Written In Stone

pushed her wheelchair across the floor to a table just large enough for two. There was a beautiful silver candelabrum in the center of the lace tablecloth, with china, crystal, and silver settings gracing the table.
    "Are you hungry, Angie?"
    She shook her head. "Not yet. I'm just trying to take all of this in, it's so grand."
    "My parents are a bit extravagant," he said, sitting in a chair next to her.
    "I don't think it's at all extravagant. I think it suits them perfectly. They are both so warm, so friendly, and so…" She searched for the correct word. "I don't know, there is just something about them that makes you glad to know them."
    Gavin chuckled. "They would preen like peacocks if they heard that."
    "You just can't appreciate it because you've known them all your life, but believe me, they are special."
    Gavin placed a finger under her chin and turned her face toward his. "I think you're special," he said softly and Angie swallowed hard. He was going to kiss her. Oh my, what do I do if he kisses me? She squeezed the side of the wheelchair until her knuckles were white. I know what it feels like when he kisses me; I won't be able to sit here. I'll just fall over in a dead faint!
    Gavin leaned into her. Angie felt her heart hammering in her chest. Her blood began to race through her body, and her stomach tightened. Then Gavin took one of her hands and kissed it. "I'll get us something to drink," he said. "I'll be right back." He left the table quickly.
    Angie stared after him, wondering what was going on. She was so sure he was going to kiss her, and now she felt foolish for thinking the dream she'd had before could even hope to come true.
     
     
    Gavin had needed to leave her side. He had intended to kiss her, but when he leaned into her, seeing the want in her stormy green eyes, her eyelashes flutter nearly closed, knowing she wanted him too, the heat in his body became a raging inferno, and his teeth slid down. He knew if he so much as allowed his lips to touch her, he wouldn't be able to stop with that single kiss. The primal urges in his body were licking through him like flames of a wild fire, and he could no more control it than he could spit on a forest fire to put it out.
    Gavin swallowed a glass of champagne in one drink, then another. He took several deep breaths then swallowed more champagne. Finally, his heartbeat returned to normal. He picked up two full glasses and made his way back to Angie's side. "Here we go," he said lightly, setting the glasses on the table.
    "Thank you," Angie said, smiling up at him.
    "Are you sure you're not hungry?"
    "I could eat a bite, or two."
    "Great, I'll be right back." With that, he was gone again.
    "Don't worry about him," Mattie said as she sat in Gavin's chair. "My son has been waiting for this evening with you with bated breath."
    "Really?"
    "He had me throw this party for you," Mattie informed her.
    "Not really?" Angie was overwhelmed.
    "Yes really." Mattie laughed lightly, obviously amused at Angie's shock. "He has been driving his father and me crazy over you since he met you at the ball. We have never seen him so taken with anyone. Actually," Mattie leaned in close, "you are the very first woman he has ever brought to our home." Mattie patted Angie's arm and disappeared into the crowd.
    "Did I just see my mother talking to you?" Gavin inquired, placing plates loaded with food on the table.
    "Um, yes, she stopped by to make sure I was having a good time." Angie smiled shyly at him.
    "What did you tell her?"
    "I told her you are the perfect gentleman and are keeping me well entertained."
    "So you just blatantly lied to my mother?" He cocked an eyebrow at her.
    Angie laughed out loud. "No. I am having a good time."
    The band began to play at that moment and couples took to the floor, dancing. "Come dance with me," Gavin said.
    "Dance? Gavin, you know…"
    "I know I want to dance with you," he said in a tone that sent shivers up Angie's spine.
    "But how can I?"
    "Just like this." Gavin lifted her out of the chair. "Place your feet on top of mine, and wrap your arms around my neck. I'll keep my arms around you. Angie," he said, looking into her eyes. "I won't let you fall."
    She only nodded as she twined her arms around his neck, and he wrapped his securely around her waist, holding her close to him. He danced her around the room with the other couples. Angie rested her head against his chest, his heart beating in rhythm to the music, in rhythm with hers.