The lingering heat from the dance still clung to my skin as Mark and I stepped away from the dance floor. I felt breathless, though whether it was from the dancing or something else entirely, I wasn't sure.
Mark led the way toward the bar, weaving through clusters of elegantly dressed guests. I kept my head high, aware of Mrs Galloway's eyes tracking our movements from across the room. She looked pleased—too pleased.
"A drink?" Mark asked, glancing at me as we reached the polished marble counter. His tone was casual, but there was something in his expression—a knowing glint that hadn't been there before.
"Please." I needed something to cool down, to steady the pulse that still hadn't quite returned to normal.
Mark ordered for both of us, and we stood in the dim lighting, side by side but with more distance between us than before. Almost as if we were afraid of what might happen if we stood too close.