Chuckling, I brush a kiss across her mouth.“That was just the start.”
She’s still catching her breath, her face soft and flushed and glowing.
I tuck her dress back into place, smooth her hair, kiss her once—slow and sweet.
And this time, there’s something sacred in it.
“I want you,” I say quietly.“Not just like this.Not just tonight.I don’t know what the hell we’re doing, but it’s real for me.”
She looks at me like I’ve just undone her all over again.
"Oh god," she gasps afterward, her forehead pressed to my chest."We just?—"
"Yeah."
"At Callum’s engagement party."
"Yeah."
"On a terrace."
"Very nice terrace," I offer, still trying to catch my breath.
She laughs, the sound vibrating through me."Luke Sterling, you're a terrible influence."
"Me?You're the one not wearing underwear.”
"You're the one who apologizes with that mouth."
"You like my mouth."
"I really do."She pulls back, and even in the shadows I can see her smile."We should probably..."
"Right.Yes."We separate reluctantly, attempting to restore our clothing to some semblance of propriety."You go first.Freshen up.I'll follow in a few minutes."
"Very strategic."She smooths her dress, then reaches up to fix my hair."You look thoroughly debauched, by the way."
"Whose fault is that?"
"Mine," she says proudly."Definitely mine."
She kisses me once more—quick and sweet—then heads for the terrace door.
I watch her go, wondering how someone can make me lose all control so easily.
"Luke?"
She pauses at the door, looking back.
"Thank you.For the apology.Very...thorough."
"I aim to please."
"You succeed."Her smile turns soft."I'll see you inside.Save me a dance?"
"All of them," I promise.
She disappears inside, and I take a moment to fully compose myself.The November air helps clear my head, and I'm almost presentable when I head back to the party.
