“I think you’re just the right amount of trouble,” her partner said, drawing her attention back.
“Only when I’m bored,” she replied.
He laughed and spun her again.
This time, when Harmony looked up, she caught her cousin’s eyes. Cass’s gaze sparkled as she winked, mischief flaring deep blue. She whispered something to Zach, who smiled, then accepted a kiss on his cheek before she danced away.
Harmony tried to look elsewhere, but Zach’s gaze captured hers again. It wasn’t innocent. It held something else she couldn’t read—a question, a warning.
Suddenly, Cass reappeared, cheeks flushed. She smiled at Harmony’s dance partner, all charm and trouble. “Mind if I cut in?”
She took the man’s hand without waiting. He looked at Harmony, and she nodded. He looked starstruck. Cass had that effect.
“Great taste, Cuz,” Cass said as they spun away.
Harmony laughed. The man was tipsy and in heaven. He didn’t know it yet, but there was no chance he’d be going home with Harmony. With Cass in this mood, his odds had just skyrocketed.
“Now, it’s my turn.”
Harmony’s spine tingled at the voice behind her. She turned to see Zach standing inches away.
“Are you stealing dances now?” she asked.
“Only when they’re worth stealing.”
He closed the gap between them, one hand on her waist, the other guiding hers to his shoulder. The world melted again—just breath and pulse and unbearable nearness. His body was solid heat, his thumb drawing idle circles through the fabric of her dress.
“I wouldn’t have taken you as a dancing man.”
“I’m not. I’ve been known to make exceptions, though.”
“I should be watching out for Cass before she gets into trouble.”
His mouth curved near her ear. “She looks just fine to me.”
Harmony’s laugh came out softer than she meant it to.
“Do you always flirt with multiple women?” she asked.
“Only when they’re standing too close.”
Harmony laughed again. These were the games she enjoyed most. As long as all the players knew the score, there was no harm in turning up the heat.
Zach moved so much better than she’d expected. Controlled, measured, every shift deliberate. He led in a way that said he would never relinquish control.
She liked it.
The chaos from earlier felt a million miles away. Now it was only the two of them. His hand was rough, his touch steady, but deliberate. She didn’t know what was coming, which was rare for her.
“This has been quite a night,” she said, needing to break the silence, the intimacy.
“Every night on the island is,” he replied. “You just have to know where to look.”
“I’ve noticed you’re always watching from the corners.”
“They’re great hiding places. You can watch everything without being seen,” he replied.
“Except by me,” she told him.
