“Yeah.” He studied her still full glass. “Done with your drink already?”
She nodded. “I’m not thirsty anymore.”
“Do you like kids?” he asked, eyeing her.
“Yeah.” She laughed again, tucking her hair behind her ear, because she had a feeling that this question meant a lot more to him than what was on the surface, and that scared her even more than his resemblance to her father. “I don’t have much experience with them, but they’re cool enough, I guess. The few I’ve spent time with.”
He didn’t say anything.
“That’s not why I didn’t—” she started.
“Do you want to dance with me?” he said at the same time.
She hesitated, because being in his arms was a bad idea. Horrible. Stupid, even. But… “Yes, I’d love to dance with you.”
A seductive smile lit up his face, and he held out his hand. “Excellent.”
She slid her hand into his, and one thing echoed in her mind.
This is either the biggest mistake of my life…or the best.
He led her out to the dance floor, and a slow song started. He pulled her into his arms, his hand burning a hole through her dress at the small of her back. His other one held on to her good hand, and he urged her even closer, until her breasts brushed his chest. As they started to sway, she glanced toward Lauren—and saw her watching them with wide eyes.
Steven was next to her, frowning.
“They’re watching us,” she muttered.
“They’ve been watching us all night.” He glanced their way, too, his grip on her hand tightening. “Steven is always watching me, though, so don’t worry so much.”
“Why?” she asked curiously.
“He thinks I want to steal Lauren from him.”
Daisy choked on a laugh. “As if that’s possible.”
Mark shrugged.
“Do you?” she asked slowly. “Want to steal her?”
If he had an unrequited crush on her best friend…
“No, but Lydia set us up on a blind date back when it was still a secret that they were dating, and he’s hated me ever since.” He dipped his gaze over her, taking in everything he could. “He shouldn’t worry so much. I prefer redheads with bright green eyes and smiles that can light up even the darkest room.”
She swallowed hard. God, he was good. “That was you?”
“You heard about it?”
He splayed his hand over her back, his fingers touching bare skin since she had a low cut dress on. She sucked in a breath, because it felt good. Too good.
Focus, O’Rourke. He’s still no good for you.
“I did.” She glanced up at him through her lashes. “I can see why he’s worried.”
He smiled. She needed to stop making him do that. He was too handsome for his own good…and hers. “Daisy-Scarlett, was that a compliment?”
“Maybe.” She lifted a shoulder. “Maybe not.”
“Then let me return the favor…maybe.” He chuckled and rested the side of his cheek on the side of her forehead. She felt so small in his arms. So petite. It wasn’t necessarily a feeling she liked. “You look absolutely stunning in that dress.”