Wicked Heart (Starcrossed #3)(44)

I grab Josh’s hand. “Our mistress has spoken.”

He grunts in frustration. “Fine, but if I break out my white-hot robot moves, you can’t be embarrassed.”

“It’s ballroom-dancing music, Josh.”

“And your point is . . . ?”

We all head to the dance floor. Liam wraps his arms around Angel, and I put my arms around Josh’s neck. Within a few minutes, we’re all swaying sort of in time to the music.

“Sorry about earlier with Quinn,” Josh says, looking over at Liam and Angel a short distance away. “I should have kept my mouth shut, but . . . I don’t know. Every time I think about him hurting you, it pisses me off.”

I brush some lint off his shoulder. “I’ve learned there’s no point being bitter about it. It won’t change anything. They’re getting married, whether I like it or not.”

Josh looks down at me. “Not necessarily. Have you not noticed the major heat between Angel and me tonight? I’m still predicting she’ll dump Quinn’s moody ass and come over to Team Josh.”

I laugh and hug him. “Your unwavering optimism is one of the many reasons I love you.”

After we dance to a couple of songs, Angel comes over and taps me on the shoulder. “Okay, time for a swap. Despite lessons, Liam’s already trodden on my toes three times. I’m hoping Josh is more graceful.”

As Angel takes Josh’s hand and leads him away, he raises an eyebrow at me and mouths, “See? She wants me.”

I laugh. When I turn around, Liam is there, waiting. He holds out his hands. “Shall we?”

I give him a skeptical look. “I don’t know. Angel tells me you’re dangerous.”

“I promise, I’ll be gentle,” he says as he takes my hands. “Right up until you beg me to be rough.” His mischievous smile does nothing to diminish how my body reacts to that statement. I put one hand on his shoulder as he winds an arm around my waist, and when our palms press together, I can’t help an audible intake of breath. He freezes as well.

“Is this okay?” he asks quietly.

I nod. “Yeah. If it’s okay with you.”

He pulls me a little closer, but makes sure to keep distance between our bodies. “So far, so good. But it’s been a while since I danced with you, so anything could happen. You’re a little taller than I remember.”

“Yes, high heels are a wonderful thing. Unless you try to walk in them. Or dance. Last chance to sit this one out and save yourself.”

He smiles down at me. “Not happening. They’ll have to pry you from my cold, dead hands. Let’s do this.”

We begin to sway. It’s awkward at first, but as we get used to touching each other again, we begin to relax.

“See?” he says, a little breathless. “Nothing to worry about.” He glances over at Angel and Josh. Angel’s laughing and Josh is glaring. Surely they’re not still talking Star Trek. “So, I take it Josh now knows the full story about us?”

“What gave it away? Him calling you an asshole?”

He shrugs. “It was subtle, but I picked up on it.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. I deserved it. To be honest, I expected something like that way before now.”

He adjusts his hand around mine, and I notice how much softer his fingers are these days. No construction work to create calluses, I guess.

“Just so you know,” I say, “those were Josh’s words. Not mine.”

“You don’t think I’m an asshole?”

“No. Like Angel said earlier, you can’t help who you fall in love with. And she’s an amazing woman. I can see why you’d choose her.”

For a second, his fingers tighten around my hand, then they release. “That’s a pretty mature attitude. Can’t say I’d be as understanding if I were in your position.”

“Sure you would.”

His expression turns dark. “I really wouldn’t. Trust me. I’m still recovering from you having a boyfriend. Well, ex.”

Before I have time to ask what that means, he sighs and gives me a smile. “Anyway, let’s see how you cope with me taking this dancing thing up a notch. I have moves that will blow your mind. Brace yourself.”

He takes a step back and spins me under his arm. I clumsily follow his lead, all the while cringing at my complete lack of grace.

“Not bad,” he says as he wraps his arms around me from behind. “I give you points for effort.” He grabs my hand and pushes on my waist, and I spin out before he pulls me back in again. Then, as I’m busy trying to regain my balance, he dips me. The action is so unexpected, I squeal and lose my footing. Just when I’m sure I’m going to face-plant into the dance floor, his arm tightens around me to stop my descent. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” He smiles as he holds me nearly horizontal to the floor. “And what’s more, I’ve finally found it.”

“What?” Still nervous about being dropped, I grasp his arms as he leans over me.

“The one thing you suck at. And I thought I was a terrible dancer. I’m freaking Nureyev compared to you.”

I slap his arm. “Hey.”

His eyes sparkle in the low light. “Just keeping it real, Liss.”