“What’s that?” he whispered.
“Nothing. It’s just…this feels so nice.”
“Sure does.”
He pulled her even closer, and she snuggled her cheek against his shoulder, breathing in his crisp masculine scent.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” he whispered.
She chuckled softly. “Yes.”
“Have I told you how much I want to kiss you?”
“No.”
“In that case. I really want to kiss you. I can’t think of anything else when I look at those sweet lips of yours.”
Dusty’s skin tingled. She sighed into his chest, her nose nuzzling the exposed black hair. Without thinking, she brushed her lips against it.
“That’s nice, darlin’.” He reciprocated by leaning down and pressing his mouth to her neck.
She shuddered.
“You want to go up to my room?” he asked.
Her heart beat so hard against her ches
t, she was certain he could feel it. “Can’t we get something to eat?”
“Sure. If you want to.”
When the song ended, he took her to the buffet line and they filled their plates with prawns, oysters, bruschetta, and myriad other goodies. They replenished their drinks and sat down at an empty table.
“Great spread,” Dusty said.
“Angie never does anything halfway,” Zach replied, munching on a chicken wing.
“It was nice of her to invite us.”
“I suppose so. I’d rather be at a quiet dinner with you.”
Her cheeks warmed. “You make me feel all…”
“All what?” The corners of his mouth crinkled. God, his smile was something out of heaven itself.
“All…I don’t know…mushy inside.”
“Good.”
He sucked an oyster off its shell, and the slurping sound made Dusty want to grab him and kiss him senseless.
“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.”