I'm not giving up on you

Lydia's announcement rang through the ballroom, a moment of suspended disbelief for me. The crowd's applause filled my ears, but all I could focus on was the opportunity Lydia had just handed me.

Dancing with Riley, in front of everyone—it was the perfect chance to get closer to her, to show her a different side of myself. I didn't know Lydia well, but at that moment, I was grateful beyond words.

I took a deep breath and moved toward the center of the ballroom where Riley was already standing. She looked stunning, her presence commanding as always. But if looks could kill, I'd be dead right now—Riley was glaring at me with an intensity that could melt steel.

"Are you ready to dance?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady and warm.

Riley didn't answer. She just looked grumpy, her lips pressed into a thin line. I reached out and took her hand gently, feeling the familiar spark of electricity that always accompanied our touch. Despite her resistance, she didn't pull away.

The music started, a slow, sensual waltz that seemed to fill the entire room with its melody. I placed my other hand on Riley's waist, drawing her closer to me. Her body was tense, but she followed my lead as we began to move.

The rhythm of the music guided our steps, and slowly, I felt Riley start to relax, even if just a little.

The atmosphere in the ballroom was magical. The chandeliers above cast a soft, golden glow, and the murmurs of the crowd faded into the background, leaving only the music and the feel of Riley in my arms. Each step we took seemed to draw us closer together, both physically and emotionally.

I leaned in slightly, my breath brushing against her ear. "You look beautiful tonight," I whispered.

Riley's eyes flicked up to meet mine, her expression unreadable. She didn't respond, but her grip on my hand tightened slightly.

As the dance progressed, I couldn't help but be acutely aware of every point of contact between us. The warmth of her hand in mine, the slight pressure of her body against mine as we moved, the way her breath hitched whenever our movements brought us closer together. It was intoxicating.

Riley's scent enveloped me—sweet and alluring, with a hint of something uniquely hers. I could feel the rhythm of her heartbeat, echoing my own. Every twirl, every step seemed to draw us deeper into the music, into the moment. I let my fingers brush lightly against the small of her back, eliciting a shiver from her.

The sensuality of the dance began to build. My hand moved from her waist to her lower back, pulling her even closer. Riley's body responded, her movements more fluid, more in sync with mine. The tension between us was palpable, a silent dialogue of longing and resistance.

"Why are you doing this?" she finally whispered, her voice barely audible over the music.

"Because I want to show you that you can trust me," I replied, my voice equally soft. "That I care about you, Riley."

Her eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something—curiosity, perhaps? Desire? It was fleeting, but it was there.

We continued to dance, our movements becoming more synchronized, more intimate. My hand traced the curve of her back, her body arching slightly into my touch. Riley's breath quickened, her gaze locked with mine. The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the music and the connection between us.

The waltz took us through a series of graceful spins and dips, each one bringing us closer together. I could feel Riley's reluctance melting away, replaced by a hesitant acceptance. Her hand moved to my shoulder, fingers brushing against the bare skin of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

"You're infuriating," she muttered, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and something else—something softer.

"I know," I replied with a small smile. "But I'm not giving up on you."

Riley's gaze softened for just a moment before the mask of coldness slipped back into place. But she didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned into the dance, letting the music guide us.

Our bodies moved as one, the sensuality of the dance heightening with each passing moment. The feel of Riley's body pressed against mine was exhilarating, a tantalizing reminder of what could be. I could feel her breath on my skin, the slight hitch whenever our bodies brushed too close.

As the music swelled to its climax, I dipped Riley low, our faces inches apart. Her eyes widened slightly, and for a heartbeat, the world stood still. The connection between us was electric, charged with unspoken words and suppressed emotions.

The final notes of the waltz echoed through the ballroom, and I slowly brought Riley back up, our bodies still entwined. The crowd's applause was distant, almost unreal. All I could focus on was Riley, and the fact that she hadn't let go of my hand.

"You can let go of my hand," I said with a chuckle, my voice gentle. "The music just ended."

Riley's eyes flashed with something—defiance, maybe? She released my hand, taking a step back. "This means nothing," she said, her voice firm.

Before I could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there. My heart was still racing from the dance, from the feel of her in my arms. I watched her go, a mix of frustration and determination swirling inside me. This dance, this moment—it might mean nothing to her now, but I wasn't giving up. Not yet.