Page 70 of A Really Bad Idea

We sway a bit, and I accidentally step on his toe. “Sorry.”

He just smiles. “Did you know your mom called my mom and gave her your number to give me?”

“So embarrassing. I’m sorry. She meddles and—”

“I was going to ask her for it anyway. To ask you on a proper date.”

“Oh.” I look away.

“I’d like to. Not just call you. I mean, I plan on that, but I’d like to take you out. It’s no surprise I think you’re beautiful and smart, and you’re so easy to talk to. I had the feeling, at your mother’s house, that you and I connected.”

Aaron Vaducci. With his kind eyes and easy smile, he is the perfect catch.

“You’d better snatch him up before someone else does,” my mother said.

She’s right. A woman at the ripe age of thirty-three, looking to fall in love with a good man and have his babies and live together with until we’re old and gray, well, that kind of girl would be crazy not to give him a chance.

Only there’s one problem.

Weeks ago, I made a promise with my best friend, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about what could be.

Days ago, I was kissed by a guy, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the way his lips felt against my own.

Minutes ago, I was held by a man, and he left a branding on my skin that I can’t get rid of.

I look over Aaron’s shoulder and see Christian standing on the side of the dance floor. His face is stoic, his attention fixed on us, yet he looks like he’s lost in thought. When he sees me looking in his direction, his face morphs into a wide grin as he lifts a glass of champagne, giving a salute.

No, I mouth. Aaron’s not who I want.

He drops his head. I know.

I raise my shoulders. Then, why did you hand me off so easily?

He doesn’t have a response.

Aaron twirls me on the dance floor, and I go with the motion, winding back into his arms, only to be spun out again. I laugh because it caught me off guard.

“So, what do you say? Go out with me next weekend,” Aaron says, and he puts his hand back around my waist.

I look back to where Christian was standing. He’s not there anymore.

The song is still playing as I step out of Aaron’s hold.

“I’m seeing someone right now,” I say.

Aaron looks genuinely surprised. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have been so up-front.”

“I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. It’s a very new relationship.”

“Does that mean I can make you reconsider?” He has a wistful expression.

I shake my head. “No. I’m faithful.” In my vows. In my promises. “If you’ll excuse me, I have someone I have to find.”

With a spin, I look around the edge of the dance floor in search of Christian. He’s not here, nor is he at our table. I do a quick glance through the crowd of people meandering near their tables and then head over to the bar.

I step toward the exit, into the grand foyer, and find him standing by the elevator bank. His back is to me, his head down. My feet are quick as I waste no time in waltzing up to him and tapping him on the shoulder.

He turns around and looks surprised to see me standing there.