Willow by Donna Lynn Hope Read Free Book Online

and it was longer than I thought.
    “Haven…” Lacey repeated.
    He turned to me and whispered in my ear but the music was so loud I couldn’t understand him. By the time I asked him to repeat himself he was moving across the floor with Lacey by his side.
    “Forget him,” Reece advised. He looked at Haven with a frown on his face.  “He’s a creep.”
    I was pleased when Tavia and Amber came towards us. Looking sophisticated, Tavia turned around to show off the glittery red ensemble she was wearing. Her beautiful curls framed her dark face and she was decked out in jewels. Amber was a striking contrast in a toned down simple black dress. Her hair was twisted upwards and secured in a soft French twist. She was lovely and her kind green eyes were cheerful.
    Tavia looked at me with admiration. “That dress is hot! Where on earth did you find it?”
    “My aunt gave it to me…I was lucky it fit.”
    “Your aunt has great taste,” Amber added. “In fact, by the way everyone keeps looking over here, I’d say you’re a hit.”
    “Well,” I attempted to explain. “The dress is not the usual and people tend to notice what’s different.” I didn’t want to stand out in a bad way but there were worse things than being noticed because of a great dress.
    Even though Reece and I had agreed to meet up with everyone else, we ended up dancing together most of the night. It was one of the last songs and Reece drew me in closer than usual but I didn’t object – it was easy being with him. I could feel his breath on my face but we said nothing.
    “May I cut in?”  A low voice asked. We both stopped dancing and turned to look at Haven.
    “That’s rude,” Reece accused. He angled himself towards me and checked to see if it was alright. Not wanting a scene, I nodded. Haven ignored Reece but held his hand out for mine.
    “Will you dance with me?”
    I looked at the ground before lifting my eyes to look into his. “If my dancing partner doesn’t mind.”
    Before I knew it Haven’s hand was on my back and his other hand took my right hand and he began to lead. Our movements were harmonious and for the first minute or so we said nothing. It was apparent, though, that he was commanding.
    “I’m Haven,” he began. “I should have introduced myself sooner; especially since we keep running into one another.”
    “Willow,” I replied courteously.
    He raised his brows. “I know.”
    I looked away from him when I felt myself blush and saw Reece dancing with Amber. Reece was a foot taller than her so he had to lean down and I could tell they were in a deep conversation. Despite their awkward difference in height they looked good together, like a couple that has history between them.
    They made it look so easy. I had to work to keep conversations going. I could only imagine what it must be like to have a comfortable and effortless connection with someone. I didn’t even know what to say to my dancing partner. We were physically connected but our voices were still and we didn’t know each other. I began to pull away from him but we were still holding hands.
    “It was really nice dancing with you,” I said. “But I should meet up with my friends.”
    “That’s not the reason you’re leaving though,” he replied.
    When I didn’t answer he looked past me and grinned. “Would you like to go out for coffee tomorrow?”
    He was so sure of himself.
    “What makes you think I drink coffee?”
    “I know you do,” he said. His eyes seemed to wink as he looked at me.
    My heart skipped a beat. I had never had anyone talk to me the way he did. We were no longer dancing but since we were still connected, I could feel my hands radiate heat and before I had a chance to perspire, I pulled free. I bit my lip, wouldn’t look him in the eye, and reached across my waist to hold my arm. It was a nervous habit and I couldn’t tell if I hated or loved the fact he could read me so well. He was different and the physical tension