Shock has his eyes flying wide open, and when she looks at him, she can see that Dalton's body has gone rigid and there's no hiding the look of lust on his face. When he takes a step towards her as though coming to claim her, she shakes her head no.
A voice draws her attention, and she answers another question about her dress. Is it possible she pushed her thoughts on him? Is this another evolution? He said her gifts would continue to grow. Pushing her intentions on someone else is a unique ability. When she glances back, Dalton is in conversation with some gentlemen, and she sighs in relief. Only two more hours to go. It is going to be a very long night.
A few minutes later, Cassie hears a voice that makes her smile. “May I have the honor of this dance, Mrs. Rivers?” When she turns, she finds Mr. Wells bowing, and she smiles in delight.
“The honor would be mine, Mr. Wells,” she replies. He spins her onto the dance floor, and Cassie does not care what anyone thinks.
“Are you as bored as you appeared to be Mrs. Rivers?” He asks looking down at her.
“Not at all, Mr. Wells. It is just that I'm inexperienced with the politics of this kind of ball.”
“I am sure you are doing fine.” A tap on his shoulder has all the dancers switching partners, and suddenly Cassie finds herself in Dalton's arms. The one place she has been longing to be all day.
The men share a smile, and she knows she has Dalton to thank for rescuing her from boredom. Her smile seems to glow from the inside, and he holds her close. “Mrs. Rivers I have been waiting to dance with you all night.”
Her smile fades a little as she looks up at him. “I must confess that I was hoping to dance with you before the night ends. It will seem a dream to me once we go our separate ways.” His grip tightens on her waist at her words. Wordlessly, he spins her around wondering if that is her hope.
“Are you so ready to be rid of me then?” he asks.
“I am certain that you are ready to take your life back, Dalton. These past few weeks have been, dark, and I'm ready for some light.” The music ends before he can ask her any more questions and she is thankful for it.
He returns her to her corner and the evening has lost some of its sparkle. Dalton is greeted by Mr. Wells, who introduces him to a writer by the name of Louis Constant.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting your wife, Mr. Rivers. You are indeed a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Monsieur Constant,” Dalton replies glancing away to check on Cassie. He finds her drinking a glass of punch and speaking to some ladies. Mr. Wells takes his leave to dance with his wife, and Dalton focuses on the older man in front of him.
“Mr. Rivers, do you believe in magic?” He sips on a glass of port and waits to see the younger man’s reaction.
“Magic? A few days ago, I would have said no, most adamantly Monsieur Constant, but now…” he says, looking her way once more, “Now, I have to say, yes. I believe that magic does exist.” A smile spreads slowly across Dalton's face.
“Excellent. What I have to say to you could very well save both of your lives.” The urgent tone in his voice has Dalton turning quickly to the older man.
“What are you talking about?” Dalton asks fiercely.
Cassie is taken aback when she sees, Mr. Wells and Monsieur Constant together, but when Dalton’s body goes rigid, her shock quickly transforms to worry.
‘You must not tell him about my gifts, Monsieur Constant!’ She says forcing her thoughts to him from across the ballroom.
‘I see you have been practicing, good. Now ease your mind, my dear. Not everything is about you!’ He shoots back at her.
A few minutes later, Dalton waves to Mr. Wells. He shakes hands with the men and then turns heading straight for Cassie. When he comes to a stop in front of her, she takes his outstretched hand, and he smiles at her.
“Shall we retire for the evening?” Dread rushes through her body at the thought of being alone with him.
“Of course.” Her hand trembles in his, and he pulls her to her feet. They make their way across the ballroom and hurry into the lobby to the elevator. Alone, at last, she is thinking about the talk that is sure to come. “The ball was lovely, but I must confess Dalton, I feel strangled in a room with that many people.”
“I know what you mean, I miss my ranch. I am counting the days down until our train leaves. I meant to tell you, I acquired our tickets, and we leave the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! I am more than ready to say goodbye to San Francisco.” The elevator doors open and he leads the way to their suite. Inside, he hurries to light a fire while she watches him.
“We need to talk Cassie. Would you care for some wine?” He says, turning to her, his mouth goes dry when she removes her black lace wrap revealing her bare shoulders.
“That would be lovely, but first I think I will change. Give me a few minutes.”
He watches her leave and decides he will need something stronger than wine. “Definitely whiskey,” he chuckles.
Cassie hurries to her room and closes the door softly. Her mind is full of how he is going to react to her past. Slowly she turns beginning to unlace her
