"Why?"
She seemed distressed and softly pleaded, "Please?"
He could see she was ready to come unglued, but why? Was she afraid of being hurt? Was she involved with another man? He felt torn between wanting to shake her and scream, 'Tell me!' and wanting to take her in his arms to comfort her. He knew he could do neither, so gently took her hand. "I'm sorry. The last thing I want to do is upset you." They were quiet for a few minutes. "Would you like dessert?"
"No, I'm full."
"How about cappuccino or an after dinner drink?"
"A glass of port would be nice."
He ordered two, then stood and said, "Let's dance while we're waiting." The band had started to play The Way You Look Tonight. He couldn't have chosen a more appropriate song.
Elisabeth's blush rose immediately. "Oh, I'm not a very good dancer."
He took her hand. "Well, I am. All you have to do is let me lead. Come on, they're playing our song." Once on the dance floor, he stretched his long fingers across the small of her back and took her hand. He started to glide her across the floor easily. She was light as a feather and moved freely with him. He pulled her closer and whispered, "Not a good dancer, my ass."
She laughed softly. "You're doing all the work."
Jackson closed his eyes to fully appreciate her scent. He found something more than what he remembered. A faint floral smell, however, it couldn't be perfume. It smelled natural and so minimal he had to search for it. "What kind of perfume are you wearing, it's wonderful."
"I'm not wearing any; most perfumes give me a headache. I only use unscented products."
"Well you smell delicious." Without having to look, he knew she would be blushing again. He was experiencing emotion completely unknown to him. He should be fighting bloodlust by now, yet it had simply disappeared, replaced by longing for something more, a yearning to be part of this woman, to be everything to her, and for her. He felt both enchanted and tortured by the heady mix of Elisabeth Sidwell, "God's Promise."
When the song ended they stood motionless. Neither wanted to break their embrace. Finally Elisabeth said, "Our port is here." and pulled away. They sat, not speaking, but it wasn't awkward any longer. They had made a connection on the dance floor that stayed with them. When they finished their drinks and were waiting for the check, Jackson asked, "Why did you lie about dancing?"
"Because I was afraid to get close to you."