Page 41 of Playing for Keeps

The song ended and the saxophone player announced the last song of the evening.

Impulsively, Allie stood up.

“I’m hoping you’re off to the bathroom,” Hugh said, raising a questioning eyebrow. “Not that you’ve got ideas about dancing.”

“I have the urge to dance.” She extended her hand to him. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to be a gentleman and oblige me, since I don’t seem to have any other options.”

“I don’t know.” Hugh’s lips twitched in amusement. “That old guy in the corner has been checking you out all night. I’m sure he’d happily take you for a spin around the dance floor.”

“True.” She lowered her hand. “But that would leave you as easy prey for his wife. She’s been checking you out all evening, too.”

Hugh stood up comically fast, then held his hand out to Allie with an expression of mock panic.

“Do you think they’re swingers?” Allie asked, as Hugh slid his arm around her back on the dance floor.

He grinned. “It’s a disturbing thought.”

She nodded, enjoying the feel of Hugh’s hand in hers as they moved with the gentle rhythm of the enchanting music. “Would you?”

He spluttered out a laugh. “They’ve got to be in their eighties.”

“I meant swinging in general! Not with them. Interesting that your mind went there.”

“It’s a no anyway,” he said, pulling her slightly closer.

“Not your thing?” Her temple rested naturally against his cheek and the sensation made her skin tingle.

“Call me old-fashioned,” he murmured. “But I think if you’re with the right person, they’ll be enough for you.”

Allie’s fingers crept along his shoulder until they reached the warm skin at his neck. “I see you brought all your charm on the second date.”

“I did.” His words were smooth and seductive. “How’s it going, by the way?”

“Definitely better than the first date.”

“Which isn’t necessarily a glowing review.”

“I don’t want to draw a conclusion about the evening prematurely. It might jinx it.” Allie pulled back slightly, lifted her chin to look him in the eyes. “I will say that I’m very impressed with your choice of venue. I love it here.”

“You’ll be even happier with my choice when I tell you that one of my friends suggested I take you surfing.”

She scrunched up her nose. “Naked surfing?”

“No.” His fingers tightened around hers as he laughed. “Just the regular kind.”

“Not really an evening activity, is it?”

“That’s what I said to Damian.”

“Can you surf?” she asked.

“Yes.” He looked at her as though it was a ridiculous question, and she supposed for someone who’d grown up by the sea it probably seemed like a silly question. Maybe if she hadn’t left when she had, she’d be able to surf too.

“I’ve never been,” she said.

He shifted closer so their faces were softly touching again. “You should.”

“Maybe I will.” Briefly, she closed her eyes, focusing on the musky smell of Hugh’s aftershave and the tingling of her skin in every place their bodies touched.

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