When the song finished, half the dancers went back to their tables or over to the table that served as a bar. Mitchell grinned at her, as the musicians slid into a big band tune. “Shall we?” he held out his hand.
“I like that.” She let him lead her through the steps of the dance. They had both watched their parents and grandparents often enough that the steps came automatically.
He spun her so that the skirts of her dress floated out and fell. Then back the other way. She felt excitement hum in her veins, replacing the fear and tension that had been her companions since she had peed on the stick and turned it blue.
Determinedly she shut down those thoughts. Nothing she could do about Chadwick Ellery III or the baby tonight. Tonight this big bear was guiding her expertly to her happy place. The vigorous movement, the spark of electricity where their hands met, the sheer joy of the music pulsing around her. That was what she should focus on.
How long they spun and clung and parted she didn’t know, but the tune came to an end. Mitchell brought her hard against his chest. She felt the solid muscle, the steady beat of his heart underneath his shirt. He drew a deep breath. Let her see the sensual excitement in his eyes. And then he blanked it.
“Hey, Mitch, how’s it going?” Raymond Tobin was rocking on his feet and holding out his hand. Old Ray was drunk.
Mitchell shook the other man’s hand. Put a protective arm around her waist and drew her closer, as if making room for other people to pass. “You remember Zoe Worth?” he asked Ray.
“Sure.” Ray didn’t offer to shake hands with her, she noticed. “I was sorry to hear Griff couldn’t make it.”
“He was sorry to miss Miss Ursula’s party.”
Ray lost interest in her. He leaned forward confidentially. “I hear you’ve quit the Marines,” he said.
There was a subtle shift in Mitchell. His tension communicated itself to her as he went from easygoing to alert. Just as he had with those two teens. But his voice remained calm.
“Received my discharge last week,” he said flatly.
“So you’re looking around for something to do, am I right?” Ray was hearty.
Zoe remembered Ray was trying to raise the money to open a boat shop. Luck Harbor had several, and Ray worked for one. But she seemed to remember her father saying that Raymond Tobin was reckless. Of course that had been last winter before the cancer took Daddy. Since he had died, her relatives hadn’t been as eager to fill her in on local gossip. Family business generally took precedence.
“Nope,” Mitchell’s voice was as implacable as it had been when he ordered the boys to surrender their stash. “I have a bunch of family obligations and then I’m taking a long vacation.” He bent his head to Zoe’s ear. “Would you like a drink, honey? Or are you up for another dance?”
“I could use a soda,” she said.
Raymond was crestfallen by his dismissal. But there was no triumph in Mitchell as he led her over to the bar. Unless you counted the unmistakable masculine triumph of a man escorting a woman he desires. Because he did desire her. This attraction was entirely mutual.
Feminine pride made her strut. Too bad nothing could come of all this electricity. She couldn’t involve anyone in this sordid triangle she had going on. But one thing was clear as day, even if she wanted to, she couldn’t marry Chadwick Ellery Strawn III if she could feel like this about any other man.
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About the Author
Isadora writes feel-good PNR stories about heroic shifters and the sexy, sassy BBWs who are their fated mates. She is the author of over 20 books. Join her for some rousing adventures and some spicy loving.
Take a vacation from the humdrum. An Isadora Montrose Romance will instantly transport you to a thrilling world of sizzling passion and transcendent love. A guaranteed happy ending every time.
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Also by Isadora Montrose
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Fated for the Phoenix: A Shifters in Love Fun & Flirty Romance (Mystic Bay Book 5) Page 20