Page 39 of Broken Headboards

No, thank you, is what I should have said.

“Yes, of course!” is what I said for my friend.

But dancing with him was painful.

Especially when it comes to tango.

We started off well-enough, our steps matching the slow tempo of the music.

Then the bastard stomped on my foot.

And then again.

And again.

Now I’m sighing in frustration.

And the more he steps on my foot, the more enthusiastic he gets, swirling me around the room as if I were a rag doll. I start getting dizzy and, by the time the song reaches it’s high point, I can’t help but glare at him.

“I’ll lead,” I hiss through gritted teeth, pushing him back and forth across the dance floor. He finally settles into a boring rhythm, and I curse Ashley so many times under my breath that Howard must be thinking I’m trying to invoke Satan.

When the music reaches its conclusion, I’m ready to make my escape. Except, of course, the freakin’ band decides to segue straight intoLa Cumparsita, the most well-known tango song in the world. Don’t know it? Sure you do.

In fact, grab your phone and put it on right now. Yup, I’m totally serious. If I have to suffer through this song tonight, you’ll have to suffer with me.

Take your time.

I’ll wait.

I’m still waiting, babe.

“Mind if I steal the lady?” I hear a voice say from behind me, and I’m already thanking the gods of tango for delivering me a savior.

And that’s when I realize it’s Austin.

Holy shit, don’t I ever get a break?

Sadness washes over Howard’s face but he lets go of me. The guy doesn't know how to fight for a woman.

I start walking away when Austin reaches for me and grabs my hand, swirling me around and pulling me against his body. I gasp as I feel my breasts pressed against his chest, and then he holds his left hand up while resting the other on my lower back.

“Where do you think you’re fucking going?” he whispers, taking slow but slithery steps across the dance floor. “You didn’t ask the reader to put some music on just so you could escape, did you?”

“The reader?” I reply, frowning but keeping my posture, our bodies gliding across the ballroom. “Last time I checked the contract said we had to split air time in this novel.”

“Technicalities,” he says, flashing me a teasing smile.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I ask.

“Can’t a man enjoy a night out?” he asks back.

“I didn’t know you were a dancer,” I answer.

“I didn't know you were a thief!” he yells.

I pull back, but he pulls me tight against him.

The pressure of his fingers on my skin sends a shiver up my spine. I look into his eyes, and my gaze goes to his lips.