“Didn’t find anyone else I wanted to dance with.”
“I saw that girl you almost ran into a minute ago. Why not dance with her? She was beautiful.”
His gaze narrowed, then his face brightened. “She was okay.”
“Okay? She was stunning.”Cilla?Her prettiest sister was just okay? Her heart melted a little more for this perfect man.
One shoulder lifted in a half shrug. “You’re prettier.” He took a step closer.
“Am I?” If either of them moved they’d be touching. She wanted to believe him. Well, it was her secret romance, she could certainly believe what she wanted.
“Promise.” He leaned in.
“You’re quite a charmer, aren’t you?”
“The truthful charmer, that’s me. Andtruthfully, I’ve been waiting for you, and only you, to return for any further dancing.”
“Really?” she asked again. Her whole being perked up. She took the initiative and moved forward until their bodies touched, well, their arms touched. Her palms slid along his upper arms from elbows to shoulders and back.
He didn’t recoil in horror or shock and she took that as a good sign. “And why is that?”
One shoulder lifted yet again, but his gaze never wavered. He cupped her forearms, but didn’t move closer. He looked into the depths of her eyes, seeking something. Acceptance? Love? A kiss?
“I liked our dance, but we got interrupted, as I recall. Wanna dance with me again to make up for what we lost?” he said, his voice low and husky.
No. I want to kiss you.
Lucy shook her head. He frowned in obvious surprise.
She wanted a kiss so desperately her lips tingled with anticipation. She didn’t want to dance unless a kiss came with the deal.
Lucy moved forward until their torsos were touching. He let her. She lifted her face. Their lips were a breath apart. Kiss me!Her mind screamed that two-word mantra over and over. He didn’t move. He didn’t breathe. Did he want her to make a move?Let’s find out.
“This is what I want.” Without further warning, Lucy boldly pressed her lips to his, hoping he wouldn’t rebuff her. The moment their lips came together the amazing sensation lit her insides with joy. He tasted delicious.
And then…his arms wound around her, squeezing her tight.
Best of all, he kissed her right back. He was really good at it, too.
If she lived to be a thousand years old, Lucy would never forget the perfect and amazing way she felt in this moment.
Chapter Four
Axel wasn’t certain how he’d gotten so lucky as to be exactly where he wanted to be, passionately kissing the girl he’d been dreaming about for the last week and a half, but he was joyous. The kiss was nothing short of enchanting.
He ensured she made the first move, but he’d wanted to kiss her the moment she jumped in front of him. Once he discovered her intent, he joined in. He wrapped his arms around her to hold her close and let her know he approved of this spontaneous action. He also didn’t stop kissing her. He’d let her lead for as long as she wanted, responding in kind.
Axel didn’t know how long they kissed, but he finally had to disengage when he heard someone behind him clear their throat, loudly. It sounded like one of his brothers. No one else would annoyingly bother him when he was kissing the perfect girl.
The taste of her on his lips, Axel turned his head without releasing Lucy to see his brother Jack grinning like a loon. Jack was his youngest brother. The one they could always talk into volunteering for things. He was even a good sport about it. Mostly.
“I need a bottle of water,” Jack said by way of explanation, his grin widening.
“I’m not stopping you.” Axel gestured to the refrigerated case nearby.
His brother took two steps toward the water, asking as he passed, “Aren’t you taking over Cam’s duties again today?”
