"I'm good." She gulped down her sangria and lifted her glass. "But I need a refill!"
"Now, that's the spirit!" Hazel launched from her spot in a wing-backed chair and hauled over the large glass pitcher. "I'll get you fixed up, honey."
Hazel's eyes ping ponged between her and James as she poured, her garishly painted lips split in a salacious grin. "Just look at you two. You know, I think you're soulmates, destined to be together. There's definitely something here. Serious chemistry, I'd say."
Anna gaped at Hazel as James dropped his hand onto her shoulder. His arm around her felt so good, so natural and she wanted to lean into him.
"You think so, Hazel?" he asked as he gave Anna’s shoulder a light squeeze.
Hazel's head bobbed. "Oh, yes! The attraction between you is off the charts. He’s so darkly handsome. It’s the perfect contrast to your blonde beauty. And just look how you two fit together. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you've been together for quite a while now."
The hand on her shoulder tightened, drawing her into his rock-hard chest. The feel of his body against hers was like a lightning bolt to Anna’s libido and she squeaked, scrambling to get out of his embrace.
"Ooooof," he grunted and lost his grip when her elbow connected solidly with a rib.
"I need to use the restroom," Anna announced.
"You can use the one in the manager’s room." Annette pointed to a spot behind Anna. "Just through those back doors."
Anna ran for the bathroom, and firmly shut the door, barely holding back the urge to slam it. She grimaced at her reflection as she splashed cold water on her face. Annette was right. She looked like she’d spent too much time in the tropical sun without sunscreen.
Damn the man!
He knew exactly what he was doing to her and enjoyed every second torturing her. A soft touch here, a whispered breath in her ear, the brush of his muscular thigh along hers. It was maddening how well it was working.
It took everything she had not to launch herself onto him, even with the audience. If she gave in and pounced on James tonight, she'd be the talk of the town in no time. The Society ladies were the opposite of discreet.
Giving in to temptation would lead to more trouble than she was willing to handle. The idea of losing herself again, especiallywith a man like James, was too much to bear. She had to stay strong, in control.
She dried her hands as she gave herself a solemn nod in the mirror.
I can do this.
"This is just silly!" Flora exclaimed as Anna walked back into the room.
"What do you mean?" Hazel blinked at her best friend. "There's nothing silly about this story. It'sROMANTIC."
Anna grabbed a desk chair and sat across the living room from James, noting how his gaze narrowed as he stared at her.
Oh, you didn't like that, huh? Well, too bad, big guy!
"I agree with Flora," Miriam injected. "It is silly. The heroine could have been having the best sex of her life all along if she'd have just relaxed and given in. Why did she resist him? Because she was scared of losing her freedom? What tosh!" She tossed her hands in disgust.
"Yes, yes, yes!" Hazel clapped with each word to emphasize her agreement. "Exactly what I was saying. They could have been going down to pound town, and instead she drug it out the entire book. I mean, just look at this." Hazel ruffled through the pages until she found the spot.
"They didn't have sex until page 282!" she wailed.
Anna gawked at them owlishly as they unknowingly echoed Aunt Louise’s words. Her gaze shot to James, whose eyes continued to drill into her. His brows arched up as if he were saying, "See? I told you so."
"Well, I enjoyed the slow burn," Annette interrupted. "And it's getting a little late. Why don't we dive into those treats you brought, Sadie? Would anyone like some coffee with it?"
There were several affirmatives shouted out and Anna followed Annette into the kitchen. "Let me help you."
Annette smiled over her shoulder as she pushed through the double-sway doors. "Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't make coffee."
Anna huffed. "That's not why—I mean, of course, I want to help you any way I can. But I really just wanted to get away from those eyes."
Annette's brow puckered. "Those eyes? What do you mean? Was Amelia with us?"
