Liam groaned. She’d hated it. She put down her glass of champagne and stood. If she was going to storm from the room, he’d have to go after her and explain. No way he was letting her go now that he’d put his heart on the line in front of everyone.
She came from around the table and stepped down onto the dance floor, her gaze levelled at him. A whisper of voices shimmered around the room as the anticipation built in his chest.
Liam gulped as he wiped his sweating palms down his trouser leg. He should’ve been a bit more subtle, judging from the looks he was getting from her family.
Aggie stepped up to him, her gaze roaming over his face. Still she didn’t give anything away. The murmur stilled as everyone turned to watch her walk across the floor to Liam. “You think you’re pretty clever, don’t you? Putting your feelings out there for everyone to see.” She tilted her head. “I didn’t take you for a reckless kind of guy, Liam.”
“I’m not, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Or so I hear.”
“That’s funny.”
“So, are you going to put me out of my misery? Did you like the song or are you going to slap me down like I deserve?”
A hint of a smile touched her lips. “Well, I probably should slap you. You know I hate anything public like this, but it is a wedding and people do strange things. You know, with the heightened emotions and all.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “I’ve never had anyone sing to me before, Liam. I’ve never seen that side of you. I liked it.”
“You’ve heard me sing before.”
Her lips twitched. “True, but never for me.”
“Dance with me, Aggie?”
“All you had to do was ask.”
The band struck up and Liam guided her around the floor to the delight of the guests. Eventually Arlo and Hilary joined them, but he only had eyes for Aggie.
“Good job, sis.” Arlo tapped Liam on the shoulder and took his sister from the best man. Liam continued the dance with Hilary. “That was smooth.”
Hilary laughed. “Sorry. Arlo wanted to have a quick word and thought now was the perfect time. I haven’t seen Aggie looking so happy as long as I’ve known her.” Hilary did a twirl as the music came to an end. “You seem good for her, Liam. Look after her. I’ve become quite attached to my future sister-in-law.”
“Does that mean Arlo’s popped the question?” He hadn’t heard that bit of information yet.
Hilary smiled. “We’re not mentioning it yet. Not until Arlo becomes used to it and Alice and Drew get back from their honeymoon. Don’t want to steal their glory.”
“That’s kind of you, Hilary.”
As the dance finished, Aunt Gigi called across the floor. “Aggie, April’s throwing the bouquet. She said for you to come now.”
“Go on. It’s tradition.” Liam gave her a small nudge.
“I don’t want…”
“Aggie, come help me,” April called to her.
Liam pushed her in the right direction.
“Aggie, hurry up. I need you for one final job tonight and then I’m going.” April beckoned her.
“Okay, then. But don’t throw it at me. I mean it, April. I’m not catching it. Give it to someone who deserves it.”
“I know but you still have to be there.” April shuffled to the front of the room and all the single ladies lined up behind her when she turned around. Aggie tried to move to one side to make room for Hilary but was jostled into the middle of the floor. Liam almost went to her aid.
“One, two, three!” April leaned forward and lifted her arms, letting go of the bouquet. The flowers came flying over April’s head and hands scrambled to grab them. Aggie put her hands out to protect herself from the grasping fingers around her and caught the bouquet.
She turned around, the bouquet clutched against her chest and the shock clear on her face as she met his gaze.
The breath caught in Liam’s throat. Everyone knew the superstition about the person who caught the flowers and he wanted to shout with joy about the significance of it. Would she freak out or take it in her stride?
The Aggie he used to know would laugh. This Aggie had the potential to flee.
As Liam watched, a tiny smile curved her lips and the breath eased from his throat. He lifted his hands and clapped. Her smile grew and she gave him a curtsy. Thank goodness that went over well. It boded well for the rest of the evening and their future.
* * *
“Time I took you home. I think you need to sleep off this champagne.” Liam took her hand and led her outside. The fresh air hit her in the face and Aggie stumbled on a crack in the path.
“I haven’t had that much. In fact, I’m pretty sure it was only two glasses all night. I changed to mineral water ages ago.” She shook her head but that only made her feel worse. “That’s what happens when you’re caught up in the buzz of a romantic wedding and don’t want it to end.” She leaned into him and he put his arm around her. It felt warm and natural to be with him. Aggie slid her arm around his waist and snuggled her head into his neck. “Take me home, Liam.”
“That was the plan.” He walked her down to his car and opened the door.
“I meant to your house.” She gazed into his eyes and saw the turmoil but also the spark of lust. He wanted her.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Don’t you dare turn me down now that I’ve worked the courage up to offer myself to you. “I do.” Aggie got in
