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“I hope taking her home won’t put you out too much,” Oliver said. “I could easily toss her butt in a cab.”
Qasim grinned broadly at the man’s merciless teasing. “It’s no problem.” He waved toward Vectra. “You ready?”
“More than,” she gritted, elbowing her brother out of her way as she moved past him.
“Have a good night.” Oliver sent a wink in Qasim’s direction.
Qasim jogged a little to catch up to Vectra. She’d bolted off, taking the back exit from the VIP balcony that led down into the garden dining area. It was a lush spot smack-dab in the middle of stately trees and vibrant flora that lent splashes of dazzling color, hence Robb DeWitt’s motivation in naming his establishment Dazzles.
Vectra had taken a seat on one of the wrought-iron benches along the man-made pond that wound through the dining area. There, she had removed her shoes to massage her dance-weary feet. The black benches were accentuated with coral-colored cushions to encourage patrons to relax there in greater comfort. Vectra was securing the strap of a sandal when Qasim sat down next to her. He watched her intently—fascination pooling in his stare as it fixed on the sandal cupping her delicate foot and the thin ties about a trim ankle.
She paused before putting on the next sandal, taking time to rub her arch, using her thumb to work the muscle there.
The look of utter delight upon her lovely features held Qasim entranced. Her eyes were closed, and he thought it must be the way she appeared when she slept. He couldn’t imagine himself ever wanting to let her out of his bed if it was.
The interlude ended far too soon for his liking. Vectra finished securing the second sandal and Qasim found himself tilting his head to follow the trail of her leg bared by the raised hem of her dress. The curve of her thigh had him rubbing and squeezing his hands in hopes of quelling the desire to feel the lush limb beneath his palm.
“Ready.” She stood.
“You have a bag? Wrap?” He stood, dark gaze wandering adoringly across her bare arms and shoulders.
“Too warm for a wrap and I’ve got everything else I need here.”
Qasim watched as she patted a spot along her upper thigh. At his confusion, Vectra smirked and took his hand. She repeated the patting move, this time guiding his hand along her thigh. There was an uneven spot.
“It’s a pouch for my ID and money...”
Qasim was reluctant to move his hand when Vectra released it but made himself ease back.
“Most women need to carry more than that,” he observed.
“Most, maybe, but not all,” Vectra explained with a cool smile. “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere but the party and back home. I keep a house key hidden someplace inconspicuous, and security at the estate is amazing so I don’t see the need to bog myself down with a bag.”
“Makeup?” he inquired, in awe of her without realizing just how much.
Vectra brushed the back of one hand across a flawless cheek. “Only lipstick—a brand I love because so far it’s living up to its claims of withstanding anything from a multicourse meal to a full-blown...kiss.” She realized where her rambling had taken her and cleared her throat while observing Qasim’s steady gaze.
“I’m ready,” she said, managing a tiny smile when he offered his arm.
“I really can get myself home,” she told him once they’d fallen into step.
“And that’d be fine if I weren’t here to take you myself. I promise you’ll enjoy my driving.”
Vectra swallowed, wondering why it was so easy for her to attach sexual overtones to almost everything the man said.
* * *
Vectra didn’t know if it was Qasim’s skill behind the wheel or the hypnotic purr of the Sequoia’s engine that made her eyes heavy with relaxation. They’d set out for Saint Helena. Qasim continued their listening enjoyment of the nineties’ jams going with the satellite station tuned and at a volume that was just loud enough to make talking unnecessary.
Lack of conversation, though, only heightened the desire to indulge in a nap. Vectra didn’t slumber deeply and was waking when Qasim pulled to a halt in the Y-shaped dirt drive before the gorgeous brick mansion where she’d lived most of her life.
The secluded oasis was tucked within the picturesque scenery of the Carro Vineyards. The stunning beauty of the unbelievable mountain views in the distance was evident even outlined against the night sky.
Vectra needed a moment to find her bearings, but Qasim was already out of the vehicle by the time she’d turned to thank him for the ride home.
“Thanks.” She accepted his help down from the SUV step bar.
