“That is even better. If you fall, you will not hurt anyone.” A mischievous smile lit his face. “Come dance, mon bel ange.”
Anne felt like a million eyes were watching as she danced with Henri, but gradually, a few couples joined them on the dance floor. He held her right hand between them and pressed her close with his other hand on the small of her back. She felt the warmth of his hand on her skin. He whispered in her ear, and she felt intoxicated by the power of his persuasive words.
As she turned in a slow circle, her eyes locked with Steven Gherring’s. He stared intently. What was the emotion in his eyes? Was he angry she’d lied to him? Was he embarrassed his secretary was at this important event with his business associate? Was he disgusted she was going out with Henri, a man that was a source of irritation for him? Henri turned her further and she lost sight of Gherring. Then Henri began to hum the song. His deep voice resonated in his chest, and she felt the vibrations in her own body. She was lost in relaxed reverie, when Henri stopped abruptly.
She looked up, only to see Steven Gherring standing behind Henri. “May I cut in?”
Henri glowered at Gherring. “I do not think the lady desires to change partners.”
Gherring returned the glare and spoke through his clenched teeth. “Perhaps you should ask the lady in question.”
Both men turned their scowling faces to Anne, who felt as if she might pass out right on the dance floor. Gherring softened his expression. “If you’d do me the honor, Ms. Best? Just one dance?”
“Okay,” Anne hated the shaky sound of her voice.
Henri surrendered her hand to Gherring. “Qu'une seule fois. Only one. Seulement!” He backed away, keeping his eyes on Anne.
Gherring took her hand in a gentle clasp and placed his hand on her back. Her skin tingled beneath his fingers. His blue eyes gazed so intensely Anne closed hers to escape them. He started to move in time to the music when Anne stopped him. “Wait… I forgot. I have to tell you something. Before we can dance—”
Gherring’s expression was taut. “What? Tell me.”
Anne blushed. “I can barely stand up in these shoes. You have to move slow and help me keep my balance.”
Gherring’s face broke out in a smile, a rare genuine smile that revealed his deep dimples. “I’ll hold you up. You won’t fall with me.”
He moved her across the dance floor in a slow smooth motion, while she kept her eyes downcast. Anne was intensely aware of his touch. Although he held her firmly, he didn’t press against her. His firm chest brushed lightly across her as they glided around the floor, every contact searing.
Anne felt lightheaded and faltered for a moment. But Gherring reacted quickly, bringing her close as he supported her. Anne’s heart was racing, and she feared Gherring would notice the thudding against his chest. If he noticed, he said nothing.
Why had he asked her to dance? Was he trying to prove something to Henri? Was he making a fool of her? She drummed up the courage to speak to him, to ask him what he was doing. But when she looked up, his gaze held her captive, her breath catching in her throat. She opened her mouth and her lips moved, but no words emerged.
Gherring spoke. “I want you to know…” He paused, a pained look crossing his face. “That—that I enjoyed the dance… very much.”
They’d stopped moving, and Anne noticed a lull in the music. She tried to understand Gherring’s motivation. “But why—”
Henri deftly stepped between the pair, reclaiming her hand. He gave Anne a warm smile, ignoring Gherring completely. “Would you like to dance more? Or sit for a moment?”
“I think I’d like to sit.” Anne took Henri’s arm, but glanced up at Gherring. His expression was inscrutable. “Thanks for the dance, Mr. Gherring.”
“Yes, thank you, Anne. I’ll see you bright and early on Monday.” Gherring narrowed his eyes at Henri. “When is your flight back to Paris, Henri? Do you need a lift to the airport?”
Henri stared grimly at Gherring and started to retort, when Anne interrupted. “Actually, Mr. Gherring, I was the person who arranged for Henri’s transportation, alo
ng with the other international executives. And I’m sure I can make alternate arrangements in case his flight plans change.”
Henri cracked a smile at Anne.
“And yes, I’ll see you on Monday,” Anne continued. “No more spa days for me.”
Gherring gave a stiff nod. “Thank you for the dance.”
Henri led Anne toward the tables. Just as they arrived, Anne looked over her shoulder. Gherring was still standing on the dance floor, watching their departure as other couples swirled around him.
Henri retrieved a glass of wine for himself and a grapefruit soda for Anne. He left her at the table while he went to stand in the buffet line. Anne was contemplating her straw when she heard a familiar voice.
Johanna Klein slipped into a chair beside her. “You must tell me everything. I saw the scene on the dance floor—I must know what has happened.”
Anne told the whole story, starting with the surprise lunch date with Henri, filling in details as Johanna questioned her. When she was explaining how Gherring asked her to dance, she stopped the story.