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"What? Oh, yes. My sister Val brought me a tester from the new collection."
"I like it. Liked the other one too."
"No one's immune to her perfumes," I agreed.
"Nah, it's just you. I'm not immune to you."
"I'm still working," I murmured.
"So proper." He locked those gorgeous eyes on my mouth, and I felt myself starting to fall under his spell again. But I shook myself out of it. I needed to clear the air.
"Graham, I don't know what this is, but... I’m not sure that I’m who you need. My life revolves around my son."
"I like that about you. It’s part of what attracts me to you. You're a fascinating woman, Lori."
Wow. I hadn't expected that. I didn't have the chance to dwell on his words, because as I shifted my feet on the cobblestone pathway, I slipped and fell so hard on my ass that the breath was knocked out of me. I thought I heard a riiip too. I felt Graham's arms around my waist, lifting me up onto my feet.
"Did you hurt yourself?" he asked, voice laced with worry. I shook my head, even though my tailbone still hurt like hell. I had bigger issues. When a gust of wind chilled my privates, I groaned. I'd ripped open my dress. The slit had been on the right thigh, but now it went all the way up. I was wearing sheer tights, because it was too chilly in the evening for bare legs, but still. I held the loose parts together with one hand, but I couldn't go back inside the tent this way.
"Lori, are you okay? Did you twist your ankle going down?"
"No, ankle's fine. My pride, on the other hand...."
Amber walked to us. "What happened? I heard a cry."
"That was me," I confirmed. "I fell. The cobblestone is wet from the sprinklers. Take care where you step. We'll have to disable them tomorrow, so no one else falls."
Amber took in the sight of my dress. "You poor thing. Why don't you go home? We're done here."
Normally, I stayed until everyone was gone to check that everything was set for tomorrow, but my dress wasn't decent anymore.
"Yes, I'll do that. Sorry to take off earlier."
Amber waved her hand, smiling.
"Ladies," Graham said, offering Amber and me each an arm. "Allow me to escort you off this death trap."
Amber laughed as she snaked her arm around Graham's. I did the same, because I didn't want to risk landing on my ass again. I warmed all over when Graham tucked me close.
Once we were on steady ground, he let go of us, and I instantly felt cold where he'd touched me.
"I need my tote. Can either of you bring it from inside?"
"I'll bring it," Amber replied. Graham remained by my side while she headed inside the tent.
"Are you sure you can drive?" he asked.
"Of course. My tailbone still hurts, but I'll manage."
A playful twinkle appeared in his eyes. "Massage?"
The thought of his hands on me was doing naughty things to my body despite the pain. "No, thanks." Almost unconsciously, I touched the sore spot and winced.
"I'd feel better if you'd let me drive you. You could lie in the back," Graham said. Worry replaced the playful twinkle. I felt as if someone had
wrapped a warm blanket around me.
"Graham, I'm a big girl. It's nothing. But thanks for the offer. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
