Page 29 of Ricochet

She laughed, giving him a side-eye. “No.”

He curled his fingers, beckoning her closer. His eyes fell on her loose hair before coming back to her face. “Today… sucked.”

“I’m so sorry—”

He pressed his fingers against her lips then let themquickly fall. “If nothing else, I’m going to try to say things that should be said.”

What did that mean? Was he flirting or simply being nice? Did she even know the difference? And did it matter? No… not really. If he was hitting on her, maybe he had assumptions, just like every other guy out there, that she was easy because she was Mayhem or because of her past.

Adelia studied the tablecloth,uncertain she could pick out good-mannered men versus the bad ones. So many looked alike. There were no telltale signs of how someone would behave. She didn’t see that side of him, but she never saw that side of anyone. It was just their expectation so often that they could get whatever they wanted from her, and that was never the case. Ever.

“Wherever your head went...” Colin shook his. “That’san ugly place.”

She jumped from her thoughts. “I didn’t mean to.”

Colin pushed from his chair, stealing the remnants of warmth he’d placed around her without her awareness. He held out his hand. “Let’s dance.” His outstretched hand didn’t waver. “Would you like to dance?”

The slow music meant they would be close, and the intention behind his invitation waited for her. Warmth melted from hershoulders and down her spine as her nervous grin blossomed. “Okay.”

The music played. Each note floated, softly circling Adelia and Colin, squeezing them closer.

“You’re fine like this?” His lips teased against her forehead as the space between them came and went like a tide lapping in to the beach.

She nodded, tilting her head to feel the brush of his lips dance across her temple. “Very.”

“Same,” he finally said. “Very.”

The warm air hugged her bare shoulders, and the twinkling strands of lights that crisscrossed overhead transformed the dim light to an angelic glow. They were surrounded by friends. Colin had one hand around her back. The other cupped her hand that still held their puzzle pieces. Adelia rested her cheek on his wide chest. Thick arms enveloped her, and their weightbrought a safety she hadn’t expected as he hummed with the song, the deep vibrations singing to her soul.

The refrain shifted as Colin swayed his hips and tight-muscled body against her feminine curves. She wouldn’t have believed it possible to melt from a melody’s tune or the tempting touch of man, but this slow dance had become nothing more than an excuse to embrace and wordlessly wonder. Herheartbeat spoke volumes while her mind went dizzy enjoying the temptation.

Adelia rolled her head to his sternum, drinking in the intoxicating warmth and masculine scent, and nuzzled against his dress shirt. The expensive fabric was cool on her skin. His hold should bother her. Constraints always did, and dancing with arms tight around her was much like a swaying hug. Long ago, she’d decidedthat alpha males didn’t know what a hug was or how to do it. They pulled too tight, or maybe that was their point: a simple act of dominance in everyday life. They’d done nothing for her except provide an urge for her to elbow away.

Except right now.

She wanted to melt closer, mold to his body, revel and explore. Colin was no less strong, or likely, stronger, than anyone who’d come close before.

The song changed again, and this time, the beat quickened, but he kept them as they were, as if he could read her mind. Adelia shifted her gaze to catch his blue eyes. “It’d be cliché to ask what you’re thinking?”

He chuckled quietly. “Wasn’t thinking much.”

“Just existing?”

He nodded. “Good description.”

Adelia bit her lip. Maybe on a day like today, she shouldn’t have brought up the ideaof existence. Or maybe, she should and ask about his father instead of trying to figure out why she knew she couldn’t unlock her arms from his unless he required her to do so.

“What just changed in your tone?” he asked.

“Oh, I…” She chewed on the inside of her cheek. “Thought maybe my wording could’ve been more thoughtful.”

“Ah.” He gave her a quick squeeze. “I’m glad you’re out here with me,but not because I’m trying to distract myself with a beautiful woman.”

Oh. That hadn’t been on her mind either. She was so gung-ho to protect herself from pushy alpha males that she was naively aware of what most might assume when it came to a male-female dynamic. But it all boiled down to sex with most everyone anyway. “That’s good.”

But was it? Adelia had no idea. Seven and Victoria were theones she would bounce guy talk off of, and that rarely occurred, given that she hadn’t been up front with them. Avoiding awkward conversations was as good of an idea as avoiding Tex’s wrath when he didn’t approve of men.

Colin’s hand skimmed her bicep, eliciting more goosebumps. “Want to sit down?”

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