“I wouldn’t either.” Sobering slightly, he winks at her. Or at the very least, he winks in her direction. “Trust me on that.”

His fingers flex against her waist, not quite a squeeze but still acknowledgement and thanks. For being there. For making him laugh. For talking to him at the party and treating him like a person instead of a freak.

“Never said I wouldn’t dance. I mean, I might look stupid and step on toes like this, but that wouldn’t stop me.” Dipping his head, he nods toward the bag at his feet. “I did, however, have to come give a present to my Secret Santa. How about you? What brought you out here tonight?”