“Tell me something, darlin’. Why do you keep running from me?”
“It’s complicated—” she began, but thankfully was interrupted by Sam and Chad, accompanied by Sydney and the other girl. Dusty couldn’t remember her name. Lori? Lila? She had to stop drinking Wild Turkey.
“We’re heading out,” Chad said. “We’re going for a late supper at Amici’s. You all want to come?”
Dusty started to answer, but Zach beat her to it. “No, thanks. We have plans.”
“We do?” Dusty said after they’d left.
“Sure we do. Don’t we?” He winked at her.
“Could you excuse me for a few minutes? I need to use the ladies room.” Dusty scurried away, trying to ignore Zach’s bewildered look. When she reached the restroom, she grabbed onto the counter and stared into the mirror, breathing deeply.
Get a grip, she told herself. Get a grip.
* * *
There she went, running off again. Zach shook his head. He wanted this woman with a passion he’d never known. She was so damned beautiful, and kissing her was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. And he had experienced a lot. He was going to make love to her tonight. He had to. He’d been nursing a case of blue balls since he first laid eyes on her.
“Where did your date wander off to?”
Angelina’s voice. Sheesh, just what he needed. He turned to face her.
“Ladies’ room.”
“You look a little lonely over here.”
“I’m fine.”
“Can we chat for a minute?”
“What about?” Zach checked his watch. He looked over Angelina’s head to the door of the ballroom. Damn, Dusty wasn’t going to take off again, was she?
“Oh, I don’t know. Things.”
“You’ll have to be a little more specific, Angie.” He sipped his Wild Turkey and the liquor burned his throat. Good stuff.
Angelina licked her lips and tugged on the lower one with her teeth as she eyed him. “Honestly, Zach, I had forgotten how handsome you are. You look great tonight.”
“Thanks.” She wanted something, and she wasn’t going to get it.
She smiled coquettishly. “You’re not going to return the compliment?”
“You always look great, Angie. You know that.”
“It’s nice to hear it sometimes.”
“Okay. You look beautiful. Now what is it that you’re after?”
“What makes you think I’m after anything?”
Zach chuckled under his breath. “We’ve known each other for years. You come over here, all flirty and fluttery. You want something.”
“You do know me, don’t you?” She curled her lips upward. “I thought we might be able to get together and talk.”
“About what?”
“About us.”