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Matt’s face remained neutral as he replied, “It’s up to Lily.”
She laid a hand on Matt’s arm, face turning pink. It’s fine. I...I’d like to catch up with Reed. Like he said, it’s been a while.”
“Thanks. I owe you.” Reed slapped him on the shoulder in appreciation, and Matt dipped his head.
“Yes, you do. Catch you some other time, Lily.”
“Thanks for the dance.” She shifted her gaze up to Reed, frowning as he took his friend’s place. “I planned to say hello if I saw you tonight. How’ve you been?”
Neither her look nor tone hinted she knew he was the one disguised as Don Juan last week, which settled the question of whether or not to come clean about his identity right away. Decency dictated he would explain sometime soon, but, right now, he couldn’t bear to say anything sure to push her away before they got properly reacquainted.
“Good. You? How was your trip away?”
Reed wrapped an arm around her waist, his gaze traveling over her face and down her arched neck, enjoying her soft curves pressed close again way too much. The low cut of her white, sleeveless silk top revealed the top swell of her breasts, his fingers itching to toy with her responsive nipples, tug on them until they hardened into bumpy pinpoints.
Her words pushed his lust aside. “It helped. The guilt, I mean.”
He swayed with her, moving their clasped hands up and down as they turned. “None of it was your fault, Lily. Remember, I left him, too, and he deserved us walking out of his life, especially you.”
Lily nodded, the top of her head brushing his chin. “That I don’t regret, only the time it took me to come to my senses. But I still believe his death makes no sense. He wasn’t a careless drinker, and he fought taking prescriptions when they were necessary, so why would he mix the two?”
Her misgivings mirrored Reed’s own, but the coroner’s report left them no other explanation or reason for the cops to investigate further. She went on, “Still, there are a myriad of different ways for accidents like that to happen. And when I last checked, no one had found who may have been there with him for a while.” According to friends at the police department, the woman who had joined John sometime the night before in giving his bed a workout had never come forward and there were no clues to her identity.
“Trust me, you have nothing to feel guilty about.” To change the subject, he didn’t let on he knew she’d returned and was working again at Creative Events when he asked, “When did you get back?”
She stiffened, releasing her pent-up breath before answering, “Almost five weeks ago. I planned to get in touch with you soon.”
“I’m glad. I’d like to hear about your trip.”
Lily turned the tables on him when she looked him square in the eye and said, “I expected you and your brothers to attend the benefit last weekend. The Kincaids always support the homeless shelter and food kitchens.”
Reed couldn’t tell if she was fishing, but it didn’t matter. He refused to lie to her. The ballad ended and the tempo of the music picked up again. Leaning down, he put his lips to her ear. “Let’s walk outside where it’s quiet.”
She paused, and he turned his head as she went on her toes to reply. Reed almost groaned when she spoke against his mouth, holding her even closer when she quivered, saying, “I’m with Vickie.”
Taking her hand, he led her off the dance floor, scanning the tables until he spotted Vickie, whom he’d met only once. As luck would have it, Allie saw them before he got to Lily’s table, waylaying them with a beaming smile.
“We finally made it. Are you headed to the bar?” She turned to Lily, holding out her hand. “Hi. I’m Allie, this guy’s soon-to-be sister-in-law.”
Lily took her hand. “Lily Regan. I believe you’ve booked your wedding with Creative Events, where I work. Nice to meet you, but I have to get back to my friend.” She pointed to Vickie who waved.
“Lily. That’s a pretty name.” Allie flicked Reed a curious glance, and he shook his head, hoping she took the hint to keep quiet. His patience came close to snapping when Allie asked Lily, “Brett won’t mind if we visit for a bit. I’d love to get your wedding ideas. Reed, will you get my drink from Brett?”
Not fooled by the innocent act, he gave Allie a curt nod. “Sure. Lily, thanks for the dance. We’ll talk later.”
Reed stalked toward the bar, and Lily could tell he wasn’t happy about Allie’s interference. She stood there eyeing his broad shoulders, the flash of his smile when he paused to speak with a patron, and questioned where the longing for his return was coming from. Tiny ripples still coursed through her body from their close embrace dancing, the warm sensation flowing through her veins a result of his deep voice in her ear. She experienced those same responses last week when he had his hands on her breasts, his fingers moving inside her.
Maybe I’m just horny.
Allie’s giggle drew her attention. Had she spoken aloud? “All three Kincaids have that effect on women. I’m sorry. My timing sucked, didn’t it?”
“A little but it’s fine.” Reed intended to speak with her again, and she guessed he would admit to his costumed performance. Lily could use the wait to get herself under control before dealing with him and that disclosure. “Let’s sit down.”
They joined Vickie who didn’t waste a minute before teasing Lily. “Thanks for that entertainment, Lil. Please tell me you two made plans to further your reunion.” She punctuated her comment by wiggling her eyebrows.
“As a matter of fact, he wants to talk later.” Lily introduced Allie then quickly changed the subject. “I’m looking forward to working on your wedding. I’ve seen the plans in place already and have a few ideas to pass on at your next appointment.”
Allie smirked then told Vickie, “She changed the subject.”
