Page 116 of Christmas at the Castle
Chapter Fourteen
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Would this songever end? Gill danced with Rowena as his mother wanted, but he hated every moment. The woman had completely forgotten what she’d done to Kat’s dress. Granted, it was an accident, and she’d apologized, but he thought she might be more subdued or remorseful.
The woman looked ready to party.
With him.
He shuddered.No, thank you.
The song ended, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He bowed. “Thank you for the dance.”
She ran her fingertip along his arm. “The night’s still young; perhaps we can continue our…dancingin private.”
Just shoot him now.
Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Sophie. She was hard to miss in the bridal gown. She waved to him.
Saved by his sister.
“Excuse me,” he said to Rowena. “My sister needs me.”
He wove his way through the other couples on the dance floor. As soon as he was within arm’s reach, Sophie grabbed his hand and pulled him to the side.
Gill had no idea what was going on, but Sophie’s smile had disappeared. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
She blew out a breath. “I’m worried about Kat.”
“Where is she?”
“Upstairs with Liv.” Sophie glanced to the doorway. “Kat will be back after she changes.”
“You sound certain.” No one knew Kat better than Sophie, though he wished that he did.
“I am, but I need you to make sure she’s okay.” Sophie’s eyes twinkled. “It would seem I picked the wrong brother for my BFF, but I couldn’t be happier about that. Just please, don’t let Mother ruin whatever is going on between you and Kat.”
He didn’t want that to happen, either. “I’ll do what I can.”
A flash of color caught Gill’s eye. He looked to the ballroom entrance. Kat was no longer wearing the stained gown, but an elaborate costume that looked like something one of Henry the Eighth’s wives might wear. She carried the bridal bouquet.
Gill could barely breathe. His mouth watered.
In the white bridesmaid gown, she had looked gorgeous, but also sweet and innocent. Now dressed in a historical reenactment gown with the bodice a tad too small, she looked take-her-to-bed sexy.
He would start with a dance and hope for a kiss. Anything else…
His mother gasped. “What is she wearing?”
Rowena pursed her lips. “She looks ridiculous.”
“She’s hot.” He gave them both a look that saidback off. He walked straight toward her, not allowing anyone to distract him.
Earlier today, he’d imagined her as his bride. She was smart, caring, compassionate, and brave.
Not many women would have returned wearing a dress like that.
But she had.
