“Well, it was funny, is all,” I say, my ability to come up with a witty response completely gone as his hand slides up my spine. The music switches to another slow-paced song, and when I think our dance is over, he doesn’t let go. Instead, he continues to move us around as two cellists take centerstage and play With or Without You.
It’s beautiful, the deep glide of the strings weaving through the gold room as the chandeliers dim, setting more of a romantic mood. I’ve been so irritated by Edwin and Genesis that I’ve completely neglected the romance of the night—not that there’s any romance between me and JP, but the ambiance offers a stunning setting for a first kiss.
“What are you thinking about?” JP asks. “I can practically see the wheels in your head turning.”
“The ballroom is beautiful. I’m finally taking a moment to appreciate it.”
“It is,” he says softly. “The food, the décor, the band. It’s the same every year, and even though it benefits the children, I know a lot of couples come to this event just for the experience.”
“I can see why. It’s all so whimsical.”
“Is this what you envisioned the night being like?”
I shake my head gently. “No, I didn’t envision being ditched by my date, then finishing the night dancing with you.”
“I meant with the décor, the feeling, the mood. I know being here, in my arms, with the one person who repulses you the most wasn’t at the forefront of your mind.”
The way he said that, the dejection in his tone, actually makes me feel bad. He might annoy me and he might irritate me, now more than ever, but if I strip away his defense mechanism of acting like an ass, I know there’s a good man under that sarcastic wit.
“You . . . you don’t repulse me, JP.”
“Not looking for a pity comment, just looking for an answer to my question.”
But he doesn’t repulse me. He might not be my favorite person, but repulse? I mean, if he repulsed me, there’s no way I’d allow him to hold me as close as he is. I wouldn’t be getting lost in his delectable scent, a scent that I know will cling to me for the rest of the night.
But he’s a prideful man, and I know he’s not one—in a serious moment—to fish for compliments.
“I didn’t know what to expect about the event. I figured it had to be nice for such a steep price. But this, the almost Great Gatsby feel, this is what movies are made of.”
“None of the donations go to the actual event. This event is put on by a society who chips in their own money. It’s another reason why we love it so much. It’s a true fundraiser. Very little business occurs here.”
“Is that why you brought a date?” I ask, truly curious about him and Genesis.
Not that I’m the expert on JP Cane, but he just doesn’t seem like the dating type to me. He seems more like the guy who’s in and out of bedrooms every other night. The guy that never settles down, flirts shamelessly, and has no need for a companion other than himself.
“Genesis and I met a few weeks ago. She’s smart, someone who can hold an intelligent conversation, and when we went out, I had a good time. I thought this would be a good place to take her, let her mingle with some people, make connections. Didn’t expect her to mingle with your date, though.”
“Yeah, me neither,” I say softly.
JP pulls away just enough that our eyes meet, his light green ones to my hazel. “Listen, Kelsey, he’s—”
“Excuse us. Sorry to interrupt,” Edwin says as he walks up to us, Genesis at his side. “I hope it’s okay, but I think we’re going to head out.” Edwin thumbs to the door behind him. “Genesis has a headache and I figured I’d take her home.”
My stomach drops. He’s leaving the party with someone else?
Sure, the sting of seeing him talk to someone else the entire night was a direct hit to the ego.
Watching him dance with someone else was drink-worthy.
But seeing him leave . . .
JP’s arm stiffens around me as he says, “Sure thing, thanks, man.”
“You don’t mind?” Genesis asks. I can’t even look at them, because from the corner of my eye, I can see Edwin’s hand laced with Genesis’s.
“Not at all,” JP answers, his voice even.
“Okay, well . . . thanks for a good night,” Edwin says before patting me on the shoulder and taking off.
That’s all I get.
A pat on the shoulder.