Page 36 of One Naughty Christmas Night

Ophelia’s white dress shimmered as she returned the gesture with a curtsy of her own.

“Lady Murray, you look stunning this evening,” she said, taking Bastion’s offered arm.

“As do you, Lady Bastion,” Victoria replied. “Those diamonds complement you very well, I think.”

Heath glanced at the diamonds that laid against her neck, the stones stunning and sparkling in the light.

“Thank you, they were a gift from my husband.” She lay a hand on them.

“A good choice, Bastion,” Heath interjected, drawing their faces to him.

“Thank you. I do enjoy spoiling my lovely wife.”

His father waved at him, motioning for them to join their party.

“I’m sorry to have to cut this visit short, Victoria, but the Duke needs us.” He turned to the Bastions. “I do hope you have a lovely evening.”

They headed over to their parents, Victoria’s mother placing a hand on hers.

“Is everything all right?” she asked.

“Everything is lovely,” Victoria replied, looking up at him. “Heath was there with me. We made quite pleasant conversation.”

Her eyes sparkled with fondness, and Heath’s stomach tightened. His face must have displayed his surprise because her brow furrowed.

“Heath?”

“Heath,” his father called. He looked over at him. “Escort Victoria to the dance floor, please.”

The Duke took his mother’s arm and escorted her to the middle of the floor.

His mother called for the floor to be cleared, and as she usually did at the beginning of a ball, she announced the couple that would open the ball.

“My son Heath and my friend’s lovely daughter Victoria Murray will open the ball. And, it will open, with awaltz.”

The crowd tittered amongst themselves, but his parents wore only smiles.

Heath stepped over to his mother. “A waltz, Mother?”

“Yes, a waltz.”

“Mother—”

“That is final. Now, go.”

He held up his hands and headed back to Victoria.

“Ready?” he asked, holding out his hand.

She hesitated a moment but placed her hand in his.

“Yes.”

***

Heath led her onto the dance floor, Victoria dipping into a low curtsy, Heath bending into a bow. She straightened, and they came together, his hand sliding around her waist, her hand settling into his.

Tremors rippled through her at his hands on her body, and she tried her best to tamp down the desire she felt warming her.