Free Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason Page B

lilt, exaggerated as Gil often did, made her pulse sprint.
    She looked up into the dazzling blue eyes of the most handsome man in the room. In his charcoal-gray suit and striped cravat, Gil took her breath away. He waited with his hand outstretched.
    She ran her tongue over her parched lips, half wishing Henry would return with her drink. Why was she hesitating? Isn’t this what she’d been hoping for?
    â€œOf course,” she said at last and placed her hand in his.
    When she stumbled slightly, he caught her elbow to steady her.
    â€œTh—thank you.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.”
    Gil guided her onto the floor, one hand to the small of her back where the tiny covered buttons of her bodice ended. The tempo of the music changed to a much slower song as they joined the rest of the dancers. She turned to face him and placed a tentative hand on his shoulder. Gil caught her other hand in his large, warm one. She almost jumped as he wrapped his left arm around her waist and pulled her close. With his face so near to hers, she didn’t know how she’d remember any of the steps to the waltz. Every coherent thought seemed to have flown from her mind.
    â€œI haven’t had the chance to tell you how beautiful you look tonight.” His breath tickled the wisps of hair near her ear.
    Her heart raced. That was the second time he’d called her beautiful since he’d come home. “Thank you. You’re quite handsome yourself.” She struggled for something to say, something to take her mind off the warmth of his splayed fingers on her back, the scent of his cologne filling her senses with each intake of breath. “Are you enjoying all this attention?”
    He chortled. “What do you think?”
    She gave a light laugh. “I think you hate it, but you’re putting up with it for Daddy’s sake.”
    He pulled back to look at her. “I forget how well you know me. I can never hide anything from you, can I?”
    Her mouth went dry at the heat of his scrutiny. “You sound as though I can read your mind. Sometimes I wish I could.”
    â€œReally? What is it you wish to know?”
    The noise of the room faded into the background. Did she dare ask the question that plagued her—the nature of his feelings for her? Better not to tempt fate, for if he admitted to having more than brotherly affection for her, what would that do to her plans for the future?
    The music stopped, and the couples around them slowed to a halt. Brianna’s gaze remained locked with Gil’s, his arms still firmly around her. How she wished she could stay in this position for the rest of the night. She bit her lip and took a reluctant step backward. “Thank you for the dance.”
    â€œThe pleasure was all mine, Brianna.” He took her gloved hand and pressed it to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers.
    â€œThere you are, Gilbert.” Colleen’s falsely sweet voice raised the hairs on Brianna’s neck. “Brianna, you mustn’t monopolize the guest of honor. I believe it’s my turn to dance with him.”
    Sending a sharp glance her way, Colleen squeezed in between Brianna and Gil and captured Gil’s hand. Brianna fought the rising tide of her temper. If there weren’t so many people nearby, she’d have shoved Colleen into the potted plant behind them.
    Gil threw her a silent look of apology as the music started and they swept off around the perimeter of the room.
    Brianna set her chin and returned to the seating area. She kept a discreet eye on the pair, thankful to note that Gil did an admirable job of holding Colleen at a respectful distance. No matter what, Gil did not deserve to be a pawn in her sister’s romantic games.

    Colleen pouted as her waltz with Gil ended. Despite her attempts to press her body close to his during the song, he’d shown no reaction whatsoever. Never once had his gaze strayed to herlow-cut