“You think so?”
“I know so. Ask Kelly. I’m sure she’ll agree. Don’t short-change the person you are, Aria. Jay might not be the best husband, but he’s left you with somethin’.” She frowned, and he smiled. “A fighting spirit, and it’s easily recognizable. Maybe not to you but take it from someone lookin’ in, it’s there.”
“Thank you. Those words mean a lot to me. And for what it’s worth, I’m glad I shared this with you.” Despite his mischievous personality, he was the perfect listener.
“And thank you for trusting me with your past. The sad part is, this happens so often in homes across the world, you never dream you’d meet a person with first-hand experience. You’re one brave woman, Aria. Never forget that.” He offered a sexy smile. “After everythin’, you’ve told me, I’m intrigued as to how you ended up in the bar where we met.”
She laughed. “Sheer stupidity on my part.”
“Why?”
“Court dates take forever in South Africa. The day Jay was finally sentenced, Alisha suggested I needed a night out since I hadn’t indulged in one, ever. Coming out of my shell, she called it. Funny enough, I wanted something different from a girl’s night out. Jay messed badly with my self-confidence. Tired of the domination for so long, I wanted to see if I could bend a man to my will.”
Reece threw back his head in laughter. The deep rich sound warmed her insides, similar to the lush wine she drank. “And I proved a worthy target?” His eyes twinkled with mischief.
The lighter side to their evening held a calming effect. “Do I need to give you an answer?” Aria teased.
He refilled their wine glasses. “Stroke my ego a little. You owe me that much.”
“Really? Why?” She was hard-pressed to deny the sex appeal he radiated.
“For the cold treatment, I was innocent when I pitched up on your porch.” He watched her over the rim of his glass.
Aria sat back, raised her hands, and finger brushed her hair into a ponytail. As she used her teeth to tug the hairband from her wrist, Reece shook his head.
“Leave it down.”
The smile he gave her turned her insides to mush. Aria squeezed her thighs together, recalling the touch of his fingers. She released her hair and let it fall around her shoulders.
“I have a sneaky suspicion not only was I a worthy target, but I rocked your boat with way too much sway than you expected.” His dimple dipped in a cheeky smile.
Aria laughed. “The cocky playboy.”
“Babe, where you’re concerned, I ain’t playin’ no more.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?” Her voice came out all husky—excited even. Aria shifted uncomfortably, irritated at how easily the man unsettled her without trying.
“Raincheck on my answer for now.” He chuckled and stood. “Dance with me,” he said as Wham’sCareless Whispersspilled out the speakers.
Annoyed, she shook her head. “Raincheck.” Her sarcastic reply, however, didn’t faze him.
“No. Consider it payback.” Reece held out a hand. “For the cold treatment.” When she arched a brow, he leaned down. So close, his lips were a kiss away, and she could make out the darker outer ring to his intense baby blues. “It’s only a dance, babe. You’re not scared, are you?” He cocked a brow. “Afraid of the havoc I might wreak between those sexy thighs?”
She caught the challenge in his words. “You’re way too arrogant.” Attempting a flirting contest with this gorgeous creature wouldn’t be an easy victory. He defined sex-appeal.
“And you want me.” His sexy drawl melted her irritation.
Her pulse jumped as a jolt of electricity hummed through her body. God, his scent reminded her of the sea on a beautiful summer day mixed with a hint of spicy mint. His warm breath fanned her lips. She fought the urge to lean in and kiss those seductively tempting lips. The man was insanely hot, and he knew it.
Aria stood and accepted his hand. Aware once she conceded, she’d crave more. He held her snug, hard thighs pressed against hers as he expertly maneuvered her around the floor. Caught up in the moment, Aria slipped her hands around his neck and leaned her head on his chest. She’d never experienced anything so sensual with a man before. Mechanically, her body tensed with the knowledge.
“Relax, babe, friendship remember,” Reece whispered as though he’d heard her thoughts. “You’re afraid of losing control.”
She leaned back. “I’m not.”
“Why so tense then? Your heartbeat would outdo a cattle stampede any day.”
His analogy amused her, more so his ability to read her so well. “I’m not ready for a relationship—”
