Page 17 of Pleasure and Mane
But through it all, her eyes kept scanning the crowd for one particular face. Caius was nowhere to be seen, and his absence felt like a physical ache in her chest.
Stop it,she chided herself as Lavinia introduced her to yet another couple.You're here to perform a job, not crush on a man who clearly regrets kissing you.
But even as she smiled and nodded at the appropriate moments, Quinn couldn't shake the memory of how alive she'd felt in Caius's arms. Or how desperately she wanted to feel that way again.
"He'll be down soon," Bertram murmured in her ear during a lull in conversation, his knowing look making heat creep up her neck.
"I don't know what you mean," Quinn said, but her voice lacked conviction.
Bertram's chuckle was rich with amusement. "Sure you don't."
Just as if on cue from Bertram's prediction, Caius stepped out onto the stone patio and Quinn forgot how to breathe. He paused for a moment, surveying his domain and the pride members scattered across the gardens like a king reviewing his kingdom. His fitted black t-shirt showcased every sculpted muscle of his chest and arms, while his khaki shorts highlighted the powerful strength of his thighs and the firm curve of his backside.
Dear God,Quinn thought, her mouth going dry.How is he even more gorgeous than yesterday?
Heat pooled in her body as she watched him move with that predatory grace that marked him as Alpha. Every line of his body screamed power and confidence, and Quinn had to grip the chair next to her to steady herself against the wave of desire that crashed over her.
She wanted to march straight over and demand answers about their kiss, and about the way he'd fled afterward. But within seconds, his entire pride surrounded him like iron filings drawn to a magnet. Children tugged at his shorts while adults approached with respectful smiles, clearly eager to speak with their leader.
The disappointment hit her harder than expected. She'd been building up the courage all day to confront him, and now he was once again out of reach.
So much for clearing the air,she thought bitterly, turning away from the crowd around him.
Quinn made her way to the pool area, settling on the warm stone edge and slipping her sandals off to dangle her feet in the cool water. The young children's laughter echoed across the gardens as they played an elaborate game of tag, their joy infectious despite her turbulent mood.
At least someone's carefree tonight.
Several pride members drifted over to chat with her as the sun painted the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. Devin, the town's veterinarian, shared stories about delivering puppies. Elena brought her a plate of food, insisting Quinn needed to try the famous Haider family potato salad recipe. Each conversation helped ease the knot of tension in her chest, though her eyes kept drifting across the party, searching for Caius.
As the last rays of sunset touched the horizon, casting everything in golden twilight, she heard footsteps behind her.
"Hello there, beautiful."
The deep, rough voice sent shivers racing down her spine. She knew without turning that it was Caius and thank God he couldn't see her face because heat flooded her cheeks at the unexpected compliment.
Before she could respond, he settled beside her on the pool's edge, his thigh brushing against hers as he slipped his feet into the water. The casual contact sent electricity shooting through her.
"Are you enjoying the party?" His blue eyes sparkled with warmth as he flashed that devastating smile that could probably stop traffic.
"I've met a lot of people," Quinn managed, proud that her voice stayed steady. "Everyone's been really warm and inviting."
"That's good to hear." His gaze lingered on her face, tracing over her features like he was memorizing them. "I was hoping they'd make you feel welcome."
The polite small talk was driving her crazy. Quinn took a deep breath, gathering her courage.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
Her heart hammered against her ribs. "Do you regret kissing me last night?"
Caius's expression grew serious, those intense blue eyes locking onto her green ones. "No. Not at all."
The certainty in his deep voice made her pulse skip. "Then why did you leave so abruptly?"
A muscle ticked in his jaw. "Because I didn't want to cross any professional lines. And I was about two seconds away from doing exactly that, and I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."
Quinn studied his face, noting the tension around his eyes and the way his hands gripped the pool's edge. "I appreciate your concern for maintaining boundaries," she said carefully, not ready to admit how much she'd wanted him to forget those boundaries entirely.
