Page 35 of Forbidden Flame

“And when you found out about it, you still attended class?”

“Just one. Then I asked out the girl Emmett liked to a dance, and they never did anything like that again.”

“Because it helped you get the girl?”

Cole chuckled. “It backfired spectacularly.”

“I appreciate your dance skills. Most guys don’t like to dance.”

Cole raised a brow. “Are you talking about your brothers?”

I rolled my eyes. “They’re men’s men, or whatever they say. They wouldn’t be caught dead doing something like this.”

“They’re missing out. How are they going to woo the women they’re interested in?”

“They’re probably picking them up at bars or not dating at all. They’re not exactly welcoming. Teddy can be gruff.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I think he scares most women off. Although they don’t seem interested in settling down.”

We danced for a few songs under the pretense of keeping the dance floor moving. Then we paused at the makeshift bar to grab more champagne.

“It’s pie time,” Gia said as she walked by.

“Are you nervous?” Cole asked.

“A little bit. I’ve never catered a big event like this.”

“You haven’t?”

“I haven’t been able to break into restaurants or events. But if Gia likes me, maybe she’ll add me as one of the vendors at her wedding planning service. Although I don’t think the tradition of cake eating will change anytime soon.”

Cole winked at me. “I love your pies.”

The movement set off sparks inside my body. I resisted the urge to draw him down to my level so that I could kiss him. This wasn’t the time or the place.

Cole gestured toward our table. “Let’s go sit down so we can enjoy ours. What flavor are they serving tonight?”

I smiled. “It’s a mix, but I requested peach for us.”

“Good girl. My favorite.” Then he drew me against his side. “I’ll always have fond memories of it from our night together.”

The comment was like a blanket he’d wrapped around me, spreading warmth to my entire body.

The miniature pies were already served at our table.

We sat down, and Cole asked, “Can I feed you like I did that night?”

I looked around, not seeing anyone staring in our direction. “With everyone watching?”

“No one’s paid us any attention tonight.”

I bit my lip. “You might be right.”

“Trust me.” Cole cut a slice and held it to my mouth.

I closed my mouth around the fork, the intimacy of the moment settling like honey in my stomach. “Mmm. So good.”

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