Saying Goodbye, Part Two (Passports and Promises Book 1) Read Free Page B

his rugby friends.
    I maintained my distance as best I could, but found myself drawn to him. I stayed on the perimeter of the group, but laughed along as he told stories and joked with his friends. I barely sipped my beer, knowing alcohol would not aid in my struggle to stay away from Thomas. I’d always been an affectionate drunk, and a few beers would be all the incentive I needed to get close to him, to climb on his lap and run my fingers through his ridiculous hair. I gave myself an internal shake. If this was where my mind was going, it meant trouble.
    When Hana and I got up to dance, I felt his eyes follow me. I wore a black mini-skirt with heels and a soft, gray blouse. The heels made me taller than all the girls and even most of the guys in the room, but not Thomas. He still towered over me.
    When the music slowed, he got up and walked toward me. I immediately darted to the ladies room in a panic and stayed there until the music picked up again. I did it every time there was a slow song. As I exited after my third stint in the restroom, Thomas waited for me.
    “Either you have a problem with your bladder, or you’re trying to avoid dancing with me.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
    “Prove it.” He reached for my hand and led me onto the dance floor. I wanted to dig in my heels and refuse, but pride wouldn’t let me do it. I lifted my chin and met his gaze.
    “Why are you so pushy?”
    He shrugged. “I see no harm in wanting to dance with a pretty girl.”
    “You don’t look like the dancing type.”
    His eye twinkled. “Well, Miss Barnes, I think I’m going to have to prove you wrong.”
    The way he said “Miss Barnes” was so like Dylan it almost physically hurt. I stumbled and he steadied me with his hand on my elbow.
    “No worries, Nervous Nelly,” he said, mistaking my reaction. “You’re going to be fine.”
    He requested a song from the DJ, a big band number, and swung me around the floor in his strong arms, making it look effortless. I had no clue what to do, but soon I let go and just had fun with it.
    Thomas directed me with his hands and his body, leading me around the room, humming along to the music. For someone so big, his movements were elegant. Graceful. He was good. He actually made me look good, too.
    A crowd assembled around us, cheering us on. I got into it, wiggling my hips as I danced and squealing when Thomas lifted me into the air. Everyone clapped when the song finished. He led me back to our table, both of us a little out of breath and laughing.
    “How do you know how to dance like that?” I asked as we sat down.
    “My grandmum. She made me do it. I took ballroom dancing lessons for years.”
    “That was actually…fun.”
    He put his arm around my chair and leaned closer. “I’m not that bad when you get to know me, in spite of your first impression.”
    I swallowed hard. “Well, thanks for the dance.”
    I got up to leave and he followed me. “Where are you going?” he asked.
    “Back to the hotel. I’m tired. Jet lag and all that.”
    My eyes scanned the room for Hana. She sat with a bunch of students, talking and drinking. She didn’t look ready to leave yet, but I couldn’t stay any longer. Dancing with Thomas had put me in the danger zone. I needed to get away.
    “Tell Hana I’m walking you home,” said Thomas.
    “There’s no need…” I began, but he waved away my protests.
    “You said you wanted to leave. She obviously isn’t ready to go. I’m not letting you walk through the streets of Tokyo alone.”
    I raised one eyebrow at that. “You’re not letting me?”
    “Aye. I’m a stubborn Scottish ox, and I won’t discuss it further. Let Hana know, and get your coat.”
    I glared at him, but we both knew I’d backed myself into a corner. When we stepped outside, the chill in the air made me tie the belt of my black wool coat tighter around my waist. Thomas, still in his short-sleeved shirt, seemed impervious to the