Simon & Rose by V.A. Dold Read Free Book Online

a glorious way to go.
    By the end of the song, the dance floor had filled to capacity. Our work here is done , Mark thought. “Would you like to take a break?”
    Sharon chuckled softly. “Why not? Our work here is done.”
    His gaze shot to hers. Did she know I was thinking that? Perplexed, he maintained his hold on her hand and led her to their table. As always, he held her chair and then pulled his own closer to hers, careful to not pinch Rizzo’s tail. As he took his seat, he noticed crystal pitchers of ice water and matching glasses had been added next to the centerpiece. “Would you like some water?” he asked as he poured a glass.
    “Yes, please.” He passed her a glass and took a long drink from his own.
    Now that his nerves were calm again, he placed his hand over hers. “You’re a beautiful woman, Sharon. Thank you for dancing with me. By being my partner you made me look ten times better than I am.”
    “Cher, the way you fill out your tuxedo and move so gracefully, you didn’t need me to look good. When I closed my eyes, I could have been dancing with Fred Astaire. I’m the envy of every woman in the room.”
    “Graceful.” He laughed. “And I hate tuxedos. I would only put one of these monkey suits on for you or Simon.” He wondered if she caught his meaning. He hoped she understood what he was saying. Unless it was a really, REALLY good cause or his own wedding, he wouldn’t be caught dead in the restrictive getup. From the way he felt about her, his wedding would include Sharon as his bride. Now he understood love at first sight. He was absolutely smitten with her. Unless his radar was malfunctioning, the vibes he was getting told him she had feelings for him too .

Chapter 5
     
     
    She gazed into his eyes. “You would wear a tuxedo for me, even though you hate them?”
    He squeezed her hand and brushed his thumb lightly across her fingers. “Yes, ma’am. But only for you.”
    She was about to ask him if he wanted to leave with her when Cade and Marcus joined them.
    “Are you all right, Sharon?” Cade asked, concerned etching his handsome face.
    “Did he hurt you?” Marcus growled.
    “I’m fine. Only a slight bruise.”
    Marcus scowled at Cade. “I told you we should have taken him to the parking lot and taught him some manners.”
    Cade heaved a sigh. “You can’t beat up every person who acts like an ass, Marcus.”
    “Why not?” His voice rose an octave. It rang with incredulity. “He was in need of a lesson, or three. I happen to be a great teacher when it comes to pounding sense into an idiot.”
    Cade shook his head and turned his attention back to Sharon. “If you want to leave, Simon and Rose will understand.”
    “I’m fine, really. Thank you for stepping in. I was about to feed him his arm, and that would have been a real party killer.”
    Mark’s eyebrows rose to his hairline. He was surprised, and yet proud of her at the same time. Not that a slip of a woman could feed a man his arm, he had no doubt she couldn’t, but still, she had gumption.
    Cade stood and put his hand on Marcus’s shoulder. “Come on, Bloodthirsty Bubba. Let’s leave them to their evening.”
    Marcus rolled his eyes and stood, glowering. “I’m glad you’re all right, Sharon. Have a good evening.”
    “Thank you again, Marcus. Have a good evening, as well.”
    After they left, Mark searched her face. “If your arm is bothering you, I would be happy to ask around for ibuprofen.”
    “Thank you for offering, but really, I’m fine.”
    She may not be in pain, but she was definitely bored. Mark noticed she was tapping her foot in time to the waltz being played. Now that he’d made it through one dance his confidence was back. It was time to test her interest in him. Holding her gaze, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed each knuckle. One by one. With each consecutive kiss, he watched her breath increase and a soft flush stain her cheeks. Exactly what he’d been hoping for. She