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As if feeling our attention—which would be impossible given the number of people staring at him right now—Tyler looks up. His mouth curves in a slow smile that makes my mouth, my throat, fuckingevery part of medryup.
Okay, maybe noteverypart.
But I’m not here forhim.
“Come on, let’s dance,” I tell Pen, tugging her toward the center of the dancefloor.
The band is good, and I truly appreciate Brandon Bowers for the firsttime.
Eventually a hand taps my shoulder, and I turn to find Tyler behind me, Brandon at hisshoulder.
“I came to meet your friend,” Tyler says, bending close to my ear so I can hearhim.
And smell him. That damned sunshine-and-cedar scent makes my head swim, but it’s his words that send surprised pleasure throughme.
“Pen, this isTyler.”
Brandon looks at Pen. “What areyou?”
“Polly Pocket. It was atoy—”
“I know what a Polly Pocketis.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. They talk, and I watch, hiding my smile behind mydrink.
“So, I’m guessing your set at the frat party went well,” Icomment.
Somehow Tyler’s right at my elbow, close enough his long-sleeved shirt brushes my bare arm. “Was there anydoubt?”
His gaze runs down my body, back up. “You look good enough toeat.”
His quiet confidence, cockiness, combined with the half-dimmed chandeliers glinting dully on his crown affectme.
“Don’t practice your pickup lines with me,” I manage. “They won’twork.”
“So you’re not coming home with metonight.”
“Funny.” I ignore the tingling taking me over and his question as I run a hand down his shirtsleeve, trying not to linger on the muscles underneath. “This is very ‘Pirates of the Caribbeancouture.’”
“It’s from the SalvationArmy.”
I shake my head in wonder. “I bet no one in this room even knows where thatis.”
“They do now. I took B and some of theguys.”
That makes me happy for no good reason. “You should’ve gotten a swordtoo.”
“Why? You promised to protectme.”
“The only thing you need help with is beating the girlsaway.”
He leans in, his lips grazing my ear and making me shiver. “Please use yourcupcake.”
My blood’s humming—from the drink or the banter or hiscloseness.
Or allthree.
I’m still laughing when he heads back toward the stage, casting a long look over his shoulder at me that leaves me biting my lip. Brandon followshim.
