Chapter 143

• Jake was a reasonable gentleman for the duration of the dance. He held her with one hand on hers and the other firmly around her back to steady her, which she actually appreciated in her heels until she'd got used to them. But she did notice him glancing frequently down at her impressive cleavage, pushed up and emerging from the lace of the dress. But mostly he was tolerable and she almost enjoyed the dance.
• The problem started when Jake thanked her for the dance and left her after the one song, as agreed. A group of local men flocked around her wanting the next dance. Abigail was surrounded and flustered until a familiar face appeared: Maki's uncle. She couldn't actually remember his name, but knew he was a local official and so presumably commanded some respect.
• She was correct in that, and the other men backed off, but the price was a dance with Maki's uncle. This wasn't so bad, except he held her tighter around her waist than Jake had, and she was a little shocked that she suffered the same downward glances towards her cleavage as before. And this time from an older, married man.