Summer Nights (Fool's Gold #8)(81)

“That we’re together?”

She nodded.

He sighed. “I’ve been out of the game a long time if I’m doing it this badly.” He put his hands on her shoulders and stared into her eyes. “I’m with you. What did you think the other night was about?”

“Enjoying each other.”

He frowned. “Are you enjoying yourself with anyone else?”

She smiled. “No. You have me firmly captivated.” A safer truth than the fact that she loved him. She would get into that later, assuming this conversation went well.

“Good. I want to captivate you. Because you’ve got me under your spell. There’s no one else. I’m only seeing you.”

Her heart gave a little flutter and she did her best to look interested but not giddy. “So if we were in high school…”

“I’d give you my letterman’s jacket, carry your books and beat the shit out of any guy who asked you out.”

She raised herself on tiptoes and kissed his mouth. “And I’d let you go all the way after prom.”

He touched her face. “I could never resist you.”

“I like that in a man.”

“Any man?”

“No. Just you.”

For a second, they stared at each other. She willed him to say more. To tell her he loved her. That he’d let go of the past and no matter what, he was going to trust her. But before he could say anything, May announced the buffet was open and that everyone should enjoy the food.

Shane put his arm around her. “Buy you dinner?”

Aware the moment had been lost, she smiled up at him. “I’d like that very much.”

* * *

FOUR HOURS LATER, ANNABELLE was feeling the champagne. It was a sneaky liquid, all bubbly and friendly. Going down so easily. Then it snuck up and bit you in the butt. Or in her case, the head. Because everything was just a little spinny.

It was her own fault. Because of all the work there’d been getting everything ready for the wedding, she hadn’t eaten and her trip to the buffet had come after the champagne. So the single glass she’d consumed had hit her hard. Good thing arrangements had already been made for rides back to town for the partygoers. May and Glen had rented the school buses. So driving wasn’t an issue, but she had a feeling she might be in for a rocky morning.

“A problem for another time,” she murmured, making her way back from the restroom. She walked, or maybe swayed, her way around the dance floor, searching for Shane. Clay stopped her instead.

“You’re drunk,” he said with a grin.

“Not drunk. You can’t say drunk,” she informed him. “Buzzed is a much better word. Seriously, I’ve had one glass, so how bad could it be?”

“You’re a pretty cheap date.”

She stared at him, trying to figure out what made him so attractive. A quirk of genetics. Appearance was all about math. She knew that. Symmetry and spacing. And…something else she couldn’t remember right now.

“You’re very handsome,” she told Clay. “I mean that in an objective way. I’m not the least bit interested in sleeping with you. Because the sex with Shane is amazing. Seriously.” She hiccupped slightly, then covered her mouth and leaned against him. “Sorry.”

Clay’s mouth twitched as he put his arms around her and held her upright. “You have it bad.”

She wasn’t sure if he meant the liquor or the man and decided it didn’t matter. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’m not so sure. Are you going to remember this conversation?”

“Of course. Probably. I’m not sure. Is it important?”

He laughed, moving his arm to her waist to keep her from swaying. “If you forget, I’ll tell you again. I talked to Mayor Marsha earlier. She mentioned the festival and dance you’re doing to raise money for the bookmobile. She said you’re still looking for a male sacrifice. I’ll do it if you want.”

It took Annabelle a second to process his words, then her eyes widened. “Really? You have to wear a loincloth and get your heart cut out. Not really. The heart bit. It’s pretend.”

“Sure. I’ve worn less than a loincloth.”

“You’ve been naked,” Annabelle said in a whisper. “I’ve seen your butt in the movies. It’s nice.”

“Thank you.”

She held up her hands, wanting to be clear. “I’m still not interested. You know, in you.”

“I got that. Because you’re into Shane.”

She nodded and motioned for him to come closer. “I’m still in love with him. I don’t think that’s ever going to change. He doesn’t know yet.”

Clay surprised her by hugging her. “I’m glad,” he said in a low voice, when he released her. “He deserves someone like you.”

“I think so, too.”

He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her. “Shane is watching us. He’s that way.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

She started walking. The music seemed really loud and suddenly her stomach wasn’t as happy as it had been. Her champagne buzz became a little more of a headache.

This couldn’t be good, she thought, wondering if her happy time was about to catch up with her. She turned, thinking maybe she should head to the house and lie down for a few minutes, then spun back, deciding she would find Shane first. As she moved, she ran into Nevada.