Love Breaks: A Collection of Romance Stories by Alicia Dean

Author:Alicia Dean [Dean, Alicia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

That night at the party, Lorelei wore a dress she’d borrowed from Dot—a burgundy floral lace swing dress that was a little snug for her liking. Dot was petite and Lorelei, not so much. She was grateful, though, she’d have stuck out like an alien from another planet in her own clothes.

The room was dim, other than the twinkling lights from the tree and strung along the walls, giving the room a romantic, festive feel. Music played, alternating between non-Christmas and Christmas songs—a few she recognized and many she didn’t.

“I Was the One,” by Elvis began, and Neil appeared at the table where she and Dot sat. He looked incredibly handsome in black baggie slacks and an iridescent bronze dinner jacket with black collar. He held out a hand. “May I have this dance?”

Wordlessly, she placed her hand in his, and he led her to the dance floor, where he took her into his arms. His body was strong and warm against hers—very real, yet this night felt completely unreal.

They danced in silence for a few moments, then Neil whispered against her hair, “I’m not sure what’s happening, and I know it’s soon, but I just gotta tell you.” He leaned back and looked into her eyes. “I’m starting to feel something for you.”

She nodded, her voice shaky when she spoke. “I know. Me too.”

He smiled. “I guess we don’t have to figure out anything yet, we’ll just live in the moment.” He placed a kiss on her forehead and pulled her back against him.

She wasn’t a ‘live in the moment’ kind of person, and she and Neil most definitely didn’t have many moments left together. The thought brought on unexpected sadness and she incongruously felt like crying.

The song ended, and he led her back to her table. Her legs weak, she lowered into the chair. Was she actually falling for a man she just met? Someone with whom there was no future?

“Hey, is everything okay?”

She looked up to find Dot peering at her.

“Yes, fine. I was just—”

“You were just staring at Neil like he was a giant milkshake covered in whipped cream.” Dot smiled teasingly.

Lorelei’s face heated. “No, I wasn’t, I—”

“Hey, I don’t blame you. Neil’s dreamy. And, he’s a wonderful fella.” Dot bit into a piece of stuffed celery and chewed as she spoke. “Did you know that all the profit from this party goes to help the less fortunate? It’s a thing he started himself called Lend a Helping Hand.”

Lorelei’s eyes widened in shock. Lend a Helping Hand was the organization she worked for. And this man had started it? She groaned inwardly. Really? Could he get any more perfect? “He does seem great.”

“Yeah.” Dot’s voice held resignation. “And after tonight, he’ll probably hate me.”

“Why?”

She drew in a deep breath and placed the remainder of the celery back on her plate. “I’m ending things with John.”

Here we go… Foreboding gripped her. “You are? Why?”

She shrugged. “Honestly? I’m not good enough for him.” She lowered her voice. “I have a…reputation around town.

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