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She tugged at the purple leotard, doing her best to cover herself despite its limited fabric. Her shimming tights and body glitter covering more than several other ladies attending the party that evening.
How anyone could look so adorable despite her obvious discomfort, Adrien would never know. He smiled as he caught her glaring at her friend, her words too low for him to hear across the refreshment table.
Nino nudged him toward the young woman.
Ah, he thought with his smile widening more, she’s my date then.
Taking up an extra glass of punch, he weaved through a few partygoers as they attempted to pluck a few morsels in the hopes of replenishing their energy. His cheeks hurt from how wide his smile had grown, coming within speaking distance of the young woman Nino’s girlfriend had brought to meet him.
“Hi,” he called out over the blaring music.
Blue eyes slammed into his, the lids narrowing as she worked to assess his danger level.
“Girl, be nice. This is Nino’s friend,” Alya explained, her eyes turning to assess him as well. “Adrien, right? It’s nice to meet you, but I see Nino getting manhandled by some hussy. So, I’m going to go. Have fun, you two.”
“Alya,” the other woman screeched, not trying to hide her anger and betrayal.
She tugged at the leotard again, doing her best to avoid his eyes.
Sensing her discomfort, he set the cups he’d grabbed on the table behind him. With quick fingers, he untied the thick strings holding the cape across his shoulders. It draped over his hands, sliding from its original perch with little effort.
“Here.” He held out the cape as a peace offering, hoping she might give him a chance. “As much as I loved Anne Wheeler’s character, I don’t think she had to wear her outfit in such a crowded room. It’s not much, but it should cover you.”
She hesitated but took it after her eyes traveled over the large number of guests. Her small fingers worked the string faster than he thought possible, settling the fabric over her shoulders and covering her to her calves.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, her eyes coming back to his. “Alya insisted I wear this tonight. She said Nino’s friend would appreciate it.”
As she spoke, her eyes drifted over his costume, widening the tiniest bit. “She wasn’t wrong, was she?”
He chuckled. “While I do adore the musical, Nino sorta insisted I wear this tonight as well. Something along the lines that Alya’s friend had an absolute crush on Philip Carlyle.”
A pretty rush of color bloomed across her cheeks.
“I’m going to kill them later,” she grumbled.
“Well, I might join you, but don’t you think we should see if they’re wrong first?” He leaned a bit closer to drop his voice low enough so others wouldn’t overhear. “All I know so far is you’re quite adorable when you fidget. You’re stubborn and strong, handling all our friends have tossed at us so far. You’re also a good sport in doing this despite whatever reservations you might have.”
She stared at him, her mouth gaping.
He tapped at her chin, his smile creeping back over his lips.
“I don’t know about you, but I’d like to learn a whole lot more about you.” His finger traced her jaw before he realized the liberties he’d taken without her permission. Stepping back to give her space, he moved his hand so it rested between them, palm out. “What do you say?”
A real smile spilled across her lips as she nodded. Her hand slipped into his, gesturing for him to lead the way.
He didn’t need any further encouragement, taking her to a small hideaway he’d discovered earlier in the evening. Sliding across the small settee, he shifted to give her room while maintaining some space between them.
When she followed his movements, he knew this would be a night he would never forget.