s weird dancing with everyone watching us,” she says.

“No,” I reply, turning her to face me again. “They’re all watchingyou.”

She lets out a nervous giggle. “Don’t say that. You’ll give me stage fright.”

I wonder what her hair smells like. Maybe something sweet but earthy, like wild lavender in a thunderstorm. Natural and mysterious. I haven’t seen her smile the same way twice, whichleads me to believe she must have an advanced repertoire of facial expressions. Each one is no doubt a mild and fleeting panacea.

“Fine, then they’re watching me because I’m just that amazing of a dancer.” In truth, I don’t care who they’re actually watching, because right now, I have Felicity in my arms. All eyes may be on her, but she’s mine, and that’s all that matters.

The final notes of the song fade, and I dip her one last time. As I pull her back up, I find myself impulsively pressing a kiss to her lips. She returns it, and for a few glorious seconds, everything fades away until it’s just her and me.

When she pulls back for air, I ask. “Was that okay?”

“Yeah,” she says breathlessly as I pull her up. “Yeah, totally okay.”

The guests erupt into cheers, and I bask in the moment, even taking a bow, which makes Felicity laugh. I wait for the commotion to quiet down before I speak. “Well, what are you all waiting for? Time to party!”

The DJ plays a pop tune and Lucy runs onto the dance floor, sparkles falling in her wake. Taking a running start, she throws herself at me and Felicity, expecting us to catch her. We do, of course. What kind of parents would we be if we didn’t?

We form a dancing trio, with Lucy teaching us the latest and greatest dance moves. “So, you move both your arms forward like this with your hips back, and then thrust and repeat on the other side?” Felicity asks, trying clumsily to copy the youngling.

Lucy shakes her head. “No, you do it like this.” She repeats the motion and I copy her, getting it right on the first try. Lucy grins. “See? It’s not so hard. Even Argoss can do it.”

“Hey!” I protest. “I’m a great and powerful demon. Of course, I know how to do the floss!” Well, that’s a lie, butI ama quick learner.

After dancing and dinner, we cut the cake. From now on, Lawrence will be catering all our birthday parties, because that is one of the best cakes I’ve ever had. It’s fluffy, airy, and perfectly sweet.

At around midnight, I find Lucy under the table. The last of the kids had left about two hours before, and the number of guests have been steadily dwindling since then. Now, there are only a couple of stragglers enjoying the bar.

She’s asleep, snoring softly. I silently call the wedding photographer over, and she snaps a few pictures for the photo album. That, of course, gets Felicity’s attention.

When she comes over to see what’s going on, she leans her head contentedly on me. The feeling is surprisingly pleasant.

“Guess we better get this little girl home,” she declares softly.

Home. Our home.The thought fills my heart with something I can’t quite explain but am surprised to admit I don’t hate.

12

ARGOSS

“What’s that look on your face?” Felicity asks from her seat in the jet right beside me.

I gave her the window spot because I’m a gentleman. Plus, the private jet we’re on isn’t lacking other spots to view the sky. If I want to watch the clouds go by, I can do it from anywhere.

The first three days of our honeymoon will be spent on a private island where exclusivity reigns supreme. I can’t wait to show Lucy the place during a ride. I’m just waiting for the moment when she asks to fly.

My excursion with Steve got me thinking. What would Lucy do in the same situation? Definitely she’d be better than Steve but by how much?

“Hello? Argoss?” I can see her frown but wish it were a smile.

You’re amazing, Argoss! The best! An absolute dream!is the look I’m hoping for.

“It’s the face of me remembering that I forgot something back home,” I lie and not very well as it falls out of my mouth.

I blink a few times more than I intend to and realize there might be a small chance the human makes me nervous. I clear my throat to buy time.

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