"Wait a minute. Are you jealous?"
"I, uh.." Cullen cleared his throat, his cheeks flushing. Elissa stood, arms across her chest, one brow quirked in her curiosity. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking at anything but her.
Her gaze, however, never left him as she watched and waited. Craving to see if her theory proved correct. Though while she supposed his reaction was answer enough, it certainly didn't change the fact that she wanted to hear it.
"I suppose I was," he finally managed. His gaze cut up to her, hand dropping to his side with a nearly inaudible sigh. "A little."
While Elissa managed to contain her laughter, she could not withhold her amused grin. "Maker, Cullen! It was one dance. For business. You said you didn't even like dancing."
"That doesn't mean I'm opposed to it," he protested. "For you, I'd try."
This time Elissa flushed, coughing into her hand nervously. Pleased with himself, Cullen smirked at her. That same damnable smug look he got when he won their weekly chess games. He extended a hand for her, putting on his most charming smile.
"Would you do me the honor?"
An unbidden spark of arousal zipped through her system, leaving her weak in the knees. Elissa thought she might faint. Even if they were alone, they were still in the war room. Still in a place where anyone could walk in at any time. Her stomach did a flip at the notion. The desire to run away also bubbled up in the back of her mind.
Finally, with a deep breath, she quelled her fears and took his hand. A nervous smile crept over her lips as she mentally cursed the turned tables.
"It would be my pleasure, Commander," she replied, softly.
Using her hand as leverage, he pulled her close and they fell into step with one another. Cullen set a languid pace that offered a surprisingly soothing effect on the both of them.