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along.”
    A wicked smile creased his lips. “Jealous?
Ouch!
”
    I removed my heel from his foot. “Oops! Sorry.”
    He breathed a throaty chuckle. “Guess I deserved that.”
    “And more.”
    “So how is Benjamin?” Chance asked dryly. “Still rooting around in creeks?”
    “He’s been accepted into a prestigious environmental science program,” I responded primly. “One of the best in the country. At a
college
. Perhaps you’ve heard of such places?”
    Chance sniffed. “They seem cute, but I have a company to run.”
    I gave him my most level look. “You don’t work there anymore, Chance. It was all over the news. The Board kicked you out after discovering those bills you ran up in Special Projects.”
    His expression soured. “Curing
us
was one of those expensive projects, thank you very much.” Then he snorted derisively. “Whatever. I still own the stupid place. Let those suits handle the boring daily details.”
    We swung another turn. This was a long freaking song.
    “Why
don’t
you go to college?” I asked, genuinely curious. “You’re too smart for your own good, and I’m sure you could buy your way in to wherever you felt like going.”
    Chance shrugged. “Maybe I will.” The rakish grin returned. “Or I could cut out the middleman, and simply buy a university. Give myself all sorts of degrees. You might be onto something, Brennan.”
    I was about to scold him when I spotted Ben, still manfully escorting Ella in circles, his head swiveling as he scanned the crowd. He located me just as the music finally ended. I tried to disengage, but Chance led on as another slow song began to play. Ben glowered, the old frown sliding into place as Ella gathered him up again.
    “Before you run off, I just want to be sure.”
    Chance forced me to meet his eye. He was very close. And damn good-looking.
    “Sure about what?” My thoughts bounced like a tennis ball—from my relationship with Ben, to rejecting Chance, to the dark secrets we all shared. “I don’t like games, Chance.”
    “There’s
nothing
left of your flare power?” he asked, watching like a hawk. I got the distinct impression he didn’t believe me the first time. “No lingering trace? Not a shred of the old abilities?” Chance moved closer and whispered, “Or anything new?”
    I swallowed, but held his gaze. “It’s gone, Chance. You’ve got to move on.”
    His eyes narrowed. He opened his mouth to speak again, but a strong hand clamped down on his shoulder, spinning him around.
    “May I cut in?” Ben growled.
    Chance’s composure slipped a notch as he glared at Ben. Then he smirked. “By all means.” He stepped back. Ben took my hand. Chance watched as Ben led me away across the dance floor.
    “Thanks for the lovely dance!” Chance called. Then, quieter, “I’ll be seeing you.”
    I tried not to wince. What did
that
mean?
    “Jackass.” Ben was scowling full throttle.
    “Be nice.” I nuzzled in close. “How was your twirl with Ella?”
    “Humiliating.” Ben released my hand and began tugging at his collar. “She moves like a ballerina, and I’m a frozen caveman.” Then he blanched. “Not that—”
    “Shut it, Blue.” Resting my head against his chest. “I’ve seen her dance, too.”
    Ben put his mouth to my ear. “She had a lot of questions.”
    I nodded without looking up. “Chance, too.”
    He lifted my chin so I could see his face.
Should we worry?
    I shrugged.
What’s the point?
    But I remembered the look in Chance’s eyes.
    Did he believe me? Was he suspicious we were hiding more? Was
he
hiding more?
    The last thing we needed was Chance Claybourne on our scent again.
    But ultimately, what could we do?
    Blargh.
    Business as usual.
    The song ended, and we clapped politely with the other guests. A jaunty, bouncy tune came next. I squeezed Ben’s hand, putting Chance out of my mind.
    This was my father’s wedding, damn it. I was going to have fun.
    “One more?” I begged, rabbit-pecking his