Another ball, another crowded room…
Another glass of champagne pressed into my hand.
“I have two conditions,” I say, struggling to keep my voice level.
Hugo tilts his head, waiting.
“No one spikes the champagne.”
“Of course, my queen. And the second condition?”
“The only man I dance with that night is you.”
He goes still, then picks up one of the silver pens and clicks it three times. “Spiked champagne isn’t something I would allow anyway, but the other thing…” And just like that, he’s avoiding my eyes again. “I, uh…I don’t dance.”
“Because you don’t know how, or you don’t like to?”
“I don’t like dancing.”
“Then why a ball, of all things? There must be easier ways to raise money.”
“Because other people enjoy dancing.” He adjusts his glasses. “Besides, it’s not just for the foundation. We’re celebrating birthdays, remember?”
“I don’t want to dance with anyone else.” Not Liam, definitely not Oliver.
“You don’t have to.”
“If you don’t dance with me, they’ll all try.”
“Then I’ll pull rank. While you’re in my house, you’re off-limits to the rest of them.”
“You won’t dance with me, not even once?” Now I’m curious. Most men put their hands on me whether I want them to or not. Hugo’s flat-out refusal comes out of left field in comparison.
“Why do you want to dance with me, my queen?”
“Because things are simple with you, and I’ve had enough balls to last a lifetime.”
“It’ll be good for your career.”
“It’ll be even better with you at my side.”
“Not just at your side, butdancing,right?”
His lips twitch, and that makes me smile.
“If you can stomach it.”
“I’ll do my best to be your shield, Novalee. But I can’t dance with you.”
I’m not sure why, but his rejection stings. It’s not like I have a romantic interest in him. I’m not even a big dancer. But if I’m going to be close to anyone, I’d rather it be him.
Liam will challenge me enough later that same night.
Hugo clears his throat. “I’ve upset you.”
“No, it’s not you. I just don’t have a great history with parties.”
“If the idea upsets you this much, you don’t have to attend. There will be other opportunities to make connections.”