after another, until they were exhausted and about to take a break, but then the music slowed and instead, Sam took her hand and pulled her toward him. And they swayed to the music. They were so close that she could smell his cologne and the butterflies came back again as he moved a hand to the small of her back to guide her around the floor. She was surprised by how his touch made her feel. It was like all of her senses were heightened. She snuck a peek at his face to see if his expression would reveal that he was similarly affected. His eyes met hers, the vivid green that was even more disconcerting up close. She looked away and took a deep breath.
“Are you having fun?” he asked softly.
“So much fun. Are you?”
“I am. More than expected. I’m a little hot, though. Do you want to take a walk outside and get some air after this song?”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
When the music ended, Sam took her hand and led her off the dance floor and through a set of French doors that led outside. There was a nice breeze, and they leaned against the side of the building. Mia noticed that Sam was still holding her hand. She looked up at him and he smiled, and she found herself lost in his eyes again. Mesmerized by what she saw there.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and what she saw and felt was breathtaking. She understood, for the first time, that what Sam felt for her went beyond friendship. And she felt the same way toward him. It was like everything suddenly shifted and a world of possibilities opened up. She smiled back, an invitation extended. He accepted, leaned forward and touched his lips ever so gently to hers. Neither of them wanted the kiss to end, but finally they pulled apart.
“I didn’t realize how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he admitted.
“And I didn’t realize that I wanted you to until now. I’m so glad you were able to come tonight.”
“Me, too. I think we both owe Angela a big thank you.”
Mia laughed. “We do. You can thank her at her wedding, if you like?”
“Are you inviting me to her wedding?”
“Yes. I’m technically working it, but she told me I’m very welcome to bring a date.”
“So, that means we’re dating now?” He had a twinkle in his eye.
“I guess it does.”
“Ken would be proud.”
Mia smiled. Ken gave them weekly reports on how his evenings out were going. He wasn’t ready to call them dates yet. But he’d been out with the same lady, Ruth, several times now and talked about her all the time.
They went back inside and danced some more. When Sam took a break, Mia, Kate and Bethany stayed on the dance floor and when the music slowed, Ben got up and asked her to dance.
“If you don’t mind,” he said to Sam. “I want to borrow her for a minute.”
Sam laughed. “As long as you give her back.”
Ben led her around the dance floor and while he was an excellent dancer, Mia didn’t feel the same way in his arms as she had in Sam’s.
“Something’s changed with you two. I don’t have a shot anymore, do I? You like this guy?”
Mia nodded. “Yeah, I really do.”
“Okay. Well if you get bored with him, remember you can always come back to Manhattan. We’d have a blast there.”
Mia laughed. He was too much. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Mia danced the last song of the night with Sam, and then he took her home and kissed her again at her door.
“I had a really great night. See you again on Monday for trivia?”
“I had a wonderful night and yes, I’ll see you then.”
Chapter 24
Mia had just changed into her pajamas and was getting ready to head to bed when her phone rang and it was Izzy. Mia’s heart sank. If Izzy was calling her this late, after midnight, something was very wrong.
“Mia, are you home yet?” Izzy sounded upset.
“Yes, I just got in a few minutes ago. Where are you? What’s wrong?”
“I’m on my way over. I hope that’s okay. Will is driving me and we’re just a few minutes away. I can explain when I get there.”
“Of course it’s okay. And you can stay as long as you like. I’ll get your room ready for you.” Mia hung up and went to check the spare bedroom. There were clean