The noise level made it difficult to talk to anyone seated more than a couple of spots away, but that was okay. His entire focus was on Amy, who was busy chatting with Jay. Something about the YouTube dance videos they’d both been watching. He couldn’t quite catch what the former Seal said, but from the way Amy laughed, it must have been really funny.
He might have been jealous of how much time she’d spent talking to Jay if it weren’t for the fact that she’d been holding Mikhail’s hand the entire time, her fingers tightly entwined with his. When he stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, she gave his hand a quick squeeze, making it clear that she was well aware of his presence.
The waiters reappeared, this time making the rounds with trays full of desserts. Maybe that was the signal the musicians had been waiting for because they all came filing in, which hopefully meant the orchestra would start playing soon. He hoped so. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could wait to hold Amy in his arms.
Jack must have noticed the orchestra’s arrival as well, because he nudged Mikhail’s shoulder. “By the way, your suggestion that we buy all the women those wrist corsages was sheer genius. Mom was thrilled when Ricky gave one to her, and Caitlyn promised to show me her appreciation later when we get home. I can’t wait.”
“Damn, Jack, don’t put those images in my head.” Although it was good to see his brother looking so happy these days.
“Jealous much?”
“Maybe a little.”
Jack nodded in Amy’s direction. “So are the two of you ready to admit you’re a helluva lot more than best buddies yet? Because I’m telling you, Bro, you sure as hell don’t act like BFFs. Jay told me he was worried about asking her to dance, like maybe you’d come after him with both fists. Did you actually threaten him?”
“No, I didn’t. Amy’s a big girl and can dance with whoever she wants to.”
“But you won’t like it.”
“I’ll be fine with it.” Of course, Jack might have had an easier time believing that if Mikhail hadn’t said it with his teeth clenched.
“Yeah, right, little brother. You’ve got it bad for that woman.”
“Not your business, Jack.”
“But you’ve got to admit—”
“I don’t have to admit a damn thing, especially to you.” Time to change this conversation’s direction. “Who is up first to dance with Mom?”
Jack clearly wanted to continue his inquisition, but he finally gave up and let it pass—for now. The stubborn bastard would be right back at it whenever he thought he caught Mikhail in a weak moment. “I’m pretty sure Tino said Jay asked for that honor. Then it’s Ricky’s turn.”
Mikhail looked across the table at their mother, who seemed to be enjoying herself. “Good. I’ll take the next dance, and you can step in after that.”
“Sounds good.”
No way either he or his brothers would leave their mother sitting alone for long even though he wanted to spend as much time as possible dancing with the woman sitting next to him. He already knew he’d have to share Amy’s attentions, considering she’d promised dances to Jay as well as Jack, Ricky, and Tino. She deserved to have a good time, even if it wasn’t always with him.
Amy turned to him with a hopeful smile. “I think the orchestra is getting ready to start playing.”
Right now he was feeling pretty damn possessive. “I want the first dance with you.”
“That’s what I was hoping for.” Then she leaned in closer to whisper, “After that, I promised Jay I’d dance with him.”
“Have fun. We’ll all be trading partners this evening.” Besides, he’d be a selfish bastard to deny the other man a chance to enjoy himself, too. “But I hope you penciled me in a lot on your dance card.”
“I did. Especially the slow ones.”
Then she gave him a sly look that had a certain part of his anatomy sitting up and taking notice. It didn’t help matters that her legs persisted in playing peekaboo through that slit in her skirt whenever she shifted in her seat. Damn, he wished they were back at his house where he could make good on that promise—or maybe it had been a threat—to carry her off to his bed.
Fortunately, the orchestra chose that moment to start playing. He stood up and offered her his hand. They made their way through the clutter of tables to the dance floor. Jay followed in their footsteps with Marlene right behind him.
“Ready?”
Amy looked a bit nervous, but she didn’t hesitate when he settled one hand on her back and took her other one in his. “Here we go.”
It took her a few steps to relax into an easy rhythm. Soon, they glided across the dance floor as if they’d been partnering for years instead of just a few practice dances in his mother’s living room.
“Having a good time?”
