Gianna tapped my thigh as I walked past. “That was hawwt.” She fanned herself. “Who knew an elf could light that kind of fire in a dragon?”
My cheeks burned. I’d certainly got lost in the moment. “All part of being undercover,” I rationalized.
The amused glint in her eyes called bullshit.I sat down next to Nova, willing my burning body to cool.
“I was getting turned on just watching you both out there.” Gianna snapped her fingers. “Sebastian is going to be in for a wild ride tonight.”
I tipped my head forward and covered my eyes. “Oh jeez, don’t say that.”
“Why not?” Gianna asked.
“The thought of being erotic fodder for others.” I shuddered and then glanced at her. Mortification refused to release its hold on me.
Gianna clapped and tipped her head back as she laughed. “Like a fluffer.”
“A what?”
“You know, in porn. Those who help keep the actors—ahem—erect.”
“Whoa.” I raised both hands. “Let’s not go there.”
Gianna was unfazed. “There’s nothing wrong with talking about sex. It’s perfectly natural.”
“And almost part of every conversation with Gianna.” Nova chuckled.
I grabbed my pina colada off the table. Before I sipped it, I asked, “Did anyone have access to this while I was dancing?”
“No, you’re good,” Nova said.
I sipped the icy cold beverage, willing it to cool me.
Nova eyed me with a wary appraisal.
“Are you feeling okay, Zoe?” she asked.
“Yes, fine. Why do you ask?” I responded all too quickly.
“You look flushed.”
“Well, yes, from the dancing and the lights.” And a hot shifter’s body close to mine. “I’m not used to dancing, especially not like that,” I added with a nervous laugh. What was wrong with me? I was a freaking detective here to investigate, not some giggling schoolgirl with a crush.
Could they both see through my flimsy excuse?
I glanced at another dancer on stage. Was Lucas backstage? Would he come out again? At least, I had some time to regroup after that dance.
“So, you think maybe you and Lucas?” Gianna motioned with a speculative gesture, leaving her sentence unfinished.
“No way,” I replied.
“Why not?”
“For one thing, look at what he does for a living.” I motioned to the next half-naked guy on stage, who didn’t dance as smoothly as Lucas.
Oh, sweet and sour potions. What did I think I was now, a strip club reviewer?
“So what?” Gianna tossed her long, sleek dark hair over her shoulders. “It’s just a job.”
I replied with a doubtful grunt.
