Page 50 of Twelve Days and Twelfth Night

Prescott sauntered closer, so manly and suave in his tuxedo, like a scene in a movie.

That was her cue, and she gave him a playful smile. “I already danced with you.”

Still closer he came. “Not tonight.”

She clasped her hands behind her back. “The song says, ‘Nine ladies dancing,’ and you already danced with nine. I wouldn’t want to ruin it.”

“What if I dream of dancing with Maggie Oliver?” Under the teasing tone lay a whisper of wistfulness.

How could she resist? She took his outstretched hand. “You need better dreams, Prescott Duke.”

He pulled her close, and his chuckle tickled her temple. Freddie had stopped playing the piano, but she rocked in romantic silence in Prescott’s sturdy arms. Maggie inhaled the scent of him, the warmth of him.

Prescott drew in a deep breath. “I’m surprised Frank Sebastian isn’t here.”

Maggie dipped her chin. She would have invited Frank if the party landed just one day later. “Only Ria and I know him, and not very well.”

“Oh? I . . . thought you might be sweet on him.”

Maggie pulled back to look him in the eye. He was serious? “On Frank? Goodness, no. He’s just a kid.”

“All right.” He pulled her close again to dance.

She resisted. She wasn’t going to let him off the hook so easily. “Why do you ask?” She kept her tone light, although her heart galloped.

Prescott rearranged his hand on her waist. His gaze darted to the side and back again. “You were honest with me about my script, and now I’m asking for an honest answer. Do I stand a chance with you?”

She swayed a bit closer. “You aren’t sweet on Vi?”

“On Vi? She’s just a kid too. No, it’s you. It’s always been you. Be honest. Do I stand a chance?” His gaze plumbed the depths of hers. Such pain, such longing, such vulnerability.

“Oh, Press.” Even in the most dramatic of her dreams, she’d never imagined this scene.

“Please,” he said. “I’m falling in love with you, but if you aren’t interested, say the word. I’ll never speak of it again.”

Maggie released his hand, and she caressed his cheek, his beautiful scarred cheek. “I had a horrible crush on you on the silver screen. But in person—oh, Press, you’ve stolen my heart completely.”

He enveloped her in his arms, in his kiss, and he groaned.

Maggie gasped and pulled away. “Oh no. Did that hurt?”

“Come back here,” he said in a husky voice.

She did as he asked.

If she were in a movie, she would have instructed her legs to go limp and her torso to melt into his, but her body needed no such direction. Only his strong embrace kept her standing. And her heart—the palpitations!

Prescott burrowed in her neck. “Oh, Maggie. ‘If it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!’”

She smiled over the broad expanse of his shoulders. Sebastian’s line to Olivia and entirely appropriate. “I don’t want to awaken either.”

He chuckled. “Since Frank and Vi aren’t spoken for, perhaps we should introduce them. Let those two kids find love as well.”

Bubbles frolicked in her chest. “Want to hear a little secret? They’re already in love.”

Prescott’s chin drew back. “They’re dating?”

“They dated in high school. They were engaged.”