When she pulled away, Owen stepped forward and gave me a quick hug, too, clapping my back. “Good to see you tonight.”
“You too.”
I glanced toward the dance floor where Ian andMaddie were swaying together, completely wrapped up in each other on their wedding night.
“I don’t want to interrupt the happy couple,” I said to Owen. “But will you tell them congratulations for me?”
“Of course,” he said.
Before I left, my gaze drifted back to the dance floor one last time. To where Nora was still dancing with Miles. And she must have some sort of sixth sense or something, because in the next instant, she was angling her head toward me.
Our eyes met, and she watched me for a moment, her expression softening with something that looked suspiciously like concern. Like she could tell from all the way across the lawn that I was feeling out of sorts.
I forced a small smile and lifted my hand in a wave.
Then I mouthed,See you later.
She nodded slightly.
And then, before I could second-guess myself, I turned and walked toward the exit.
I had almost reached the front gate when a delicate hand caught my wrist.
“Hey, Theo. Wait.”
I looked down and found Nora standing there, her fingers curled lightly around my hand.
“Why are you leaving so soon?” she asked breathlessly.
Because I was lonely.
Because I was the only single guy in a sea of happy couples.
Because I didn’t know where I fit in anymore.
Because I wanted to fit in with someone.
“I’m just a little tired,” I said instead. “And I figuredthe bride and groom probably wouldn’t notice if I slipped out early.”
Her brown eyes studied me for a second, as if she wasn’t entirely convinced.
Then her expression shifted, a small spark of determination lighting her eyes. “But didn’t you say something earlier about stealing a dance with me?”
Ah.
Right.
She hadn’t forgotten that impulsive moment at the house when I’d told Miles to expect me to steal Nora for a dance.
“You aren’t going to skip out before making good on your promise, are you?” she asked when I didn’t move to follow her. “Because that would be very rude of you.”
I sighed, a smile lifting my lips despite myself. “You really want to dance with a crusty old man like me?”
“You are neither crusty nor old.” She rolled her eyes. “And yes, I’d love to dance with a guy who isn’t just using me to make someone else jealous.”
“Has Miles been bad?” I furrowed my brow.
“No.” She chuckled, waving the thought away. “But I’d still like to dance with you, if you’ll have me.”