Page 32 of From the Moment We Met

Lilly and Sabina broke into a fit of giggles at his statement’s connotation. “Good to know, Doc,” Sabina smirked.

The house lights darkened, and the emcee appeared on the stage, announcing the karaoke contest. Sabina clapped, and Lilly beamed at her friend. What she lacked in vocal skill, she made up for in enthusiasm.

“Is there room for one more?” A low-timbred voice questioned.

Lilly glanced up, surprised by Jacob’s return. “I thought you were leaving.”

“Definitely not, I just had to settle something.”

Lilly nodded and slid down to make room for Jacob, noticing the empty seat across the booth.

Enrique scoffed at Jacob. “Mr. Edmonton, how nice to see you again. We keep running into each other, what a coincidence.”

Jacob shook hands with Enrique, his eyes piercing. “Dr. Torres, always a pleasure. Apparently, we have the same interests.”

Lilly observed their brief interaction, noting the undeniable tension between the men.

Before she could consider the matter further, Sabina bounded back to the table. “The Flamenco Trees are opening with a few salsa numbers, and we get to dance!” Without hesitation, she grabbed Jacob's hand. “And you, handsome, are my dance partner.”

Jacob laughed and agreed, looking at Lilly. “Will you be dancing as well?”

Before Lilly could answer, Enrique grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the booth. “She’s with me. I love salsa dancing, but I haven’t been able to partake in a long time.”

Lilly looked at Ben, alone in the booth. “What about Ben? He needs a partner too!”

Ben chortled, stating he was fine minding the coats and purses.

Enrique led Lilly to the front of the pub. A few couples were already on the floor when the first musical notes blasted out into the pub.

Enrique wasted no time, spinning her across the floor, and Lilly shook off her momentary shock and fell into step, her hips swaying to the beat. Enrique’s steps were flawless, and Lilly, although a talented dancer, struggled to keep up. She backed off a few steps to catch her breath, performing the hip shake and gyrations she perfected through hours of practice.

Lilly glanced at Sabina, twirling in Jacob’s arms, and shot her a smile. Her friend was beaming. I’d be happy too if that man had his arms wrapped around me.

“You’re quite the dancer, Enrique.”

He brought Lilly close against him, their bodies inches apart. “I could say the same for you.”

“I’d like to cut in,” a voice stated over Lilly’s shoulder.

Lilly watched Enrique’s eyes narrow as he released her hand. She didn’t have time to react when hands latched onto her hips, spinning her around, and she found herself pressed against Jacob, his eyes blazing with desire. He pulled her close, his lips against her neck. “You never told me you could move like that.”

Fingers of electricity coursed through Lilly’s body as he dipped her, his hands clutching her hips. For a moment, Lilly feared she might swoon like a character in a Jane Austen novel.

Rising up, their bodies slowed into a sexy, undulating rhythm as Lilly’s lips hovered a whisper’s breadth from Jacob, the people and music fading into the background.

Jacob stroked her jaw, his lips against her ear. “You’re irresistible, Lilly. Don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking about that kiss, too.”

Lilly held her breath. With her lips parted and eyes half-closed, she swore Jacob was going to kiss her again, right there in front of all the pub patrons. Instead, the noises of the bar crashed her back into reality as the song ended.

Jacob stared at Lilly, tracing her bottom lip with his thumb. She felt naked beneath his smoldering eyes, and he too seemed reluctant to surrender the moment. His hand finally released her waist, and he thanked her for the dance before turning toward the bar.

Sabina and Ben stared at her, slack-jawed when she returned to the booth.

“Girl, you two almost set the place on fire,” Sabina commented.

Lilly shot her a small smile, leaning against the booth. “That’s salsa for you.”

Sabina shook her head. “That wasn’t any salsa I’ve ever seen, and those sure weren’t the moves Jacob used with me. Ben, is it me or is it warm in here? Damn, that was sexy.”

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