Page 119 of Don't Be in Love

“At least I’m not jealous.”

“Better than being obsessed.”

“Obsessed?You think I’m obsessed with you?”

“It wasn’t a question.” She looked up at me with a satisfied smile. “It’s the reason you foolishly pulled us into the middle of the ballroom, completely ignoring everything we agreed on.”

“Agreed on?Are we talking about the same conversation? Were you in the same bookshop?”

“So you admit to remembering the plan?” She searched my face.

“I heard the plan, yes. Didn’t mean I had to do everything you said though.”

She laughed. “That’s richcoming from the manwho wasbeggingformy sayon staying in London for holiday.”

“Begging?Says that one who was begging for me to kiss her.” That wiped the smirk right off her face.

“I was not begging.”

“Fine—pleading.”

She narrowed her eyes. “It’s not like you hesitated.”

“I wasn’t implying that I had. I don’t regret kissing you.”

She focused her gaze on the gardens behind me. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I can’t just forget about you—”

“I meant the dancing, Dorian. People are going to put two and two together.”

Now I was the one exhaling a hot breath. “It’s just dancing. Let people think what they want.”

The music continued at a brisk pace. As the woman beside us left her partner’s hold to spin, I let go of Adelaide to do the same before pulling her back into my chest. Her head fit into the niche of my neck as we swayed, watching the next pair repeat the same steps together.

“You could’ve left,” I whispered. The scent of vanilla in her hair was intoxicating to withstand. Usually, I could remedy the problem by stepping away or pressing my mouth to the side of her neck. But the former would result in a scandal. While the latter would also result in a scandal, but it’d be much more satisfying and accompanied by a kick in the shin.

“What?” she asked.

“You could’ve pulled your hand away. Not dance with me.”

“It’s not like you would’ve listened to me.”

“Adelaide, we both know I hang on your every word. I couldn’t ignore you if I tried. If you said no, then I would’ve letgo.” My heart reached my throat as her eyes shifted to my face. I wanted her. Everyfiber of my beingcraved her. I swore it was written all over my face in permanent ink.

I love you. I love you. I love you.

“The purse would’ve matched the dress,” I told her.

“Purse?” Her eyebrows shifted inward.

“Did you not get it?”

“You bought me the purse?”

“Is there someone else buying you gifts?” I tried to laugh but it died on my tongue.

“I—no. I just assumed it was James.”