the mark. “I’m sorry, I
don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
I shake my head. “I’d like to see him happy, too,” I
mutter, unsure of what else to say.
“Well, I’m very glad you came this evening. It’s been a
real pleasure seeing the two of you together.”
As the final strains of “Come Fly with Me” fade away,
Carrick releases me and bows, and I curtsey, mirroring his
civility.
civility.
“That’s enough dancing with old men.” Christian is at
my side again. Carrick laughs.
“Less of the ‘old,’ son. I’ve been known to ha一ve my
moments.” Carrick winks at me playfully and saunters into
the crowd.
“I think my dad likes you,” Christian mutters as he
watches his father mingle with the crowd..
“What’s not to like?” I peek coquettishly up at him
through my lashes.
“Good point well made, Miss Steele.” He pulls me into
an embrace as the band starts to play “It Had to Be You.”
“Dance with me,” he whispers seductively.
“With pleasure, Mr. Grey.” I smile in response, and he
sweeps me across the dance floor once more.
At midnight, we stroll down toward the shore between the
marquee and the boathouse where the other partygoers
are gathered to watch the fireworks. The MC, back in
charge, has permitted the removal of masks, the better to
see the display. Christian has his arm around me, but I’m
aware that Taylor and Sawyer are close by, probably
because we’re in the crowd now. They are looking
anywhere but at the dockside where two pyrotechnicians
dressed in black are making their final preparations. Seeing
Taylor reminds me of Leila. Perhaps she’s here. Shit. The
thought chills my blood, and I huddle closer to Christian.
He gazes down at me as he pulls me closer.
“You okay, baby? Cold?”
“You okay, baby? Cold?”
“I’m fine.” I glance quickly behind us and see the other
two security guys, whose names I forget, standing close
by. Moving me in front of him, Christian puts both his arms
around me over my shoulders.
Suddenly, a stirring classical soundtrack booms over
the dock and two rockets s
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