Such Great Heights - Sydney Logan Page 0,25

the other lawyers. I would never do that.”

“We’re not married, Olivia. You’re free to dance with whomever you like.”

“I know, but I wouldn’t. Because I’m here with you.”

The song changes to a softer tune, and our bodies instinctively drift closer. Olivia’s body presses against me, causing us both to sigh softly.

Have I really been this starved for affection? This desperate for a woman’s touch?

Overwhelmed and caught up in the moment, I slide my fingers along her cheek, gently cupping her face in my hand. Closing her eyes, Olivia leans into my touch as our bodies continue to sway to the rhythm of the music. It would be so easy to lean in . . . to let my lips brush against her cheek.

So I do.

Olivia trembles as my breath creeps across her face. I softly kiss her cheek, tightening my hold around her waist as her arms wrap around me. All I have to do is turn my head, just a little. That’s all it would take to finally have her lips on mine.

“Jackson,” she whispers, her voice pleading and breathless.

As I gaze into her deep green eyes, I see the battle that rages there, and I know it matches my own. We’re so afraid to give in, to finally stop denying ourselves what we truly want. But we both know there’s far more at stake than just our hearts.

There’s Ryder.

We can’t be selfish.

It’s just a kiss, Jackson.

Just a kiss.

Is there really any such thing as just a kiss?

Then someone coughs behind me, and instantly, the spell is broken. Olivia’s eyes grow wide as she focuses on the man standing there.

I’d know that fake cough anywhere.

“Son,” my father says quietly, “your mother wants you to know that we approve very much, but perhaps the two of you would like to go somewhere a bit more private.”

I clear my throat. “Of course.”

“We’re headed home. Why don’t you go say goodbye to your mother?” he says with a twinkle in his eye. “But before we go, Olivia, I wonder if you would consider dancing with an old man?”

“Dad . . .” I start to protest, but he simply gives me a smile.

“You get to take her home, son.”

Oh, yeah.

Content with that knowledge, I smile and step back, giving him the chance to cut in. Olivia laughs and offers my father her hand.

“Well,” she says with a beautiful smile, “I don’t see any old men, but I’d love to dance with you, Mr. Healey.”

I smirk as I watch my beaming father steal my date and lead her to the dance floor.

“This is a pleasure, Olivia,” Mr. Healey says as we dance. “What do you think of our little benefit?”

I take in my gorgeous surroundings. The ballroom sparkles with chandeliers and tapered candles, and the round tables are draped with red and gold. The men are wearing tuxedos, the women are dressed for the Oscars, and I couldn’t feel more out of place. But everyone has made me feel so welcome, especially Jackson’s family.

“I’m not sure little is how I’d describe it, but I’ve had a wonderful time. And the children’s hospital is such a worthy cause.”

Mr. Healey nods. “We think so, too. Especially now that we’re grandparents. We love our kids, of course. But there’s just something about grandchildren.”

“I understand.”

He smiles. “I know you do. Teaching . . . what a noble profession. Underpaid and unappreciated, but noble. I’m sure you were expecting to have a classroom full of kids this year. I hope being Ryder’s nanny isn’t a disappointment.”

“I love him.” My voice is firm. A little too firm. I wince immediately.

His face softens. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise. It’s obvious to all of us that you are devoted and wonderful.”

I sigh softly and continue to move my feet.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Healey.”

“Don’t be. In that moment you showed more affection for my grandson than I ever witnessed from his mother.” He looks toward the family table, where Jackson and his mother sit. “I’m sorry. I know Jackson doesn’t like it when we mention her.”

“I don’t mind. Of course, I’ve had the good fortune of never meeting her.”

Mr. Healey laughs. “No wonder my son adores you. And he’s having a very hard time hiding it tonight.”

Were we causing a scene? At a children’s benefit? That would be mortifying.

I feel my cheeks flame.

“Don’t be embarrassed, Olivia. I was young once, too. I remember when it was impossible to keep my hands off my gorgeous wife. To be honest, I still struggle