Relinquish(57)

“Thank you, Jean. Can you direct me to the ballroom?” I ask. I have no idea where it is, and I know if I go looking for it, I’ll get lost for sure.

“Of course.” She steps down from her ladder and heads down the stairs, taking her time with each step.

“I have so much to do before the big party,” Jean pants, watching her step. “Everyone will be here. It’s so exciting.”

I give a smile as she rambles about. As she hits the last step, she exhales a big breath.

“This way, miss,” Jean directs, turning right. She waddles over to a double wooden door and turns.

“Here you are,” she pants before walking off toward the stairs. That poor lady is going to have a stroke with those steps. I look back at the doors and take a deep breath, preparing myself for what mood Landon will be in. Will he be the arrogant master of the estate today, or will his mask be lifted and the caring, passionate Landon be present?

I lightly press on the doors and they both swing open, revealing a large, empty ballroom. The floor is tiled with blue marble, and there are windows and French doors along the walls, allowing sunlight in. My eyes shoot upward to stare at the largest chandelier I’ve seen at the estate yet, its sparkles bouncing off the blue and white floor.

“There you are.” I tear my gaze from the crystal lights and find Landon strutting toward me, his dark hair shifting as he walks with confidence. Those forest eyes pin me where I stand, causing me to suck in a tight breath. I look down at myself, feeling a little insecure from the hunger in his eyes.

“I love that dress on you. Wear it tonight,” Landon requests, now standing in front of me. I blink rapidly, my train of thought fleeing. The dark scruff on his cheeks is thicker than before, like he forgot to shave. My fingers twitch with the urge to run them over his jaw.

“Now, do you have any experience with dancing?” Landon reaches out, brushing a stray hair behind my ear. I swallow hard. Looks like we’re the caring Landon today.

“No,” I respond, shaking my head.

“Take your shoes off.” Landon juts his chin toward my feet.

I look down at my heels, a little confused, and back up at him, finding him walking toward a stereo built into the wall.

“Take them off,” Landon repeats, his tone serious. He’s not even looking at me; he just knows I’m not listening. I roll my eyes and do as he says, kicking them off as Landon messes with a stereo.

I pad along the floor as I make my way to the middle of the ballroom. He pulls his suit jacket off and tosses it on the floor, leaving him in just his dress shirt, which he’s rolling up the cuffs on.

“I’ll teach you the basic box step. You can use it pretty much anywhere.” I just nod, because I have no idea what he is talking about. The speakers crack, and Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros sing “Mondo Bongo”.

Landon lowers his head, his eyes peering up under his lashes, and holds his arm out crooking his finger for me to come to him.

“Come here, Charlie,” he demands, his voice husky. My eyes go heavy with desire, and my feet move on their own accord, walking toward him.

“Step forward on your left foot.” Landon steps forward, and I follow. “Then step to the side with your right foot.” I watch him and imitate his move. “Now, bring your feet together,” Landon instructs. “Good, now step back on your right, and then to the side using your left foot.” I do as I’m told and look at Landon for confirmation that I did it correctly. “Just like that. Now, bring your feet together and repeat the steps. You just did a box step.” Landon smirks, doing the dance all in one move. I smile and practice the steps.

“Who taught you how to dance?” I ask. Landon’s eyes furrow, and his cheeks clench with tension.

“My mother,” he mutters. By the look on his face, I can tell something bad happened to her, so I don’t question where she is.

“Now, place your arm on my shoulder and cup my hand,” Landon coaches, grabbing me by the hips and bringing me to him. My palm tingles, being held by his so strongly, my cheeks heating from just the simple touch. “This time, try the box step using your tiptoes and let me lead,” Landon tells me, taking the leading step.

“My tiptoes?” I look down at my feet.

“Yes, it will prepare you for actually dancing in high heels.” Landon chuckles.

“Oh.” I giggle and my cheeks flush.

“Look at me. Keep your chin up,” Landon requests. I take my gaze from his shoes to his eyes, and my heart skips a beat. The way his eyes shine and look right through me captivates me. Lost in our own world, not daring to look away, I wonder what it would be like if Landon and I met at a different time. If things would be easier for us, or more difficult. If he could fully love me, and I him.

“What about you? Where is your mom?” Landon asks, dancing me along the ballroom floor. I nearly trip over my feet at his question, causing me to look down.

“Eyes up.” I lift my eyes and exhale a large breath.

“I’m not sure where my mother is,” I answer honestly. Landon slows his lead, causing us to stop dancing. He slides his hand behind my head and pulls gently on my hair, making me look upward.

“You really don’t have anybody, do you?” he mumbles, little wrinkles etching his handsome face. I slide my tongue over my bottom lip, the feel of his hand in my hair clouding the reminder of my abandonment.