Washe interested? With Ford, it was hard to tell. He wasn’t acting overly enthusiastic about her kiss. “When it’s only the two of us, you don’t have to say things like that.”
“I don’t have to do anything.” The music ended, and while people returned to their tables, they moved to the bar. “I’m enjoying myself.”
“Really? This doesn’t seem like your usual scene.”
“Mingling for business? It’s half of what I do.” He ordered a cola for himself. Skye chose the same. Elbows back on the bar, he glanced around the room. “This time is different though.”
“How so?”
His eyes cut to hers, easily capturing her gaze. “Because you’re here.”
Those words settled on her heart,inher heart. Did he mean them? “That’s one of those things you don’t have to—”
“To say. I know.” Accepting the ice-filled glass handed to him, he frowned thoughtfully, then took a sip. “It’s true. You’re good company.”
That particular compliment had substance. It mattered, far more so than a comment on her looks. “It should be obvious that I’m enjoying your company, too.”
“That tiny kiss?” he scoffed, clearly egging her on, making it sound like a challenge.
Just wait until she got him alone. Fighting a grin, she caught his hand and drew him to a more private table that was currently unoccupied. People glanced their way, but no one could hear them, so she felt safe saying, “Keep in mind that we’re at a company function.”
“Hmm. So once we’re away from here, you’ll offer more, with added intensity?”
The way he asked, she had to laugh. “Want me to spell out my intentions?”
He set his drink on the table, then took hers as well and put it aside. His warm palm settled on the side of her neck, and he stepped so close that she breathed in his scent. “I want to know what the chances are that I can be myself now, interest and all.”
What a thrill to finally understand him. “I’d say one hundred percent.” She rested a hand on his chest. “And I look forward to your best efforts.”
Just like that, Ford changed from gracious wingman to sexy next-door neighbor, giving her the full impact of his appeal. Tone pitched low and seductive, he said, “Good to know. Holding back hasn’t been easy.”
So he had been? She stepped closer, too. “I promise, you don’t need to. I’m not fragile.”
His lips brushed her ear as he murmured, “You’re red-hot temptation.”
Oh, how she liked hearing that—from him.
Right beside them, Clyde said, “Well, I guess this time it is different.”
The bottom dropped out of Skye’s stomach. She’d momentarily forgotten where she was, and she’d most definitely forgotten about Clyde.
Ford tucked her into his side. “This shit,” he said mildly, “is starting to annoy me.”
To her surprise, Clyde chuckled. “Yeah, I’m sure I’d feel the same if I was you.”
“You’re not me.”
“No, that much is clear. For the record, Skye, I’m glad.”
Hearing his sincerity, she relaxed.
“Also for the record, if anything goes wrong, if he hurts you in any way, I’m still around. All you have to do is call.”
She said, “I won’t.”
He acknowledged her words with a nod.
It surprised her again when Ford offered his hand. “Maybe I misjudged you.”
