He has a great laugh; it’s rich and deep. It’s also genuine, which is a nice change.

“Okay,” he mutters, glancing around. “Then why are we hiding in here?”

“Did you not just meet Betsy Dawson?”

“No, I actually met Betsy Dawson earlier this evening when I arrived. I don’t know who that woman we just had an encounter with was.”

“Oh, honey,” I start in my thickest Southern accent. “That would be my mother, Betsy Dawson, Miss Alabama herself, circa 1989.”

“I see.” He grins.

“Don’t get me wrong. I love my mom from the bottom of my soul, but she can be…”

“A lot,” he finishes for me, and I nod.

“Yes, so I just needed a few minutes for her to get distracted by other people before I go back out there.” I put the lid back on the bottle and stand. “It’s probably safe now.”

“Probably?”

“It never takes her long to get distracted, and there are a lot of people here to distract her.” I turn around and start to climb back up onto the stool, but he steps up behind me, fitting his front to my back, takes the bottle from my hand once again, and easily places it on the higher shelf. He’s so close that the rich, crisp scent of his cologne wraps around me as his warmth seeps into my skin through the thin material of my dress.

So close that I can feel every inch of his hard body pressed up against mine.

It fills my head with thoughts I should not be having about a guy who is a total stranger.

“Thanks.” I clear my throat while trying to ignore the flutter in my lower belly. It’s not something I’ve experienced in a very long time, so it’s difficult to disregard.

“You’re welcome.” He steps out of my space, allowing me to breathe once again. “Ready?” His gaze finds mine, and I wonder if it’s the alcohol or him that is making me feel suddenly too warm. “Or should I check that the coast is clear first?” He grins, and I can’t help but smile at him.

“If she hasn’t shown up yet, she’s not going to.” I scoot by him out of the pantry and smile at the staff as we pass. Exiting the kitchen, I head toward the patio, where I know there is a bar and food. Two things I need desperately.

“How about I buy you a drink?” he asks, stepping ahead of me to get the door.

“It’s an open bar.”