Breathless Read Online Free PDF Page A

spinning some great tunes, and we all took to the dance floor. We spent about an hour taking turns getting snacks and drinks while jumping around to our favorite beats. I was having a great time, until I realized that the bodies on the dance floor were suddenly thinning. Stella and I kept the beat with the freaks and geeks, while the couples found their own private places around the garden. Most cooed and cuddled; some kissed passionately. At around 10:15 p.m., I decided I’d had enough. I began searching for Addie to let her know I would be leaving.
     
    “ I wish you’d stay, but I kind of thought this might happen,” she said. “My driver is waiting.”
     
    Addie never ceased to amaze me. She would never let me down. She had the good foresight to expect she would want to stay longer, but she still wanted to be sure I would get home safely. She was the best friend a girl could have. I gave her a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek before turning to leave.
     
    “ Have fun,” I shouted over my shoulder. I waved quickly to the others who were in various locations around the yard, and made my way down the long winding path from the back garden, along the pool, and back to the main house.
     
    I was just a few feet from the bright lights of the entryway when a cool breeze swept across my shoulders. I shivered and began walking faster. That’s when I saw him lingering in the shadows behind the trees. How long had he been there, I wondered. He seemed to be alone, watching from a distance. Watching…me. I stopped dead and turned to face him. He stood silent, his head down, eyes staring up from under his brow. I was paralyzed with wonder.
     
    “ Hi,” I heard the word roll gently off my tongue, but I couldn’t recall willing myself to say it. He seemed nearly as surprised to hear my voice. It was barely above a whisper. Breathy.
     
    He didn’t speak, just took a step forward. I must have been out of reach of the heaters, because I was chilled to the bone. He could see my distress, and he quickly slipped the red velvet coat from his back and wrapped it around my bare shoulders. Such a gentleman. Rare.
     
    “ I’m—”
     
    “ Cordelia,” he finished for me, taking me by complete surprise. “I know.”
     
    I was in awe. In the moonlight, I could see him clearly. Every detail of his face was plain to me now. What had been so obscure in my head earlier was so vivid. I didn’t ask how he knew my given name. No one had called me Cordelia since before my dad had died, nearly a decade ago. I would bet that even my closest friends didn’t know my real name. I couldn’t say anything; I just stared into his eyes. They were the exact same shade as my dress, and I knew that wasn’t a coincidence. Addie would have seen to it, I was sure. She had such a knack for things like that.
     
    Tousled raven waves swept back from his snow white face, forming a thick mane around his chiseled features. A single frosted lock curved back from just above his brow. A slight flush colored his cheeks, and his jade green eyes glowed bright into my own. Again, I was breathless.
     
    Before I could say another word, he took my hand in his own and guided me to the cobbled dance floor. He was tall—at least six feet. The top of my head barely reached his shoulder. The music was mellow now, and he enveloped me in a loose embrace. His right arm draped loosely at my waist, while his left arm cradled my shoulder into his chest. We were close, but not quite touching, as we swayed lightly in circles, all the while staring into each other’s eyes. For a long while, no one seemed to notice us, the lone couple making use of the DJ’s skills. Soon enough, I could feel all eyes were on us as we glided gracefully in unison. I didn’t care about anything but that moment with him. Being in his arms felt safe, right—like he was a missing piece to the puzzle that was my inner being. I couldn’t explain or even pretend to understand. We had just met. I