“What sounds like your kind of fun?” Heat touched her back a split-second before Stone’s arms slid around her middle and his chest pressed against her spine. He hadn’t made a sound coming down the stairs or walking up behind her.
“I was telling Sophie about tonight’s dance auction. You should go and enjoy a drink or two. See some of what Sapphire Falls has to offer other than your room.” Karen winked at them. “Not that there’s anything wrong with the rooms here at the Rise and Shine.”
“I—”
“Where’s the auction?” Stone asked as he tightened his hold and pulled her closer.
Sophie shivered as warm air ruffled the lose strands of hair near her temple.
“It’s at the Come Again. Sly and I are heading down there as soon as these cookies finish baking.” Karen loaded the empty mixing bowl into the dishwasher. “I can’t wait to pop on my dancing shoes and take a spin around the floor.”
“Maybe we will.” Stone lowered his face beside Sophie’s and spoke into her ear. “You left the room without me.”
To Karen, his words would sound innocent, but Sophie heard the underlying accusation. “I only came down to get a drink.” Which was true. She’d had no intention of leaving the house, and wouldn’t have stayed in the kitchen if Karen hadn’t been there and started talking to her. She didn’t want to be rude.
Lowering his voice further, so only she could hear, he whispered, “Don’t do it again or I’ll tie you to the bed.”
A shudder worked its way down her spine, leaving heat and tingles behind. “Oh.”
“You like that idea?” His lips brushed the shell of her ear. “Jesus, Soph, don’t tempt me,” he growled.
“I—”
“Let’s go.” Stone spun her out of his arms and around to face him.
“Where?”
“The auction.”
“We’re going out?”
“Safer than staying in, at this point.” He grabbed her hand and wove their fingers together. “We’ll see you there, Karen.”
Sophie barely had time to glance over her shoulder at a smiling Karen because Stone tugged her behind him so fast, she had to jog or fall on her face.
“We’re really going out?” Sophie asked as he towed her through the front door.
“Yep.” He marched them to his car. “Get in.”
She obeyed but only because she was desperate to get out of their room and find a distraction from the attractive man she shared it with. After a near sleepless night, today had been an exercise in torture. He’d insisted on showing her some self-defense moves, which meant he put his hands on her. Big, strong, capable hands. Hands she’d fantasized about touching her in completely inappropriate ways, considering they’d just met.
Stone wasted no time getting them moving once she’d climbed into the passenger seat. He ran around to the driver’s side and had the SUV started and reversing out of its spot before either of them had locked their seat belts.
“Where’s the fire,” she asked.
“In my fucking pants,” he growled.
Oh my. What could she say to that?
“I’ve got rules.”
“Rules?” she squeaked.
“Don’t leave my side. Not for anything. If you have to use the bathroom, I’ll go with you. Don’t take a drink from anyone but me. Nodancingwith anyone but me.”
“I don’t dance.”
“What?” He glanced at her briefly.
