Evan nodded. “She’s so sweet, and a wonderful artist.”
“She’s not sure about me,” David admitted. “Though that’s not surprising, considering what she’s been through.”
“So why the sudden interest?” Carly asked. “We’ve known each other for years and you haven’t asked about it.”
He shrugged. “We never talked about your charity.” Their conversations revolved around the galas they attended, or business. “The symposium was an eye-opener. Your speech was fantastic.”
Carly glanced away. “Thank you.”
“It must be so difficult for Zita to deal with the foster girls every day, and know what they’ve been through.”
“Mama helps. They both support the girls.”
He looked around the room. Zita was laughing with her sister Bridget. Her whole face lit up and she looked so happy and carefree. He definitely wanted to get to know her better. Evan cleared his throat and David turned back to them. They were both grinning at him.
“What?”
“Are you checking out my little sister, David?”
He cursed himself as the flush spread across his face. He hadn’t blushed since he was a teenager. “She seems nice.” Hell, this was awkward.
“You should ask her out,” Carly said. “She needs to find a decent guy.”
She wouldn’t think he was decent if she could hear his thoughts. “Thanks. I’m going to say hello to Hayden.”
He escaped before they could tease him anymore.
***
Zita was relieved to walk away from David and resume mingling. His simple kiss on her cheek had played havoc with her senses, and her body had kicked into high alert mode. He’d smelled divine— some kind of musky, masculine aftershave that made her want to keep sniffing him— and the brush of his lips against her skin made her want more. He was the type who had a different woman on his arm at each event, but she was fine with that. Right now she just wanted to have some fun.
At first she’d thought he’d wanted to ask more questions about Teresa’s case, and was pleased when he didn’t. Tonight she wanted to relax and celebrate. Tonight she wanted to pretend that bad things didn’t happen to good people, and the world was a fair and just place.
Now it was almost midnight and everyone around her was watching the clock. On other New Year’s Eves she’d be looking for a guy to kiss, but men were in short supply at this event. She hadn’t even seen David for a while so perhaps he’d already gone home. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone moving toward her. She turned as the countdown began.
Ten.
Her eyes met David’s and the intensity of his gaze stirred her.
Nine.
She couldn’t look away.
Eight.
Her body zapped to attention as he strode toward her. His movements were long and languid, and sexy.
Seven.
The countdown faded into the background as she licked her lips.
David stopped in front of her, his gaze still on her.
“Happy New Year!” The shout went up around her, but she barely noticed it.
“Happy New Year, Zita,” he said.
She didn’t hesitate. She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her lips to his.
