And he stood next to her now, fingers still threaded through hers as they waited for a gap in the train of guests filing out of the chapel. That he was still standing was a miracle. When she’d found him in the bar earlier, he’d sat feet up on the bench, breathing away waves of pain. Thankfully, the drugs Josh got from the Concierge had kicked in, and he’d hobbled to the ceremony without complaint. As if knowing she was thinking about him, Felix glanced over his shoulder, and the corners of his eyes crinkled. Her gut tugged low down. He may not smile often, but when he did, it was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.
The reception passedin a daze for Thea. It was a stand-up buffet with food beautifully presented on heavily laden tables. Felix had lasted precisely seven minutes before Thea had taken pity on him and found him a bar stool to rest against.
“Another sausage roll?” She handed him a plate of delicate canapés.
Felix grinned. “I’d expect nothing less.”
Damn, the playful gleam in his eyes had her heart jumping. Neither of them had mentioned the hand-holding in the chapel, but he’d only let go when they reached the hotel. As the rowdy crowd jostled in the room, for once, Thea didn’t feel left out. Like she was standing on the sidelines, watching life happen around her. She wasn’t alone today and couldn’t be more grateful for the man at her side.
After canapés and cocktails, Daniel and Amber cut a giant chocolate cake, and the music began, ready for the first dance. Thea snickered. At least Amber hadn’t hired DJ Malcolm. There were only so many eighties hits one could stomach in a lifetime.
“Mummy!” squealed Ammy, rushing towards them through the guests, an exhausted-looking Josh in tow. “Josh is going to do the first dance with me. He wanted to dance with Kitty, but her feet look like cooked hams.”
Her brother winced. “They’re a bit swollen. I told her nobody would mind if she wore flip-flops, but she wanted to wear heels.”
“But you were going to dance with me.” Thea held a hand out to Ammy. “I was hoping you’d show me the steps.”
She giggled. “Don’t be silly. You’re going to dance with Felix.” She took Thea’s hand, then gripped one of his. “Please. I bet he’s good at twirling. I’m going to stand on Joshie’s feet. Maybe you can do the same.”
The corners of Thea’s mouth turned up. She could hardly imagine Felix taking her for a spin around the floor atop hispolished leather oxfords. And no matter how well he’d danced at the school, she didn’t really want a repeat ofthatperformance. Still, at the thought of dancing close to him again, Thea dug her teeth into her lip.
“Darling. Felix is a little incapacitated. I don’t need to dance. I’m happy to watch.”
“No,” he said, shifting from the stool to his feet with a barely disguised groan. “I want to dance with you. In fact, I insist.”
Felix’s tone dropped to a low husky burr. He’d said the same words to her once before when she’d threatened to walk home from the school dance. Then, his bossiness had riled her up. Goaded her. Now he sounded more like a character from a dark mafia romance. The skin at her nape tingled,
“But what about your…” Thea nodded to his groin.
“It’s fine. I’m fine.” The hesitant way he moved from the stool told another story.
“Goodie!” shouted Ammy. “We can have a race around the floor. I bet Joshie will beat Felix. He’s got bigger feet.” With a squeal, she let go of both their hands and dragged her uncle off to the other side of the room.
Thea met Felix’s eyes. “She’s not my daughter. And just in case you’re worried, not all women believe having large feet is important.”
He moved closer, reaching out for her hand again. “Oh, I’m not worried,” he whispered. “Shall we?”
Thea came to the edge of the dance floor, Felix at her side. Amber and Daniel swayed against each other as guests drifted slowly onto the floor to join them. True to her word, Ammy rode Josh’s shoes as he stoically trudged around, and Thea’s lips curved at her giggles of delight.
“Are you ready?” Felix still held her hand. This was the third time today, and his gentle grip was now familiar and welcome. Taking a breath, Thea nodded, and he led her ontothe dance floor, spinning her around once, under his arm, to settle them in an embrace.
“Show off,” she said, running her eyes over his chest. He’d taken off his jacket, and the heat of his body radiated through his shirt. Felix’s mouth was just inches away from her ear, his breath brushing her cheek. With each heartbeat, each tickle of air, the nerve endings under her skin fired harder. Thea swallowed, but the lump in her throat refused to move. She dared not look at Felix. Even the slightest hint of desire in his eyes would render her helpless.
“I’m not a show-off, Thea,” he said, his voice a whisper. “I just know how to get what I want.”
Felix brought his hand to the base of her back, nudging lower until his thumb circled at her hip. A simmer rolled low down in Thea’s tummy. His thumb was sending her a message, an invitation, and her heart pounded like a jackhammer as the soft melody enveloped them.
Their bodies locked together in undulating, slow movement, and Thea dragged her eyes to his. They sparkled, green and dangerous in the candlelight.
A smile spread across his lips. “I’d love to know what you’re thinking.”
Thea swallowed. If she admitted her current thoughts, the vicar, who was still in attendance, would cart her off to a nunnery. Thoughts of Felix’s tight buttocks under her hands, pulling him close. Images of Felix’s tongue trailing over her skin. Of him pounding mercilessly into her as he groaned her name. Thea grazed her fingers along his shoulder, intoxicated by his proximity, the feel of him against her. But there was no mistaking the burn of his stare. Forgetting where she was, Thea pressed against him.
As she did, a solid lump nudged her thigh, and she gave a tiny gasp. Thea pulled back a little, her eyes widening. “Felix! There are other people around. I know you said you weren’tworried about size, but I think you ought to come with a health warning.”
He grinned wolfishly, his tongue glancing at his lower lip. “Thea.” It was the low grumble she loved to hear. “I think you’re confusing my gifts with the ice pack I currently have wedged into my boxers.”
Thea’s mouth dropped, and heat raged in her cheeks.
