Trapped by My Crush's Dad

Chapter 39: More Than a Dance Partner

Mila's pov

At the same time Robert asked me to dance, Ada's guy companion beckoned to her. She smiled at him, putting an index finger up to wait and then she leaned into my ear.

"Be careful," she reminded me. "You look irresistibly charming, and all the men here are captivated with you."

Feeling my face burn as I blushed, I thanked her then watched her walk away. Robert was still standing there but instead of waiting; he interlocked fingers with me and yanked me on the dance floor. I yelped, surprised at his boldness.

"Robert!" I exclaimed gasping and widening my eyes. "Don't scare me like that."

"Everett and his friends are still watching," he said quietly, barely moving his mouth. "We better keep up the act."

I nodded feeling grateful he noticed them and went along with it. The truth was, I wasn't a very good dancer. I didn't party enough to know these kinds of dance moves. Repeatedly, I stepped on his shoes making things more awkward every second we were on the floor.

"Oh, no, I’m sorry!" I said covering my face as my heart raced with embarrassment. It felt like everyone's eyes were on me, judging my lack of grace. "I'm such a klutz." Robert gently lowered my hand from my eyes.

"It's okay, Mila," he insisted, "I can show you how to do this. Just pretend it’s just you and me here and listen to my voice."

He led me with his quiet cadence helping me to keep the rhythm. Before I knew it, I could sort of waltz; I was even giggling as he twirled me around. It was refreshing to relax and enjoy myself despite Everett's presence. For a minute, I forgot he was there.

"So, who is this mystery man Everett is so afraid of?" Robert inquired, glancing down at me with a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Shocked, I swallowed hard as I continued to follow his lead. He was remarkably perceptive. Or was it that I didn't hide motives very well? Pursing my lips I felt my stomach drop in panic, hoping he didn't pick up on anything between me and Mr. Williams.

"Um, what makes you think that?" Luckily, I'd managed to mask the tremor in my voice before speaking. He pulled me close, holding one arm up, pressing his hand firmly on my back.

"Your behavior tells me all I need to know, Mila," he said, "You avoid my kisses and have not flirted with me much since day one. I figure there must be someone who has stolen your heart more than I ever could." He chuckled. "This is faux superiority; in case you didn't gather that."

I managed to smile at his playful banter but then I looked into his eyes.

"It's true. There is someone else." I exhaled against him as we swayed. "You notice a lot, don't you?"

"I do, sometimes. Not to say you're an easy read. I've been wondering about you, but you’re mostly a mystery to me."

"That's good," I said feeling relieved then instantly regretting saying that out loud.

"Why?" Robert asked with a mischievous look in his eye. "Are you secretly a hitman or something?"

Giggling again, I said, "That's it. You've blown my cover."

He chucked then asked, "But seriously, why didn't the lucky man show up tonight?" He dipped me briefly then brought me back up. I was silent, unable to come up with a good lie.

When I didn’t respond, Robert didn’t press. I was grateful for his maturity. Though we weren't really dating, I felt comforted in his presence. He was a pleasant surprise.

As the song ended, he hugged me.

Holding me at arm's length he said, "I'll give you my two cents and then I'll be done with this topic. Everett isn't good enough for you. You should choose a guy you can open up to. Not guard yourself from."

I'd never heard these kind words from anyone of the opposite sex. Shocked into silence, I moved into his arms and hugged him tightly. He laughed then we parted.

"I need to go to the bathroom," I said. "Excuse me."

"Of course. Looks like I need a refill anyway. I'll be at the bar."

Waving at him as he walked away, I sneaked around the corner, unsnapped my purse, then pulled out my phone. Carefully concealing it I dialed Mr. Williams. I felt butterflies in my stomach as I wondered if this was appropriate. Even if it was wrong, it didn't matter because once I heard the phone ringing, my palms began sweating with excitement.

He was like a drug to me.

"Hello, Mr. Williams here," he answered but before I could say anything, I heard a scream behind me. As I peered around the corner, I saw what was happening. A totally drunk Everett had dipped Ada down and was kissing her. Without bothering with the phone, I rushed over.