mischievous grin. In different circumstances I could probably see myself falling for him as well because he wasn’t just easy on the eyes, he had an easy-going personality. But it was always difficult for me to get close to other people because I felt as if every time I did, I ended up losing people.
Maybe it was my fault for shutting people off, but it was a block I couldn’t get past because I always seemed to lose the people I cared about. My biological mother, my grandmother and my adoptive parents. Some of my problems stemmed from being a black child adopted by white parents. My parent had been generous and loving but even though couldn’t shield me from the ignorance of the world. So for a chunk of my life I felt like I had to keep people at arm’s length to prevent myself from getting hurt. Only recently had I started going to therapy to address some of my issues, and I was in the early stages. I had a long way to go, but I did want to be more open healthy relationships with other people.
Maybe just for tonight at least I could let my guard down and have a good time instead of watching other people enjoying themselves.
Ian was a bit of a goofball, and he had my sides aching from laughter. We must have danced through three songs because I looked toward our table to see a fuming Gillian. The last thing I wanted was personal drama to affect my work environment. “I think we should probably head back. Gillian doesn’t look too happy.
Ian’s eyebrows shot up. “Or is it that you’re looking for an excuse to get away from me.”
“Not at all. I’m actually having a great time, but we did promise her that we’d be on the dancefloor for just one dance.
“One more dance. This is my jam.” He started doing the Carlton Dance, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
I was jolted out of my revelry when a hand fell on my shoulder. I nearly jumped out of my dress in shock from the jolt of what felt like an electric pulse going through my bare shoulder when contact was made.
I turned around, and before I could help myself, a gasp tumbled from my lips. It was the guy from the coffee shop. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see him again. When he’d asked for my information and I declined, I thought that would be it. When I saw him at the shop again a different time, he’d let me know in no uncertain terms that he was there for me. And I was very tempted to take him up on his offer, but something held me back. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the why at the time, but now I knew.
This man was trouble.
I don’t know what it was about him. Sure he was easily one of the most gorgeous specimens I’d ever laid my eyes on. He was literally the walking embodiment of tall, dark and handsome. I’ve encountered several good-looking men in my lifetime, but this man was head and shoulders above most of them. And yet it wasn’t his looks that had me frozen to the spot and had my tongue cleaving to the roof of my mouth.
I’d been rendered speechless and immobile at once, and instead of using words like a normal person I stood there staring. It had been easier to talk to him in the coffee shop because I thought he was someone I could put to the back of my mind, but seeing him here in his obviously tailored black tuxedo, our encounter almost seemed fated. That was the part that scared me. Somehow I knew this man would have the power to do things to my heart that I’d allowed no other to. Maybe I should have run, but I remained where I stood.
“Yes?” I finally found my voice, and it came out in a raspy croak. I wanted the floor to open up on me.
“So we meet again, Frankie. I’d say this encounter was destined.”
“Is it?” I wish I could have said something more intelligent, but this man had the ability to make me feel like a little girl at a boyband concert. I might have been speechless on the outside, but I was screaming on the inside.
“Oh, absolutely, and I absolutely insist that I have this dance.”
He didn’t wait for answer before he hooked his arms