“Hmm . . . interesting.” Slowly, Haven removed her hand from her glass. “Maybe one more won’t hurt.”
“Your wish is my command, Princess.” His own smile widened, and he found it difficult to take his eyes off of her while filling the glass.
What was wrong with a little flirting amongst friends? Haven felt both warm and giddy. Only, was that how it was supposed to feel? She wasn’t sure but was having such a good time. She decided to just go with the flow. As the night went on, and the longer they talked, their personal space began to get smaller. So small, in fact, it was as if they were the only two people in the room.
An hour later, Haven’s face hurt from smiling so hard. Ellis was genuinely keeping her entertained as they sat next to each other in a cozy little booth. He was more animated than she’d ever seen. It probably had something to do with the several large glasses of wine they’d consumed. Both of them were more than a little relaxed.
Haven took a final bite of tiramisu then tossed her napkin onto the table. “That was so good. I can’t eat another bite. I’ll be on the treadmill for at least two hours tomorrow.”
Ellis’ inhibitions were almost entirely gone when he responded. “Believe me. Your body is insane. You’re perfect.”
Haven wasn’t sure, but his tone had changed. Something in his eyes said this wasn’t like the light flirting from earlier. She wondered what going down that path would be like but decided to take the safe route with her response. “That’s sweet of you to say. I’m decent, but I wouldn’t be if I didn’t workout.”
Ellis took another sip of his wine to keep from saying something he knew he shouldn’t have. Something like that there were many more pleasurable ways he could help her burn off quite a few calories. The longer they were together, the harder it was to keep things like that from coming out of his mouth.
His eyes darkened. She saw it when it happened. This game they were playing was definitely changing to something altogether different.
Haven tried to swallow her nerves. Her stomach was doing somersaults. She was nervous.
He knew it.
They were sitting so close their heads were almost touching. Haven fidgeted in her seat. She attempted to mask her nervous energy by putting her elbows on the table and resting her chin on the palm of her hand. However, it was when she looked into his face that sent things over the edge. Haven was unable to tear her gaze away from his eyes. Now, she understood how women fell completely under his spell. He was like a damn vampire so alluring and captivating.
The pull to want to get a little closer was strong. Her mouth parted slightly as she took a deep breath.
Like a magnet, he followed the movement. The unspoken tension between them was thick.
Haven tried, seemingly in vain, to calm her nerves by saying the first thing that popped into her head. “Before I forget, thank you for inviting me tonight. The fundraiser, dinner, and everything. I had an excellent time.” She sobered a little as she thought about the past. “The last couple of years have been . . . I don’t know the right words to use, but hell would be close. I haven’t had a lot to smile about.”
Ellis didn’t want to lose the look he saw in her eyes only moments ago. He would do his damnedest not to. “I’m happy I had a small part in making you laugh. But, you know what? It’s still early, and you’re talking as if the night’s over. It’s not. I’m confident I can give you plenty more to smile about.” Not only could he make her smile but moan too. He had no doubt about it.
Haven tilted her head to the side. “Really, now?” Her smile was back.
He stood and held out his hand. “Let me show you. Dance with me.”
She didn’t hesitate. However, as soon as Haven stood, she immediately knew that the wine had more of an effect on her than she had initially thought. Feeling a bit tipsy, it was probably a bad idea to do anything but go home. Instead of listening to her inner voice, she placed the tips of her fingers in Ellis’ hands and let him guide her out to the dance floor.
Haven had no choice but to stick close. It was loud, and people were squished together like sardines in a tin can. Still, the music was hypnotic, and as she got into the rhythm, Haven swayed her hips to the beat. Floating on a cloud couldn’t begin to describe her feelings of exhilaration and freedom.
Haven was also impressed at how well Ellis moved. Why she was surprised was beyond her, considering he seemed to be a natural at everything. They were little more than a few inches apart, respectable given the amount of people who surrounded them, but that all changed when the song did.
His eyes were intense.
Haven’s eyes sparkled.
Ellis pulled her close. The mere contact from dancing made her body tingle. She had to remember that’s all it was—a dance.
Haven turned around so that she didn’t have to stare directly into his eyes. Hers might reveal more than she’d been willing to acknowledge. She just needed a moment to get herself together.
Her back was to his front as she moved in tune with
