Shayla crooned, “Bachelor number two is a firefighter from New York.”
Gathering her wits, she reached for her mic, “Or at least he plays one on TV.”
Carrie Ann didn’t need to turn, she knew Summer’s eyes were glued to her ass.
*
As the after party began to wind down, the DJ took control of the energy level, transitioning into a smoother beat. Even without Summer’s ridiculous contribution, the generosity of others blew away prior donations, setting a new record for the auction. An accomplishment that proved her mettle and an achievement she could be very proud of.
Carrie Ann ignored the hushed rumors and quiet whispers of guests speculating what went down between her and Summer. Are they a couple? Did you know they dated? He’s getting laid tonight! She’s so lucky. Thankfully, Summer kept his distance, but she sensed his eyes on her all night long. An indescribable tickling feeling that blanketed her body drawing goosebumps to her arms and neck. The anticipation robbed her of her breath, waiting for him to show up at her side at any given moment.
Jason reverted back into friend mode. They chatted several times throughout the evening, but the hopefulness that had previously shone brightly in his eyes, faded. She assumed the cooling change in his expression was either do to Summer’s stunt or perhaps he shared the same lack of intimate interest. Regardless of the reason, there seemed to be no awkwardness between them.
Carrie Ann shared a couch with Shayla and John, as well as several others. Stiffness in her neck and shoulders began to subside, indulging in a sip of champagne.
“We gotta get going, Shay.” John raised from his seat and helped his wife to her feet. Everyone followed suit. “Carrie Ann, if you change your mind and want to join us on vacation, we’ll be on the beach in Hawaii.”
“I appreciate the offer, John, but I have to pass. As much as I adore those two boys of yours, that’s not exactly the kind of relaxation I had in mind for my vacation. Plus, the last thing I need is a raging case of hormonally induced maternal-itis.”
Smothering his laughter, he added, “I just thought since you have a million dollar date to fulfill…”
“Ha, ha. Screw you, John.” She jabbed him in the side. “Have a fantastic vacation. I’m sure you’re going to miss my babysitting assistance.”
The smartass grin fell from his mug. “I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty nice when you travel with us. Shay and I get to go on dates, the two of you get to spend time together, I get to go golfing…”
“I see how it is. The truth comes out,” she teased. Wrapping Shayla in a full embrace, Carrie Ann swayed a little, holding to her tightly, whispering, “Have a great time. Thanks so much for helping me every year. It wouldn’t be the same without you. Love you.”
“Love you too. It’s always a pleasure.” Shayla pulled back making close inspection of her unusual show of emotion. “You okay?”
A sting of sentiment gathered in her throat. “Yeah, I’m fine. Must be the champagne. Have a great time.”
Shayla squeezed her upper arms. “Call me if you need to talk.”
Jason appeared at her side with another flute of bubbly. Other couples wandered off, stealing away to the dance floor. Feeling relaxed, she took a long sip. The golden effervescent tingled her nose making her giggle a little. Jason held out a hand, encouraging her to sit. She snuggled into the corner of the white outdoor sofa, crossing one leg over the other.
“I’d say tonight was a huge success for you and for the HAHF.” Jason raised his crystal flute. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
The chilled bubbles slid down her throat. She licked her lips, catching a dribble of sweet liquid at the corner of her mouth. Her bottom lip felt numb as she tugged it between her teeth. Carrie Ann hadn’t eaten so much as one appetizer and the effects fuddled her senses, leaving her unsteady and a bit slow.
Easily distracted, she stared off into the distance, mesmerized by the heavy mist moving in. The drone of Jason’s voice slipped into obscurity. The fog took on a golden glow under the chandeliers, swirling in waves and eddies as people moved under the canopy. Without knowing what she agreed to, the words, “Sure,” floated happily from her mouth.
Following his lead, she took another swallow from the crystal flute and placed the empty glass on the table in front of them. She hooked her arm through the crook of his elbow, clutching to Jason as he escorted her to the dance floor.
“Oh, we’re dancing,” it came out more as an ambiguous statement than a question. Her free hand flew to dip at her throat, testing the giddy tremor inside her chest.
Jason caught her around the waist and she automatically draped a wrist near the back of his neck, relaxing against him. The smell of the ocean clung to the damp night air. A cool evening breeze gusted beneath the tent and a shiver chased over her bare shoulders. Carrie Ann slipped her other arm inside the fine silky lining of his suit coat for warmth, molding herself to his masculine form.
“I feel bad…not being able to save you from a date with Ryan.”
Her thoughts jumbled, losing focus to the wispy mist sweeping beneath the hem of her gown as they danced. “You mean Summer?”
Carrie Ann pulled her eyes away from the dreamlike haze to look up at Jason, but as he swayed to the side, her gaze collided with Summer’s. Head on. He stood in the distance beneath a long branch of a pepper tree covered in twinkle lights.
The muted lighting silhouetted his rigid stance, but she could still detect his irritation. His penetrating stare cut to her core.
For some reason his annoyance made her giggle a little. Slyly, she wiggled her fingers up and down in a waving fashion. This only made his heavy brow furrow into a hard squint.
“Yes,” Jason continued. “Hopefully that doesn’t discourage you from going on another date with me.”
Feeling slightly tipsy, she couldn’t contain an awkward, breathy laugh. It made her shake internally from head to toe. Carrie Ann clutched to Jason to keep from stumbling. The feel of his well-built back felt surprisingly nice under her palm.
Words and thoughts weren’t registering correctly. In the back of her mind, she knew there was a question she needed to answer, but her brain wasn’t functioning. She snuggled closer letting her hips sway freely to the rhythm of the music while her eyes fixed on Summer. The creases of her lips bent upward, relishing in the play of muscles under his white dress shirt.
He felt so good pressed against her body, but Summer looked confused, and pissed, and jealous. And far away. Too far away. It felt as if she were in a dream, standing on the outside looking in.
Two plus two were not adding up.
Hearing Jason’s voice at her ear made her recoil, jerking away from his body, as if the mere touch of him scalded her flesh. Her exhales came in labored huffs. The tips of her icy fingers rubbed clumsily at her neck and nape.
“You okay?”
Peering up at Jason, her head bobbled from side-to-side, sluggishly. Confusion grew. Beats of the music streamed through her veins, keeping pace with her heart. She could not understand why Summer was so far away.
Her head twisted, raking a seductive stare over the silhouette beneath the tree. The dim glow from above shadowed his features, hollowing his cheeks and defining the dimple set perfectly in the center of his chin. The man was like a force of nature, his presence a gravitational pull she couldn’t deny.
A slow burn of yearning brought a flush to her cheeks. Old cravings twisted deep inside, turning her heartbeat unruly. Her eyes drifted shut as her lips parted, releasing a long breath. She could feel him from across the room, the implicit fluency of his touch as it traveled over tender, vulnerable secret spaces of her flesh and heart. Places only he knew. Places only he owned. Her body had a mind of its own and it was becoming very, very hungry.
Suddenly, Carrie Ann Lowell felt like a million fucking dollars.