Page 66 of Safe and Sound

“Hello, Dare,” I replied.

“When I imagined coming to find you, this is not what I expected.” His lips curved in a sexy smirk. “Seeing you dancing on tables and wearing that–” he motioned to my outfit–”is very unexpected.” Wagging his brows, he added, “Amazingly unexpected.”

“It’s for the Greek festival.”

“I imagined as much.”

“And I only do this for my parents. This is their restaurant.”

Dare bobbed his head. “Nick was telling me.” Extending his hand, he said, “Need some help down?”

Reluctantly, I slid my hand into his. Damn if the electricity didn’t shoot right up my arm at the simple touch of his skin against mine. After I sat the pitcher of Ouzo down on the table, I then hopped down. Once I was on the ground, I quickly drew my hand back.

Waving a crisp hundred bill at me, he asked, “Can I stick this anywhere?” With a sexy smirk, he added, “Like I did last night.”

“You didnot,” I challenged.

He had the audacity to wink at me. “I think you forget about my finger in your ass.”

Warmth flooded my face. “Would you lower your voice!” I hissed.

“Do you honestly think anyone is going to hear me over the music?”

“I don’t want to find out.” Motioning to the greenery surrounding my stomach and hips, I said, “As for the money, it’s pretty evident it goes in my waistband.”

Starting at my cleavage, he placed the bill flat against my breastbone before sliding it down over the bare skin of my stomach. When he reached the waistband, his fingers, along with the Benjamin, dipped inside. A shiver went through me as he slid the back of his hand along my skin.

“You are a fantasy come to life,” he said, his voice ridiculously deep.

Although I wanted nothing more than to bask in the adulation from this slightly younger man, I couldn’t forget that I had left him this morning with the intent of never seeing him again. How had he possibly found me?

“Cut the bullshit. What are you doing here?” I demanded.

“Hmm, I’m guessing you’re testy because of the lack of sleep last night.”

“Answer my question.”

“Fine. I’m stalking you.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that. But why?”

“Do I have to have a reason?”

“Yes,” I hissed.

“Well, first of all, you ran out of me this morning without saying goodbye, least of all giving me the chance to get your number.”

“I didn’t run.”

“Considering you left me passed out and all alone in that big California King, I’d say you did.”

“My ride was leaving.”

“I could’ve taken you home.”

“I needed to get back here for the festival.”

“Once again, I could’ve driven you home.”

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