Augustus studied me for a moment.
"Prove what, exactly?"
"That you mean it." My courage was beginning to regret its independence.
"You explain everything so carefully that I can't tell whether you want me or merely enjoy discussing the possibility."
His expression changed.
"I want to kiss you, Juliette."
Every clever reply abandoned me.
"But not while half of Shorebridge watches through those windows," he added. "Would you come outside?"
I nodded.
He opened the French doors to the balcony, letting me step into the cool harbor air first.
Behind us, the quartet continued playing, muffled by glass.
Across the water, office towers shimmered like expensive jewelry.
A waiter crossed the ballroom beyond the doors, carrying a tray of champagne. For one ridiculous moment I wondered whether Seth was watching, whether someone would photograph us, whether tomorrow would bring another headline about my supposed ambitions.
