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"Several. My favorite involves an entire engineering team waiting in the corridor with an instruction manual."

He laughed, low enough that I had to lean closer to hear it over the band. I liked that sound far too much for someone I'd only just met.

"I'm afraid I came without an engineering team."

"Then I have to ask how you get through doorways. I'd have knocked over half the furniture by now."

"Very carefully. You'd be surprised how quickly people learn to step aside."

The answer made me laugh. I had expected the wings to be a conversation starter; I hadn't expected him to be so easy to talk to.

I'd approached to ask him about the wings, but now I wanted the conversation to keep going.

His gaze traveled over the gold embroidery of my dress and the small white wings behind my shoulders before returning to my face.

"You came as an angel," he said.

"Apparently. Though I may have underestimated how ambitious some of the other angels would be about their costumes."

"I think you got it right. You look beautiful."

The compliment reached me more effectively than anything elaborate could have. I smoothed a fingertip along the gold embroidery at my waist, unexpectedly pleased.

"Thank you. I was beginning to wonder whether the halo was too much."

He followed my glance, his expression warming with amusement. Beyond him, the band began another slow number.

"Would you dance with me?" he asked.

I looked past his shoulder at the couples moving beneath the chandeliers, then back at those magnificent wings.

"With those wings? Are you sure there's room?"

"I'll make room. If you'd like to."

I hadn't realized how much I wanted him to ask until he did.

I smiled and stepped closer.

"Then I'd love to."

He offered his hand, palm up, giving me every opportunity to change my mind.

I placed mine in his.

His fingers closed gently around my hand, warm and strong, and he drew me toward the dance floor.

As I stepped into his arms, one enormous black wing curved behind my shoulder, the soft tips of its feathers brushing against my bare skin.

I turned my face toward him, smiling.

"Now that's impressive."

He lowered his head until his mouth was close to my ear.

"Wait until we're dancing, angel."

Chapter Two