Christmas Therapy

He laughed.

She grinned. “No. Deep down, I love it. How can anyone not love Christmas in a magical place like this?”

“I agree.” He stepped closer. “Would you like to dance?” Terrance’s face seemed to shine with hope.

Heather raised an eyebrow. “Is this your way of asking me out?”

His lips parted while his eyes widened. “Well… if… I mean… how do you make me forget what I’m going to say?”

“The song will be over by the time I explain, so let’s dance.”

Reaching out her hand, Terrance’s strong fingers surrounded hers. Placing her other hand on his shoulder, the duo danced to Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” Terrance’s other hand splayed across her back as he led her into a simple waltz. He was decent enough. Chivalrous, generous, and kind, so why didn’t she like him back?

Heather cleared her throat. “So where did you learn to dance?”

“My mother. She made sure I took lessons as a child.” He twirled her around and then brought her back to his chest.

“Look at you trying to sweep me off my feet,” she teased.

“Is it working?”

“You want it to? Be honest with me.”

Terrance exhaled. “I like you, Heather.”

She gave half a smile. “I figured as much. A woman can only take so many side glances at work.”

“There you go saying things that get me all…”

“Confused?”

“Exactly, but I was thinking the word stumped.”

Heather giggled. “Can I be honest with you?”

He bobbed his head, lacing his fingers with hers. Heather’s feet paused mid waltz. “I—”

“You don’t mind if I cut in do you, Heather? Terrance promised me a dance.”

Grace Weiss, dressed in her black one-shoulder formal gown flashed her bright smile at Heather.

Terrance replied, “Actually Heather was about to—”

Heather dismissed his comment with a wave. “Go ahead. We can talk later. He’s all yours Grace.”

The woman squealed leading Terrance to the middle of the dance floor. Heather walked over to one of the tall tables. Taking one hors d’oeuvre in her mouth, she moaned in satisfaction. Finger food was not her style, but she would indulge tonight. While she maintained a healthy lifestyle, she didn’t mind cheating on her diet now and then.

“Is it good?”

Twirling around, she bumped into a hard chest, spilling the contents of the man’s drink.

“Oh no. I’m so sorry,” Heather said, grabbing napkins. She froze recognizing Allen. She’d figured she’d run into him tonight, although she made it a point to avoid him. Reason? “You?”

“Hello again,” he said dabbing at his tuxedo coat.

“I am so sorry again. I’m usually not such a klutz.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be able to walk out of here with no problem, so you’re good. Heather.”