Page 12 of Unexpected Adventures

“Abby, if you want to spend time with your sister, I understand. You came all this way to do just that. I can…”

“No, really, it’s fine. She’d just be mad at me that I left you.” Seeing his questioning look, I go on to explain. “What I mean is, she wanted me to talk to you… when we gave you the ride up here. She’s always pushing me to meet people, to get out of my comfort zone.”

“Ah,” he begins, almost sounding disappointed.

“Not that I don’t like talking to you on my own! I mean, if I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t be here.”

“So you’re not just being nice to me because your sister said to be?” he teases.

“No!” I firmly state again. “I do like you. I’d like to like you. Am I making any sense?”

He chuckles. “Yes. I just like seeing that cute blush on your face.” He reaches out to toy with my braid, working the end loose and combing his fingers through the strands. As my hair comes undone, so do I. I never thought having someone run their hand through my hair could feel so sensual.

“Your hair is so thick and beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“So, Abby, whatever shall we do next that’s out of your comfort zone?”

His eyes pierce mine and I try like heck to read them but I think I’m still a little too tipsy although it sure looks like desire in them … or am I just projecting my own feelings? Jeepers, why can’t I keep a coherent thought in my head? Well, I just used the word ‘coherent’ so I must have some wits about me.

“I can see that you’re thinking entirely too much.” He stands, offering his hand to me.“Let’s go see what fun Sherri has in store for the evening, shall we?”

Without further thought, I place my hand in his, stand, and quickly kiss his lips, clearly surprising him. “Let’s,” I state.

He leads me around the deck, which I just now notice is nearly void of any other guests.A few are scattered here and there, close to the pool. I also notice that evening is definitely upon us as the sky dims and a few stars begin to twinkle above. Yes, I said twinkle, because that’s what stars do.

We make our way into Sherri’s house via the kitchen off the deck. He continues to lead me through a sitting room, through a hallway, and finally down a flight of stairs. As we approach another room, music and laughter grow louder. We’re clearly in the entertainment-party room as I look around to see TV screens mounted on three walls, words scrolling on them. Lights are bouncing around the room and a small group of people are dancing. Along one wall is a bar, which Jeff is now tending. And along another is a small stage. There’s a table with a laptop, a large machine, and a microphone stand. Behind the stand is Sherri herself, perfectly belting out a song by Gwen Stefani.

Karaoke?

Oh, goody, I think as I groan.

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