Free Season For Surrender (A Danby Family Novella Book 2) by Julie Johnstone

“I’m here to teach you to dance. It’s why I asked
you to stay the night.”
    She couldn’t stop the snort of laugher
that escaped her. “You can’t be serious! I’ve embarrassed myself and you quite
enough for one night.”
    A flash of humor crossed his face, but
then an emotion she couldn’t quite place flickered in his eyes. He stepped near
her and ran one finger down the side of her arm to settle his hand on her waist
and draw her near. “You didn’t embarrass me. Nor will you ever. Never forget
that.” It sounded like a command and she found herself nodding. He squeezed her
waist before releasing her. For once she wished he’d lingered just a moment more.
His touch was so deliciously warm and oddly reassuring. “Dancing on your
wedding day was your dream and by God, I intend to make it happen.”
    “Thank you.” Her words were breathless,
but she was just glad she’d gotten them out. Her senses reeled.
    “Once you’ve been taught to dance you’ll
be exquisite. I’ve been watching you. You’re naturally graceful.” His voice had
dropped low and throbbed with emotion. “Come.” He didn’t grab her hand again
but simply motioned her to follow him. She walked silently behind him, studying
him. He strode down the corridor with a commanding air of self-confidence. And
no wonder! His powerful legs carried him down the hall in steps that required
her to triple her own to keep up. Yet she didn’t mind. She enjoyed being able
to scrutinize her new husband without his knowing it.
    The muscular outline of his shoulders
strained against the fine white shirt he wore and made her pulse flutter. His
thick dark hair curled around his neck and invited her to plunge her fingers
into his silky tresses.
    Goodness. She fanned herself as she
walked. She couldn’t believe she was having these thoughts. They descended the
stairs in silence, and as they continued through the portrait gallery she
became distracted looking at all the paintings, so that when Nick stopped she
was surprised. He turned to her and gestured towards an open door. “The
ballroom, if you please.”
    She took his hand and allowed him to
lead her into the most breathtaking room she’d ever seen. Beautiful crystal
chandeliers glowed above, which allowed her to drink in the details. The floor
was a rich gleaming wood in a parquet design. Golden columns lined the archways
of the walls and reached towards the ceiling, where an amazing glass structure
kept the dark night at bay. She couldn’t wait to see this room in the morning
with the sun blazing through the cut glass. “My goodness, it’s beautiful.”
    “Not near as lovely as you.” Nick’s breath
caressed her neck as he encircled her waist and her back met with the
unforgiving hard flesh of her husband’s solid body. He turned her to face him
with gentle care, yet as he did, every inch of her skin reacted to him. Heat
poured through her with exciting, frightening swiftness.
    His sensual smile indicated he knew he
affected her. Blasted man. He pressed one hand against her back, grasped her right
hand and moved it to rest against his chest. His heart thumped underneath her
knuckles for the space of a breath before he raised their hands slightly into
the air. “Put your other hand on my upper arm.” The deep sensuality of his
voice sent a ripple of awareness through her.
    Shaking, Lillian set her hand on the
curve of his arm. “Like this?”
    “Perfect.” It was one simple word, but
it was the way he said it, as if she could do no wrong. The trembling of her
body eased as he spoke to her and told her when and where to step. At first, she
followed his lead awkwardly, but after a while, she forgot to concentrate and
let herself relax.
    They didn’t speak. They didn’t need to.
The silence was comforting, as if they’d known each other for years. Once Nick
no longer had to instruct her, he started humming a tune, or at least she
thought he did. As dreamy as she felt, an entire orchestra