Free Nicole: Star Crossed Lovers (A Wish for Love Series Book 2) by Mia Shales

atmosphere. 
    "Shall we dance?"
    She hesitated.  It was one thing to enjoy his company while they sipped wine and spoke idly and another thing entirely to be in his arms, to feel his sinewy body beside hers.
    "I don't think it's such a good idea, Daniel," she murmured, but he clasped her hand and drew her to her feet. 
    "Come!  Relax and enjoy yourself.  I won't harm you."  He led her away from the table as the dramatic and exhilarating music of the tango swirled about them.  With the first sensuous steps she lost any desire to resist.  In this dance a man was a man and a woman a woman. The air was charged with intimacy.  They whirled in perfect unison and she surrendered to the ecstasy of his body so close to hers.  His hand moved from her back to her neck.  Before she divined his intention he released her barrette and ran his fingers through the golden curls released from all constraint.
    "I've wanted to do this all night.  To see that marvelous hair frame your face, fall from your shoulders to your back," he said into her ear. "It always reminded me of a cascade of shimmering gold coins."
    She lifted her head and found herself looking straight into his eyes. They were as opaque as blue velvet.
    She was overcome.  Her body melted into his, her lips thirsted for his.  His arms embracing her, they danced to distant spheres, consumed in a frenzy of desire.  When the music stopped she remained motionless in his arms which refused to release her. 
    "Daniel," she whispered.  She stepped back and he let her go.
    Her legs barely carried her as she sank into a chair and tried to catch her breath. 
    He stood still, looking at her. "I know you want me.  You can't run any more.  You...” He stopped in mid-sentence and Nicole could have sworn the expression on his face was one of consternation.  The room brightened and She turned around.
    Marie, Joseph and James stood in the doorway holding an enormous cake with twenty-nine candles.  Before she could utter a word they burst out singing 'Happy Birthday To You'.  Marie placed the cake carefully on the table and they formed a small semi-circle around her. 
    "Happy birthday, Nicole," Daniel smiled at her. 
    She wanted to thank them and tell them how they had touched her but the words refused to come out.  She looked at them and back again at the cake and two large tears dropped onto her cheeks.
    "Why are you crying, dear?" asked Marie, concerned.
    "She is crying because she's happy," Daniel repeated the explanation he had been given eight years ago.  "You're happy, aren't you?" he asked gently and Nicole nodded. 
    Relieved, they laughed.
    "Now you can blow out the candles and make a wish," said James.  "We can't wait to taste this luscious cake Marie has been baking all day long."
    Nicole blew out all the candles in one long breath and her small audience clapped hands delightedly.  It was like celebrating with a real family.  She felt loved and important and clung to the moment even if it should prove illusory.
    Daniel handed her the knife and Nicole cut the cake, giving every one a thick slice.  They sat around the table and the conversation was lighthearted.  James recounted amusing anecdotes of service with his former employer, an eminent English lord, and they applauded with enthusiasm when he imitated the nasal accents of the British aristocracy. 
    After a short while Marie and Joseph cleared the table and James bid them all good night.
    "The coffee will be ready in a moment," Marie said as she and Joseph left the room.  "Where would you like to be served?"
    "In the living room," Daniel answered, "it's getting chilly."
    Nicole and Daniel went indoors and Nicole was suddenly aware of her loose hair.  What would they think?  The thought embarrassed her but it was too late to do anything about it, and besides, everyone had acted as though it was perfectly all right.  Maybe they hadn't noticed.
    The living room, which Nicole had seen fleetingly as she