Page 3 of Hank

The thing was, now that he had her attention, whatwashe going to say? It had to be something profound that would give her a better opinion of others of the male species, but himself in particular.

So, what did he come up with?

"Would you like to dance?" Her dark-blond brows rose, while he managed to keep from grimacing. That wasnotwhat he had intended to say, which had been something profound that would give her a better opinion of the male species. But now that it was out there, that’s exactly what he’dneededto say.

Maybe just not so soon.

But having her in his arms—having her pressed against him—had just become his top priority.

Her glance went over her shoulder toward her friends who gave her varying reactions—a shrug from the blond, a slight grimace from the dark-haired one she’d called Mags, and a salute with her glass from the redhead.

"Okay,Hank," Jo said, as her focus returned to him, her smile promising more than she probably realized or intended. "Let’s dance."

Definitely dangerous.

Lucky for Hank the band had just started a ballad—a nice, slow one—as he stood, then carefully pulled her from her stool. And damn if she didn’t stumble slightly before he took bothhands to steady her. He and tequila had a passing acquaintance, but at the moment it wasn’t his friend.

"Jo?"

Mags left her stool and came up beside Jo and put an arm around her shoulder.

"Are you okay to…" Jo’s friend gave Hank a critical eye up and down, one mixed with a little suspicion.

"I’m good," Jo said, giving the other woman a smile. "Just got up too fast."

"Mags, isn’t it?"

"Magdalena," she corrected him, her narrowed gaze boring into his.

"Magdalena." Okay, a protective friend. Duly noted. "You can trust me with your friend." He’d said that with as much sincerity as he could muster.

"I’m right here, you know," Jo groused.

"And so are we." Magdalena’s assurance wasn’t for Jo. It was directed straight at him. "Do something and you’ll haveusto deal with," she said indicating the other two women with a quick flick of her head, though her eyes never left his.

"Good grief," Jo mumbled, pulling his attention from Magdalena to the woman he needed to get to know better, and who was currently rolling her eyes. Then he glanced behind Magdalena to Jo’s other friends.

Kinda scary.

For a group of women he’d thought were pretty easy going, they’d managed to convey a sufficiently convincing air a menace. If he didn’t treat Jo right,hemight find himself in danger of some of that nut damage the blond had been talking about.

"I promise."

After a few more seconds of silent perusal, Magdalena finally inclined her head. "Okay, then."

"Gee, thanks, mom," Jo said, grimacing. "Can I go out and play now?"

A slow grin spread over Magdalena’s face before she gave her friend a full-on smile and side-hug. "Okay, just be sure to be in by dark."

"Yes, ma’am," she said, laughing and shaking her head, as he kept hold of one hand and led her to the dance floor. "Sorry about that."

"It’s okay. They love you." And he couldn’t blame them. Wait. Where was that coming from? The idea was enough to make his steps falter. He didnotbelieve in love at first sight. Instant attraction? Sure. Lust? Most definitely.

"Yeah," she said, squeezing his hand. "But I’m a big girl."

"I noticed," he said, turning and pulling her toward him and into his arms—her head settling on his chest and hands locking around his neck. "And I have a feeling you can hold your own."

"I can."

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