And while so much beauty surrounded her, she couldn’t think of anything else but the man in her arms. Her doubts, her confusion, it all slid into the very back of her mind as the slow, classical ballad played and she swayed against him.
His warmth, his familiar masculine scent and the powerful hold he had on her all made her want to put her head on his shoulder and relish the moment. So she did. He’d held her numerous times over the years. But she knew in her heart this time was different.
With a sigh, she closed her eyes, letting him lead in their dance, and rested her head just for a moment on one broad, muscular shoulder. The man was the proverbial good time, but right now she wanted to just lean on him, to draw from his strength and courage.
Her cheek rested against his smooth, silky sash. Victoria had known he’d wear his best royal dress for the ceremony, but her Prince Charming had truly been a sight to see, waiting at the end of the white-petal-covered aisle. It wasn’t often in their years together she saw him in person dressed as a prince. Normally they were just hanging out in casual clothes. But with his tailored black suit with shiny gold double-breasted buttons, glossy black shoes, and a wide, blue sash crossing from shoulder to opposite hip, he exuded bad-boy prince. She knew beneath all the impressive gold buttons and fringe-capped shoulders lay a great deal of body art molding over and around his chiseled arms, chest and back. Sexy didn’t even begin to describe her man.
Medals, which stemmed from charity work to his family’s crest and various other ranks, also adorned one side of his jacket. The blue from his sash matched his eyes perfectly, and he couldn’t look more fit for a royal role than if he were the star in one of her brothers’ films.
The designer in her should’ve made notes on how well the lines were cut in his suit, but the woman in her was too busy admiring the view. Hey, he may be her best friend, but he was still one magnificently built man and she’d be a fool not to notice. But she’d been noticing more and more in the past month leading up to their nuptials. Was she getting caught up in the wedding, or was she beginning to see him as more of a man? He’d always been charming, but recently he’d become...irresistible. And her desire for him was starting to consume her.
The glamorous ceremony was something she’d remember for the rest of her life. With celebrities, other royalty and every media outlet on hand to snap thousands of pictures, the scene was something out of a modern-day fairy tale.
“You made a beautiful bride, Victoria,” he murmured. “I’m one lucky prince.”
She raised her head, looked him in the eyes and smiled. “Oh, I’m pretty lucky, too. I’m living every little girl’s dream by marrying royalty and living in a palace.”
“Only for two weeks,” he reminded her. “After our honeymoon phase, we’ll travel to L.A. I’m anxious to see you at work and visit with your family. It’s grown considerably since I was there last.”
“I’m anxious to get back, too, but I don’t mind playing hooky. Not when I’m living a fantasy life.”
“Speaking of fantasy,” he murmured, raking his eyes down to where her cleavage nestled against his tux. “Have I told you how amazing you look today?”
“You’re letting your reputation take over,” she joked, though nerves danced in her belly at the hunger in his eyes. “My eyes are up here.”
“Oh, I know where your eyes are.” He smiled, meeting her gaze. “But I’m enjoying the entire view of my beautiful bride.”
He wanted her and he wasn’t hinting anymore, which only made her even more intrigued.
Obviously the ball was in her court. Game on.
“And my reputation has nothing to do with what I’m feeling right now.” He pulled her body closer to his as he spun her in a wide circle around the perimeter of the dance floor. “Trust me, I’m the envy of every man around the world. I nearly swallowed my tongue when you came down the aisle.”
“As a designer, I take that as a compliment.” She laughed. “As a woman, I’m thrilled to know I have that effect on someone.”
He shifted slightly against her, a wicked smile on his face. “Oh, I’m not unaffected.”
Mercy. No, he wasn’t. How had this dance gotten so far out of control? And why did she care? How could she avoid the fact Stefan was so open with his feelings? Should she even attempt to hide that she’d been thinking of him in a new light, as well? Those “what-if” thoughts from years ago were now more realistic and...obtainable.