One of her hands he held securely in his while the other she placed on his broad shoulder. His free hand fanned out on her waist to firmly hold her close. Her breasts skimmed his chest, tingling in reaction.
He smelled of citrus and smoke. It reminded her of the pleasure of a cool fall night, sitting around a fire watching the flames. In a weak moment she moved to rest her cheek against his. It was smooth. He’d shaved before dressing for the wedding. She inhaled. That scent she would forever associate with Elijah.
As his skillful feet moved she followed, her dress swirling around her legs and his as well. She’d never before been swept around a dance floor like this. He was a magnificent dancer. All she had to do was to hang on and enjoy.
“You’re a wonderful dancer,” she murmured.
He chuckled. “Surprised?”
“Maybe a little. I just never pegged you as a ballroom dancer.”
“I’m not. I haven’t done this in years. My mother saw to it that we all learned to dance. ‘Davenport men must put their best foot forward.’ I heard that more than once.”
“I’ll have to thank her for this wonderful experience.”
“It’s not just all her. I’m the one doing the work here.” He sounded a little perturbed.
She looked at him. “I thank you as well.”
They made another heavenly turn around the floor. Helena looked away from Elijah long enough to see that others in the wedding party had joined them.
“You know you look amazing tonight,” he said softly against her temple.
His appreciation stoked the growing fire in her. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had complimented her on her appearance. “Thank you.”
“Helena?” He rolled her name around on his tongue as if he was trying to remember something of importance. “Reminds me of Helen of Troy. If my memory of Greek mythology is correct, Helen was worshipped for her beauty. The Trojan War was fought over her.” He looked into her eyes. “Have any wars been fought over you?”
“No.”
“Maybe just not yet.” His face turned serious. “Let me think what else I can remember about her.”
They continued to dance. Helena forgot there was anyone else around them.
He finally said, “She was fickle in her youth. Were you?”
Helena could have been considered that. She certainly managed to make a mess of her teenage years. “Some.”
“She was carried off to Troy by the Spartans. And here you are in New York so far from home. And if I remember correctly, she wished for a husband and child. How about you, is that what you want?”
“Sure. Don’t most women?”
“Some don’t. I could tell from your toast you are into all this.” He nodded toward the wedding festivities.
“What’s not to love about love?”
He snorted. “That’s just a bunch of malarkey that’s perpetuated to make money.”
“You don’t think much of weddings, do you?” She pulled back so she could see him clearly.
“Nope. Waste of money and energy.” Elijah pulled her back to him. “I believe in having a good time where both people can leave without having any feelings hurt.” His look grew intense and questioning. “And mutual satisfaction for as long as it lasts.”
Her step faltered but he held her securely until they were in sync again. “What happened to make you so jaded?” She should be the one who felt that way but instead she was convinced there was someone out there just for her.
Elijah’s eyes darkened as if he was remembering something distasteful. “Let’s just say that some marriages can be all perfect on the outside but rotten and nasty on the inside.”
It made her feel sad that he believed that. “Not all marriages are that way.”
“Why go through all this marriage nonsense when you can just have a good time?”
She stopped. He did as well but still held her. “Because you make a commitment. A promise that you will share this person’s life, no matter what happens. Otherwise you go from one woman to the next, discarding them when you’re done.”
His lips thinned. “That sounds like an accusation.”
She glared at him. “But it’s the truth, isn’t it?”
He shrugged.
“That’s disgusting.” Helena wanted nothing to do with being thrown away. She’d been there and had that done to her. She hadn’t guarded herself all these years only to slip back into the same trap that had snared her in her teens. No matter how attractive, or funny, or regardless of how much she appreciated his dancing skills, Elijah wasn’t the man for her. She needed to get away while she could.
“We’ve done our duty, I think. Thanks for the dance.” She stepped out of Elijah’s arms and headed for their table.
She’d had enough, felt as if Elijah had stomped on her dreams. His cynical way of looking at weddings, marriage and love was the polar opposite to what she dreamed of and hoped for. Why his pessimistic opinion of love mattered to her so much she didn’t understand. She didn’t really know Elijah. What little she’d learned tonight had soured her on him.
That wasn’t true. She was without question attracted to him physically but they didn’t want the same things out of life. He wanted a fun time and she wanted a long time. She had to step out of this fairy-tale environment and re-enter reality where they were just hospital colleagues. Still, for the first time in years she’d felt a compelling desire for a man. Felt alive.
Disgusted with herself, she stopped by the table long enough to snatch her cape off the back of her chair then headed for a side door.
She was actually falling for Elijah, the playboy of Manhattan Mercy. What was she thinking? That she could change him? He’d been playing with her. Being someone’s plaything held no interest for her.
Or had he? Not once had he suggested there could be more between them. He hadn’t even asked her out. There had been casual flirting between them, that was all. She’d responded and he’d acted on it. Now she was overreacting.
Taking the exit, cold air blasted her and she quickly pulled the cape over her shoulders. Being out here would cool her angst. Snow swirled around her. Stepping further into the open space, she lifted her face. Pure delight welled in her, replacing any anger she felt toward herself and Elijah’s attitude. Stretching her arms out, she slowly twirled.
* * *
Elijah unhurriedly followed Helena, hoping to give her time to cool down. Going outside, he came to an abrupt stop. Helena had her head back, her arms extended, and was slowly turning in a circle. Snow fluttered around her in the night. Her dress flowed as she moved, reminding him of the ballerina in Penny’s childhood music box. She looked mystical.
He
