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At one point, Matt leaned across the table, his voice low but pointed. “Ruthie, I expect you to save me a dance tonight. Or maybe that’s what your… guest is here for?” His smirk sent a chill down her spine.

Noah’s hand found hers under the table, his fingers steadying her trembling ones. “She’s in good hands.” His gaze locked with Matt’s.

Matt’s smirk faltered, but he quickly covered it with another swig of wine, his laugh louder than necessary.

As dessert was served, Noah leaned closer to Ruth, his voice low and reassuring. “You’re handling this like a pro,” he murmured. “But if you need an excuse to step away, just say the word.”

She’d already hit the restroom with Melanie. Ruth exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Noah gave her a small, encouraging smile. “Always.”

Thirteen

As the waitstaff began clearing dessert plates, the band struck up a lively, jazzy rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra. The warm notes of the saxophone filled the room, and Ruth watched as couples rose from their seats, heading toward the dance floor. Her eyes instinctively followed Matt, who, already tipsy, dragged Jenna onto the floor with exaggerated enthusiasm. Jenna gave a small laugh, clearly trying to keep up with his uncoordinated movements.

Noah leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady on Ruth. “Are you planning to let them have all the fun?” he asked casually.

She blinked at him. “I didn’t take you for a dancer.”

He smirked, standing and extending his hand. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

Ruth hesitated for only a moment. She wasn’t the best dancer, but she had promised herself she’d enjoy the night—and Noah was looking at her with that combination of confidence and mischief that made it hard to say no. Smiling, she placed her hand in his. “All right, Kandor. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Noah led her to the dance floor with an ease that surprised her. As they reached the center, he turned to face her, his hand resting lightly on her waist. His other hand held hers firmly but gently, his touch steady and reassuring.

“You ready?” he asked, his voice low.

“I guess we’re about to find out,” she replied, half-teasing but feeling her heart race.

The band launched into the chorus, and Noah guided her effortlessly into a smooth foxtrot, his movements precise but relaxed. Ruth’s breath caught as he spun her gently, her emerald dress flaring slightly with the motion. She glanced up at him, her cheeks flushed. “You weren’t kidding. Where did you learn to dance like this?”

“Undercover work,” he said with a grin. “You’d be surprised how many cases involve fancy galas.”

She laughed softly, her nerves melting away as they fell into step. Alex taught dance as a hobby. “I thought you may have taken a lesson with Alex.” His gentle hand on her waist guided her through each move. She couldn’t help but notice how close they were—his broad shoulders, the clean lines of his tuxedo, and his scent lingered in the air around him.

“You’re good at this,” she admitted, surprised at how effortless he made it seem.

“So are you,” he replied. “Though I’m starting to think you’re just full of hidden talents.”

She rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re the one full of surprises tonight. First, you’re a lawyer; now you’re Fred Astaire. Anything else I should know?”

“Plenty,” he said, a teasing gleam in his eye. “But I’ve got to keep some secrets. Keeps things interesting.”

They moved together as if they’d been doing this for years, the rhythm of the music and the warmth of the room wrapping around them like a cocoon. For a moment, it was easy to forget about Matt Brandt or the undercurrent of tension from earlier in the evening. Ruth felt light, almost giddy, as Noah spun her again, pulling her back into his arms with a fluid motion that elicited a ripple of applause from a nearby table.

“Show-off,” she murmured, her eyes sparkling.

“You love it,” he countered, his lips twitching into a grin.

As the song drew to a close, the band transitioned seamlessly into another classic, Nat King Cole’s "Unforgettable." The tempo slowed, and Noah hesitated for a fraction of a second, giving Ruth the chance to step away if she wanted to. Instead, she stayed, her hand still in his.

“I don’t usually do this,” she said softly, her gaze dropping to where her other hand rested on his chest.

“Ballroom dance?” His brow quirked with curiosity.

“Dance with… anyone, really,” she admitted, glancing up at him with a shy smile. “Not like this.”

Noah’s expression softened, his hand on her waist pulling her just a breath nearer. “You’re doing great,” he said, his voice low. “And for the record, I’m glad you said yes.”