Page 61 of Reclaiming the Lyon

Tom’s face lit up in a way she hadn’t seen in a very long time.

“Shall we start it off with a dance then?”

“Do you know I haven’t danced in public in a very, very long time,” she said, heat rushing into her cheeks with embarrassment. “I might not know all the steps.”

Tom looked at her with such deep affection, the force of his smile chasing away any element of doubt. He leaned in and gave her a wicked smile, making her heart flip in response.

“When you find yourself a newly minted member of polite society, one of the first things you learn to do is dance.”

Tom took her hand and led her to the dance floor, the two of them standing face to face. Georgie could sense the entire room staring at her. She should have been nervous, but she found she was too excited. Perhaps whatever was in Miss Duigood’s pouch was chasing away the doubt after all.

Tom signaled to the musicians arranged on a small riser overlooking the ballroom. In a moment they began a beautiful tune, and Tom held out his hands.

“As it turns out I’ve discovered a favorite dance, one I’ve been saving for you. If you let me, I will lead you through the steps.”

He showed her where to put her hands, and she realized he was demonstrating a waltz. She’d heard of the new dance of course, but had never danced it herself, except alone in her room with an imaginary partner who just so happened to look very much like Tom Worthington. He placed his hand on her back,pulling her closer to him as if he were claiming her. It should have been scandalous, but it felt absolutely perfect.

The music started and Georgie looked up at Tom.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Her heart swelled at the question, which may have been about the dance, but for Georgie was about the rest of her life. A life she would live with Tom. Without thinking, she reached up on her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek. Somewhere behind her she heard the little gasps from the crowd. She didn’t care.

If he was shocked, he said nothing. Indeed, he smiled and pulled her little tighter.

“Most definitely ready.”

THE END