He frowned at her.Why would you do that?
So my hips continue to fit into my clothes.
His gaze drilled into her.I told you there’s nothing wrong with your hips.In fact, they’re one of my favorite parts of you.Aside from the curls and your gorgeous eyes and your fantastic arms and long legs.And that mischievous grin that comes out whenever you get sassy.
Sassy, huh?I’ll give you sassy.
His eyes flashed with something she could only call desire.Oh, I hope you do.I love you when you’re sassy.
He loved her?Did he mean it literally?He loved her?Or he loved it when she was sassy?Could she ask for clarification, or should she respond generically?Only when I’m sassy?
He made a weird face but answered,Not just then.
It wasn’t quite the declaration she was hoping for, but she’d take it.Now to figure out how to respond in an equally ambiguous manner.Me too.Not just when you’re sassy.
Evan did a quick scan of the crowd, then leaned in for a very brief and perfunctory kiss.That’ll have to hold me for now.But take note: I’ll want more later.
Mercedes held her hands up like she was writing something down, all while excitement raced up and down her spine.
When the dinner plates were cleared away and the wedding cake was served with fresh raspberries and ice cream, the speeches started.Fortunately, Harrison and Deanna kept them short and sweet.The DJ started up the music again, and many of the guests headed to the dance floor.
Evan studied the room, and Mercedes wondered what he was looking for.When he swiveled back to her, he cocked his head toward the dancers.Interested?I’m not very good at fast dancing and from the way people are moving, I assume that’s what’s playing.
She looked at him coyly.It is a fast number, but you can take your cues from me.
She led him to the patch of wood in the middle of the floor.The song was one they could still dance together.Follow my lead.
They clasped hands, and Mercedes swung her hips back and forth, then pushed Evan away.Before their hands disconnected, she pulled him close again.She did this over and over, adding in twists and other dance moves.She was surprised how easily he followed along.
You’re pretty smooth there.Have you been holding out on me?
He grinned.I’ve got an excellent teacher.
The music was loud, making her glad they could sign.When it ended, more music began again.Another song.A slow one.
Without responding, he tugged her closer and wrapped her in his arms.They swayed to the music.It was magical.Even though Evan had no idea what it sounded like, he seemed completely in tune with her body and its movements.
They sat the next few songs out and chatted with other guests.Mercedes was having a wonderful time.Partly because she knew many of the guests, but mostly because of the attention Evan gave her.Nothing too overt, but she felt it, and that’s what mattered.
During one of the last slow songs, as his arms held her tight, she recalled the words he spoke last night at the rehearsal dinner.They were heartfelt and showed what an outstanding person he was and how much he loved his sister.He teased her often, but in his heart he loved her and only wanted the best for her.
Once they’d said goodbye to the happy couple, Evan took her hand and steered her toward the door.Brian is giving us a ride home.Do you have everything?
Oh, she hadn’t even thought of how she was getting there.She’d gotten a ride to do hair and makeup earlier, so she didn’t have her car.Those three glasses of wine she’d imbibed must have muddled her mind a bit.
Once she found her purse, she nodded and followed along.She jumped in the back seat as Evan got in the front.The drive wasn’t long, but it was enough time to think about what could happen tonight.They’d been kissing and a little more for several weeks already.Heck, they’d known each other for years.Was he ready for the next step?Was she?
When they pulled in front of their apartment, Evan opened her car door for her.She called out, “Thanks, Brian.Appreciate the ride.”
He replied, “Happy to help.See you later.”
Evan had the door already open by the time she climbed the few stairs.She tossed her purse on the couch as he closed the door behind them and locked it.He turned around, and she took in the handsome man in his tuxedo.More or less.The tie had been removed and was hanging out of his pocket, and the top two buttons of his dress shirt were undone.The little peek of chest hair had her mind going straight to the bedroom.Could she get his mind going there, too?
Sashaying in his direction, she swung her hips, knowing he always said he loved them.Desire stirred in his eyes as he took a deep breath in.
“Everything okay?”she asked playfully.
“Absolutely perfect.In every way.”His gaze never left her.
