Page 37 of One Naughty Christmas Night

The music started, and they began their dance, moving effortlessly as one.

She glanced around the room, discomfort settling in her belly as everyone watched them move.

“Victoria,” he whispered, pulling her gaze back to his. “Look at me. Pretend no one else is here. It’s just us.”

He took her in a turn and pulled her body closer to him, her eyes pinned to his.

They moved perfectly together in time to the music, their bodies together as if they were meant to be.

Victoria realized that this was what she wanted. To dance together with Heath for the rest of their lives.

I’m in love with my best friend.

There was no doubting it now.

Happiness welled up, and she decided she wouldn’t even try to hide it.

Applause erupted through the ballroom, breaking the bubble. Victoria hadn’t realized that the music stopped.

Heath brought them to a stop, and she stepped back, slipping into a curtsy, Heath bending into a bow.

The Duke and Willie joined them on the floor and hugged them. Ushering them from the floor, Willie announced that the floor was now open.

“Heath,” Willie said, taking his arm. “I already have a partner for this next dance, so be a dear, won’t you?”

“Yes, Mother,” he replied, giving her a look before he disappeared into the crowd.

“Victoria, dear, come join me here,” her mother said, patting the chair next to her.

Taking the seat, Victoria arranged her dress around her.

“Are you thirsty?” her mother asked, handing her a cup.

Victoria took a sip and sighed, watching Heath as he appeared briefly, then disappeared again.

“Oh look, there’s Bastion,” her mother commented, both watching as he and Ophelia passed by.

“Lovely,” Victoria replied. Quinn and Valentina joined them, Valentina slipping into a seat.

“The ball has only just begun, and I find myself overwhelmed already,” she whispered, leaning toward Victoria.

“Don’t worry, it will get better,” Victoria said, patting her hand.

“I hope so,” she replied, taking the drink Quinn offered her.

A little while later, Victoria sat next to her mother while she conversed with Bastion’s mother. Victoria watched Heath pass by her for the fourth or fifth time with yet another partner, trying to keep her ire from rising.

They’d hardly been able to dance, and it was upsetting, to say the least.

“That’s the second time I’ve seen Heath dance with her,” her mother said, glancing over at Heath.

“It is indeed,” Victoria replied.

“Do you suppose he might fancy her?” she asked.

“Don’t be silly, Mama,” Victoria said, “Heath doesn’t fancy her. He’s only dancing with her to make Willie happy.”

“Is it so hard to imagine he might fancy her?” her mother asked, alarm bells going off in Victoria’s head.