Once the cameras had clicked off and everyone filed backstage to change out of their costumes, Gina searched for Stone.
Before she could find him, Natasha caught her arm. “I’m going out with Kevin and Lori and some of the others. You want to come?”
Gina shook her head. “I’m tired. You go.”
Natasha gave a nod. “Later, nena.”
Stone was head and shoulders taller than most of the cast, and easily spotted. Gina’s heart gave a little leap when she saw him. It was ridiculous, really. She’d known him for a couple of months, and they’d only been apart a few days. Yes, pros became attached to their partners quickly, and vice versa, but she’d never experienced this pull toward one of her partners, as if an invisible string connected them.
She let herself be drawn toward him, picking up speed until she was almost running. Around them, other couples were reuniting, and no one paid them much mind as she threw her arms around his neck.
He scooped her up, enveloping her in the scent of clean Alaskan air as he held her to his bare chest. He was sweaty, but so was she. His hair was loose, and she pressed her face into the warm mass. Inside, her heart settled, but the butterflies in her belly danced a fast cha-cha-chá.
“I missed you, too,” she whispered in his ear.
When she pulled back, their cheeks slid against each other and the corners of their mouths touched. She almost turned her head to kiss him before she caught herself.
Not here. They were surrounded by cast and crew. She had to act casual.
“That was a great salsa,” she said brightly.
“Natasha’s a great teacher.” He lowered his voice. “But she’s not you.”
Well, damn. The man sure knew how to get her pulse thumping.
“Come over tonight.” Her words were barely a whisper.
He nodded, his lips parting to mouth, “One hour.”
“Great,” she said, louder. “See you tomorrow, bright and early. Next week’s theme is Broadway.”
They parted ways to continue saying goodbye to the rest of the cast.
Meanwhile, Gina was ready to burst with excitement. And longing.
Tonight, she would throw caution to the wind.
Eighteen
The elevator down the hall dinged. Gina sucked in a deep breath and let it out in a rush when Stone turned the corner, sexy as hell in dark jeans and a red plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His hair was damp from his shower, hanging loose over his shoulders.
Shyness and nerves set in. Silly, since he’d already touched just about every inch of her there was to touch.
“Hi,” she said softly.
The banked fire in his eyes flared, and he rushed to her, scooping her up in his arms and charging into the apartment. The door banged shut behind them but his mouth was already on hers and Gina didn’t give a damn what her neighbors thought.
His lips were warm, his beard scratchy yet softer than it looked. He devoured her, eating at her mouth with his lips and tongue like he couldn’t get enough. Gina grabbed a handful of his hair with one hand, the other petting the side of his cheek, marveling at the contrasting textures, all while she let him take the lead with the kiss.
She’d spent weeks teaching him to dance. She was tired of leading, and more than ready to relinquish control.
Or maybe not, if it meant taking things slow.
“I want you,” she said against his lips, squirming in his arms. “Get naked.”
They both knew why he was here. No point in playing coy.
“Hell yes.” He glanced at the sofa, where they’d last gotten hot and heavy. “Bedroom?”
