Page 68 of Not Another Happily Ever After

“I could not, Miss.”

“Because you think me too beastly?”

He stops so abruptly that I nearly topple into him. If I were to take any bigger breath our bodies would be touching—a shiver-inducing thought I have to bite down on before my lungs can think to expand upon it. The warmth of his body is nothing compared to the heat of his darkened autumn gaze.

“You are no beast,” he replies, entirely unaware of the weight those four words carry, or the heart he’s just set ablaze.

I wet my lips and the air between us tightens, growing thicker with the scent of wild orange and cinnamon and all the questions I ought not say aloud.

And yet. “Is it my hand you dare not to take?” I ask, for once not referencing my skin’s blue hue. “Is it because it will soon belong to another?”

Something flickers across his features, and for a moment, I believe he wants to say yes. Then he shakes his head.

I drop my gaze, pretending to fidget with my fingers just to hide the disappointment I have no right to feel.

“Then what is it?” I ask, careful not to let the ache in my chest set a tone to my voice. “If not because of fear,or feelings,then?—”

“If I take your hand,” he finally offers, “I will be painfully aware of every mistake I make.”

Oh.Oh.He’s embarrassed.

A warm smile pulls at my lips, and from them spills a quiet laugh. “Then I shall be very aware of the steps I teach you.” I offer him an outstretched hand.

Frog blinks, eyeing it warily as if certain he’d misheard me.

“Dance with me, Frog,” I repeat. This time, I leave little room for refusal, taking his hand before he can think to hide it.

“Miss Sunday, I?—”

“Youare going to put your left hand here,” I instruct, placing his trembling fingers on the small of my back.

The knight sucks in a sharp inhale that sends his firm chest into mine and a flurry of butterflies into the bottom of my belly.

I clear my throat, ignoring both. “Just like that,” I add, my voice barely a whisper. “Now with your other hand, take mine.”

Frog doesn’t move, doesn’t so much as breathe as he stares down at me, his eyes wide with quiet surprise.And an adorable dose of panic.

“Here, like this,” I offer, taking his right hand in mine and threading our fingers so that our palms are flush. “Now…first rule. Stop watching your feet.”

Frog’s eyes snap to mine, the tops of his cheeks pink beneath the moonlight. “I’ll step on your toes.”

“I’ll survive.” I smile, stepping us back into the clearing.

Reluctantly, he keeps his gaze level with the top of my head, though the tremble of his hand on my waist remains.

Hmm.

“Think of this like wielding a blade, only much less dangerous.”

Frog’s brows furrow. “I am not nearly as confident about this.”

Oh I know,I giggle as Buttons hops into the clearing, purring his delight. His soft chirps are almost melodic, giving our dance new life.Good idea! Music always helps.I wink at the little pink and white creature.

“Now,” I say. “Right foot back.”

He backs with his left.

“Your other right,” I grin.