by SL Beabhar
His fingers were warm and sweaty, and she ignored the desire to yank her hand away and rub it against her skirts.
“Enjoy yourselves!” Gráinne yelled from across the room.
Kady and Tobias joined three other couples as the first set ended and the next set began. Tobias placed a hand on Kady’s waist and smiled before whipping her around in the first turn. She gasped as he spun her quickly. Faces blurred as they danced, but she could still make out the tension that stiffened Gráinne’s body.
Gráinne’s dejection was such a foreign thing that Kady stumbled. Tobias laughed as he drew her to a halt. “It’s a rare thing when a pretty girl swoons at my feet.”
Kady smiled at his joke, but her gaze flickered in Gráinne’s direction.
“Pay her no mind,” Tobias said, noticing where Kady’s attention was directed. “She’ll find a partner in no time at all.”
Kady didn’t doubt his words. Besides being wickedly mischievous, Gráinne was also wickedly beautiful. Gráinne’s full, rosy lips and high cheekbones were the envy of every girl in the room, including Kady. But whereas all the other girls avoided Gráinne, fearing their looks would pale in comparison, Kady found herself instinctively drawn to Gráinne. Her feelings went much deeper than simply admiring or envying her pretty face. At times Kady wished she could sit quietly and just look at her.
It was strange having their positions reversed. Kady was the one who usually lurked in the shadows while Gráinne laughed and danced with some handsome lad. Gráinne had more than enough suitors itching to dance with her, but there she stood—alone—in the corner.
Kady and Gráinne had always been attracted to different types of men. While Gráinne gravitated towards flashy rogues who liked sneaking kisses, Kady sought mellow lads who enjoyed quiet walks and read literature.
Needless to say, Tobias wasn’t to Gráinne’s liking. He wasn’t particularly handsome. However, he was amiable, dependable, and wealthy—traits that Kady’s parents sought. And as the only son of an Anglo-Irish family, he was destined to inherit a large house and considerable income.
But there was nothing about him that inspired Kady to lock herself away to moon over him in private. Gráinne, on the other hand, was worthy of such attention.
The charismatic beauty could have anyone. Maybe even Tobias, with his big nose and slight stutter. As their dance slowed into a waltz, Kady peered over Tobias’ shoulder and studied Gráinne’s pinched features.
Their eyes connected for the briefest moment, and Kady felt as if the floor had fallen away. There, in the depths of Gráinne’s eyes, was jealousy. But her envious look wasn’t directed at Kady.
It was directed at Tobias.
