From her second-floor perch, Ruby watched. She wasn’t hiding, not exactly. But she didn’t think she could handle talking to Mark. He was leaving in just a few hours, and she couldn’t believe she’d been about to take him up on his offer of trying something long-distance. On one level she was glad he’d blown her off; it had only helped her dodge another bullet.
Now, the band was on a break and dessert was being served. Every seat was occupied, every wineglass was full. The excited cacophony of guests talking filled the space. Everyone was waiting eagerly for the Riders to get back onstage, and the anticipation was nearly palpable.
“You did a wonderful job.”
She jerked her head to find James Cleaver standing beside her. She hadn’t heard him approach.
“Thank you,” she said. “I’m pleased with this part of the night, at least.” The room looked like a modern spring wonderland. She’d gone through a case of spray paint, but it was worth it. Now, golden branches and white lights twinkled everywhere, from the ceiling and walls and floor. Little flowers were scattered throughout the entire space, and it was like walking through a storm of petals. The vintage backdrop of the theater gave a perfect, almost medieval charm to the whole thing. Everything was modern yet ethereal. Exactly what she’d had in mind from the start.
“Beautiful.”
But when she turned to James, he was looking at her. “Are you seeing him?”
“Who? Mark?”
He nodded.
“No.” Not anymore. Just then Mark, Yvette, and Jake walked back onto the stage, and she soon heard the disharmonious notes of them checking their instruments.
James stepped closer and took her hand. Why didn’t he make her pulse jump as Mark did whenever he got this close? “Would you like to dance with me, Ruby?”
Such a gentleman. How could she say no?
Why did she want to? She wasn’t going to let Mark ruin her night. In fact, let him see her having fun. Maybe the cocky bastard would see that he wasn’t the center of the universe.
“Let’s go,” she said.
He took her hand and led her around the upper terrace, to the back of the theater where a large staircase wound down to the main floor.
As they walked to the front of the stage, the sound of one of Mark’s unique compositions began to fill the room. Something in her blood immediately started to hum; it was funny how her body responded to his music. This tune sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t place it.
The crowd parted, and Ruby had to smile. If she wasn’t so upset, she would have felt like a princess. She’d even dressed the part. She was wearing an emerald organza dress. It draped over one shoulder, falling to the floor in petals and petals of whispery fabric. It seemed to flow as she walked, and it was so beautiful, just wearing the dress made her feel elegant and sexy.
The gold twigs and colorful flowers seemed to float all around, and as she walked toward the stage she saw Mark was looking right at her. Her heart started to pound.
When they reached the dance floor they were the only couple on it. This was a slower song, and Mark’s eyes burned into her as James took her in his arms and began to sway.
“I want to see you again, Ruby.”
“Yes, of course,” she murmured, wishing Mark would stop staring at her. She was getting hot everywhere, and with a burst of frustration she realized it had nothing to do with the man who held her in his arms.
“But I’m not sure what’s going on with you and Mark St. Crow.”
“He means nothing to me. Absolutely nothing.” But her voice sounded weak, even to her.
James pulled back, and his eyes were full of sympathy as he said, “Are you sure?”
She glanced up to see Mark lean into a microphone. He wore a white T-shirt that showed off the strong body she’d gotten to know so well. The body she’d had between her thighs, just last night.
“Yes, I’m sure,” she whispered. But her heart was pounding in her ears, and just meeting Mark’s gaze caused her legs to tremble.
Then he started to sing.
She doesn’t know what she does to me
I fell the second she teased me
Tie me in jasmine
Eyes that glitter like her ocean
Tying you in knots
You tie me in knots
But I don’t wanna be free
If freedom means you’ll ever say good-bye
Good-bye is not forever
Just a fleck of time
Her heart felt like it had jumped into her throat when he hit the chorus, and instantly she recognized the song—it was the one he’d been composing that night at her house. Her gaze was locked on his as she listened.
All I’m asking for is time
A hundred years or more would suit me fine