Myka had lost track of the number of dances she'd shared with HG. Oh she'd cut the rug with Pete and Steve several times, and even once with HG's friend William Wolcott but the Brit had captivated her most of the night.
They were softly swaying to a slower tune by the Count while a singer went on about love and loss but Myka found herself tuning out the words. She was falling into the world of the shorter man's eyes.
"I must say Miss Bering," HG sighed, "you dance divinely. I have truly enjoyed myself this evening."
"As have I Mr. Wells," Myka smiled. "You and Mr. Wolcott are quite charming."
"Wolly and I have been a pair in a similar fashion to you and your Mr. Lattimer," HG admitted. "I would be lost at times without his companionship."
"A true friend is a treasure," Myka stepped a little closer, eyes drawn to her dance partner's lips.
"And would I be too bold to say that we are now friends Miss Bering?" HG asked pulling the woman even closer.
"No," Myka murmured. "Not at all."
"Aces," HG grinned and leaned in for a kiss.
Myka lost herself in a moment as soft lips met her own. She'd kissed boys before but this felt different. It was wonderful. And perfect.
"Wow," she whispered leaning back. "That was…"
"Amazing," HG grinned.
"Indeed," she smiled and leaned in for another kiss as the band played on.
"Miss Bering," HG pulled back. "I hope I am not to forward in asking for the privilege of seeing you home this evening?"
"Yes," Myka in a haze agreed. "Wait, I mean no."
"No?"
"Sorry," Myka blushed. "I would love it if you could see me home," she admitted. "But I don't think my parents would approve of a strange man showing up so late at night."
"Ah," HG nodded with agreement. "Well if I wish to court you properly I suppose it is necessary to make a good impression on one's parents."
"You wish to court me?"
"Of course darling," HG grinned. "I find you quite charming and desperately want to get to know more about you."
"Oh I'm not that interesting."
"I beg to differ."
The song ended and an up tempo number came on.
"Mind if I cut in?" Pete appeared behind HG's shoulder.
"Actually I'm going to sit this one out," Myka demurred. "I need to visit the ladies room."
Both men stepped back to allow Myka to pass.
"Another round Mr. Lattimer?" HG asked.
"After you," Pete followed the other man to the bar.
"Myka's important to me," Pete began as they waited in line. "She's like a second sister."
"She is quite special Mr. Lattimer," HG readily agreed. "I have never met anyone like her."
"And so when I tell you that Steve and I watch out for her," he looked over at the shorter man, making sure he had his full attention, "and don't want to see her hurt, you understand what I'm saying?"
"Of course," HG nodded. "Although we've just met I can see that she is a treasure. I would expect nothing less from you Mr. Lattimer."
"Good," Pete nodded. "Because I've heard of you Mr. Wells. You've got quite the reputation as a skirt chaser. And Myka doesn't need that type of man in her life."
"Understood." HG turned to face her companion, pushing the trilby back slightly. "Though I must admit I find the field, as it were, now closed for play."
The pair looked at each other for a moment and nodded.
"Scotch neat," HG said turning to the bartender, "and a pilsner for my friend."
Myka and HG stood apart from the group as they left the club. They had all agreed to keep in touch and numbers had been exchanged.
"So," HG reached up and pulled the collar of Myka's coat snuggly against her neck, "when I might see you again Miss Bering?"
"How about lunch on Tuesday? If you are available."
"For you darling, of course."
"I work at Nielson and Fredrick."
"The law firm in lower Manhattan. I know of it. My father had some business dealings with them several years ago. What time shall I pick you up?"
"12:30?"
"It's a date."
"A date," Myka replied.
"May I have a goodnight kiss?"
With a nod the taller woman leaned in and met HG's lips once more. It felt heavenly.
"You have no right to be such a good kisser," she whispered pulling back.
"I could say the same. Good night Miss Bering."
"Good night Mr. Wells," Myka stepped back and with a small wave joined Pete and Steve in Pete's cab.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Wolcott asked as he and HG headed towards the car.
"Of course," HG scoffed.
"HG," he paused, "Helena, I saw how you looked at her. She isn't some bird to woo and cut loose."
Helena pulled off her hat and ran her fingers through shoulder length dark locks.
"She is special, that much is assured."
"And when she wants more?"
"I shall cross that bridge when I come to it dear friend." Helena replied in a huff.
"That's what I'm afraid of."