Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 162

Rebecca felt her heart skip a beat.

“I’m not trying to pull anything. I just want to dance with you, that’s all. Ten minutes, tops,” Paul explained, trying to sound reassuring.

Rebecca knew exactly why he was being so nice. He wanted her help getting in touch with Dr. Palmer.

“Sorry, but what I’m wearing really isn’t right for dancing,” she replied.

She wasn’t just making up an excuse. She looked way too casual, like she’d just finished a run. The thought of pairing up with Paul, who was dressed to the nines, just felt wrong.

“It doesn’t matter. No one cares,” Paul replied. He definitely didn’t.

They stood there, neither willing to budge.

People around them started glancing over. On the dance floor, couples were already forming up. Rebecca let out a quiet sigh and finally put her hand in Paul’s broad, warm palm.

Paul’s lips curled into a small smile, his eyes soft and crinkled at the edges.

Dancing with her ex’s friend was just awkward. Rebecca felt stiff, and the more she tried to keep things comfortable, the worse her rhythm got.

By the third time she stepped on Paul’s shoe, she wanted to sink into the floor.

“Sorry. I’m… really not much of a dancer,” she mumbled.

Sensing she was about to bail, Paul’s hand on her waist tightened just a little.

“It’s okay,” he said gently. “Nobody’s born knowing how to dance. You just need some practice.”

Rebecca gave up arguing. She dropped her gaze and stared hard at the floor, determined not to step on him again.

Paul couldn’t help but smile at how seriously she was taking it.

“Relax. If you step on me, I promise it doesn’t hurt.”

He sounded so laid-back, but there was no way Rebecca could just go stomping around on his feet. To help her out, Paul switched the topic.

“How’s work at Sunforge Tech?” he asked.

“It’s fine,” Rebecca replied.

“And your mom? My uncle said you haven’t visited in a while.”

He figured Rebecca was avoiding his uncle, probably because she didn’t want any more ties to him either.

As expected, Rebecca just brushed it off. “She’s fine.”

She turned away, spun the wheel, and hit the gas, leaving him behind.

Paul stood there for a while before finally moving.

As soon as he turned to go, he spotted Morris, Bruce, and Sonja getting out of a car.

“Hey, Paul, what are you doing out here instead of in the ballroom?” Morris called, throwing an arm around his shoulders.

Paul looked at Bruce, hesitated, then asked, “When did you guys get here?”

“Just now,” Bruce answered.

Paul let out a breath.

He straightened his sleeves. “How did you know it was Judy’s birthday tonight?”

The truth was, he hadn’t invited them because he thought they’d be too busy. Mostly, though, he was worried they’d bump into Rebecca.

Sonja looped her arm through Bruce’s and grinned. “My cousin told me. Honestly, Paul, how could you keep something as important as Judy’s birthday from us?”

“It’s not a big deal. Birthdays come around every year,” Paul said.