Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)(40)

He stared after her, not exactly sure how he’d gotten sucked into her ridiculous plan of learning how to date so she could fall in love with someone else and get married. While the process made sense, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was headed for trouble. Probably because when it came to a happily ever after, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to make that happen.

The more he got to know Felicia, he more he was aware that he was going to regret having to let her go when the time came. She wasn’t the kind of woman a man forgot easily. But walk away he would—not just because it was the right thing to do for her, but because when it came to himself, he didn’t have an option.

* * *

THE LUCKY LADY Casino Resort sprawled over nearly a hundred acres north of town. While the facility was modern and large, the construction had made use of the natural forest, framing the parking lot with trees and continuing the natural theme through the main entrance.

Felicia was both excited and nervous as Gideon guided her toward the ballroom. He kept his hand on the small of her back, as if she needed assistance. Or maybe it was a dating thing. She was starting to get confused.

In the past week Gideon had taken her to dinner at the winery, gone to the balloon festival, although they hadn’t spent much time together there because she’d been working, and now they were attending Charlie and Clay’s luau. Even ignoring their first dinner at his place, this was their third date. Shouldn’t something be different between them?

The problem was she was just as nervous and unsure of herself as she had been the first time they’d gone out. She had that fluttery sensation in her stomach, and she questioned everything she wanted to say. She wanted to feel him touch her, and at the same time, she was unable to ask when they were going to have sex. Being around Gideon made her shy.

“Clay was one of the first people I met when I came to town,” Gideon said as they circled a selection of slot machines. “He came to the station to talk about advertising his Haycations.”

“I don’t know him very well,” she admitted. “But I like Charlie. She’s direct, which makes her easier for me to deal with. I also enjoy her sense of humor.”

“They sound like a fun couple.”

Felicia nodded.

They’d reached a wide hallway with signs directing them to the ballroom. Up ahead she could see double doors standing open. Music with a reggae beat spilled out, and she could hear people talking and laughing.

“You’ll be fine,” Gideon murmured.

“What?”

She glanced around and realized she’d come to a stop—as if afraid to walk into the room. Mostly because she was. Social situations in large crowds made her uncomfortable. The more people she didn’t know, the greater the odds of her saying the wrong thing. She was just starting to get comfortable in town. She didn’t want to appear any more awkward.

“I understand my fears are irrational,” she told him.

He smiled at her. “So says the chick afraid of spiders. Next thing you know you’ll be handing me jars to open because you’re not strong enough.”

“I’m comfortable with my physical strength and my use of leverage. And except for the spiders, I’m not afraid of most living things. People are different.”

She glanced down at the yellow floral print dress she’d chosen to wear. It was strapless, but not too fussy. The top was fitted, and the skirt flowed over her hips with a fullness she found appealing. She’d painted her toes a bright coral color and slipped on gold strappy heels.

Gideon had it easy, she thought. He’d chosen a Hawaiian shirt and jeans. What could be simpler?

“I was nervous at the balloon festival,” she admitted. “But busy. I felt a part of things because I was helping behind the scenes. This party is different.”

The song switched from something fast to something slower. Gideon surprised her by pulling her close and taking her hand in his. He put his other hand on her waist and started to move in time with the song.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Dancing. I guess if you have to ask, I’m doing it wrong.”

“We’re in a hallway.”

“Uh-huh.”

“People don’t dance in hallways.”

His dark eyes flashed with amusement. “How about kissing? Do people kiss in hallways?”

Before she could answer the question, he’d drawn her closer still and lowered his mouth to hers.

His lips claimed hers with an intensity that took her breath away. Technically she could still breathe, but the expression was exactly right, she thought, letting herself get lost in all the sensations. Her eyes drifted closed as her hands settled on his shoulders, and she let herself lean into him.

Wanting swept through her. It was fast and intense, making her want to touch him all over—or maybe just rip off her dress so he could touch her. Either would work, but both would be better.

He moved his mouth against hers. She parted for him immediately and was rewarded by the feel of his tongue against hers. Nerves reacted like a waterfall, cascading all the way down her body. Heat settled in her belly and moved lower.

When he drew back, she smiled. “You make me hot.”

He grinned. “You don’t want to tell me about your chemical reaction?”

“I can, but in this case I think the vernacular works better.”