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Turning, his gaze rested on me. I’d tried to forget how intensely green his eyes were. My throat went dry, and I resisted the urge to smooth down my hair.
“Hello, Andie.” His voice and face were pleasant, betraying nothing.
“Hi, Will.” I took a step forward. I’d seen my cousin a handful of times growing up — family visits that I enjoyed, before I sensed the strain among our parents. I’d always hugged him hello, though it seemed to startle him. The two times we’d seen each other as teens, that changed. Now, I had no idea how to greet him. “It’s been awhile.”
“Too long.” He took my bare shoulders in his hands and brushed his lips over my cheek. So that was how it was done. Heat sparked from his mouth on my skin, his big palms on my shoulders. I shifted uncomfortably and gave his cheek a light kiss in return, because he seemed to expect it.
His skin was so smooth, with the faintest scrape of stubble where his jaw was freshly shaven. His scent — light and crisp, woodsy. I quickly took a step back as my heart beat faster.
Aunt Rose had turned away to talk with the staff. “Andrea.” She pivoted abruptly, scrutinizing me. “Are you going to change? The guests are arriving any minute.”
Glancing down at my dress, I took a deep breath. “This is what I’m wearing tonight. I don’t have anything fancier.”
“I see.” My aunt gave me that slight, curving smile. “Well, it’s a lovely dress, dear. Under these lights, it more or less works for the occasion. Though you really should have had Marisol take a look. The hem is wrinkled. We’ll plan a shopping trip for later this week.”
“Thanks, Aunt Rose.” Looking for a distraction, I bent to pick up a flower that had fallen out of an arrangement. The staff had already ordered me not to help. But standing still while people rushed around felt more awkward than I could handle. “It’s really okay.”
Will lounged against the nearest table, sipping his mojito. When I glanced at him, his curious eyes took in my white eyelet dress, traveling over the tiny straps that bared my shoulders, the scoop neck showing a generous sprinkle of freckles, and the tight bodice hugging my small breasts and slim waist before it flared out to a full skirt.
Maybe he had a problem with the hem, too.
I blinked, flushing hot at his frank stare. Crossing my arms over my breasts, I stared right back at him.
But as his clear gaze moved up to my face, all I saw was amusement. Not a trace of embarrassment that I’d caught him checking me out — in front of his mom.
Sweat pooled under my arms. My hair had fallen down from its bun, and my neck felt damp under the long ginger waves. When Will’s perfect teeth flashed at me, the sweat turned to prickles.
“Thursday afternoon?” Aunt Rose was saying. “I’ll have Tony drive me into the city.”
“Thanks.” I’d constantly been saying thank you for the past week, ever since I’d arrived at my relatives’ house for the summer. “I work ’til five at least, sometimes later since I’m just starting, and it’s very nice of you but really not necessary—“
“Just take some time off. And I have to disagree with you, Andrea.” Her gaze swept my cotton dress and fringed sandals. “I’d say it is necessary.”
“Andie said no, Mom,” Will broke in. His voice was a casual command. “Let her be.”
Rose shrugged her slim shoulders. “Sara, can we take care of this table over here?” She turned away, giving orders to the caterer.
Will held up his empty glass and crooked an eyebrow at a uniformed girl hurrying by — the one who’d offered him the cocktail. It wasn’t a finger snap, but it felt like one. Especially when I saw how quickly she took that glass out of his hands.
“Andie, you want a drink?” My cousin gave me a bright smile, coming to my side. His shirt sleeve brushed my arm as he gestured toward the well-stocked bar. I most definitely did want a drink, but I shook my head, feeling dizzy.
“That’s all right,” I murmured. “Thanks, though. For before. I don’t need new clothes. Especially ones your mom picks out.” Will raised dark eyebrows. His silence pushed me to talk. “I mean, she has great taste. I just don’t need to look like her. But…is the dress okay?”
A slow grin spread over his face. When he touched my waist, my breath caught. His hand paused on my hip, then smoothed my long hair back from my face. A warm blush seeped down my chest.
Fingers slipped under my thin cotton straps and centered them on my shoulders, grazing my skin. I was suddenly, painfully aware of my swollen nipples, hard and pressing against the snug bodice. I hadn’t worn a bra.
Quick hands brushed down the eyelet skirt. He briefly stroked my cheek. “You look nice.”
“Thanks,” I managed again.
Right then, the uniformed girl hurried up with a fresh drink and an enticing smile for Will. I turned away to fix a torn streamer, as the first tide of guests surged into the garden.
Aunt Rose reappeared and took my fingers in a grip of delicate steel. Bending my wrist in the air, she led me from one person to another, gushing with introductions:
“This is my niece Andrea…daughter of my sister Selene…just graduated college with honors…working in publishing this summer…we’re so happy to have her with us for a few months.”
Those few months were just beginning. The day after graduation, I’d picked up the phone and heard my aunt’s smooth voice on the other end. Stunned barely described my reaction. She’d heard the “unfortunate” news from my mother. So very sorry for all of us, and so surprised. Divorce took such a toll. Surely my parents had made every effort. And did I have plans? A job all lined up? Not yet? Of course, it could be so challenging if you didn’t have the right connections. She and Uncle Richard wanted to help. Will, too. Would I come for the summer? No, no trouble at all. They had plenty of room. And it would be so nice to have the cousins together.
