“Carter,” she whispered, sounding as if she wanted to be kissed again but unsure if it was a good idea.

I held her close to me, resting my nose in the crook of her neck, right up until a loud gong rang from the villa.

“Oh, they’re calling us back already.” Val sounded as dejected as I felt. I didn’t care about the gala, or the prizes. I just wanted more time with her. Something had shifted between us during this hour we’d spent here, and I wanted to solidify that before the night was over.

I took her hand, helping her stand up from the edge of the fountain.

“Always so gallant.”

“Never forget my manners.”

On the way to the villa, we ran into one of the organizers.

“Val, I’m so sorry I haven’t had time to greet you. And you are Ethan, I presume?” she asked.

I clenched my jaw, stretching my hand forward. “Carter Sloane. Pleased to meet you.”

“Oh!”

She looked between Val and me, confused.

“Could we quickly go over the prizes you donated before we move inside?” she asked Val.

“Sure.”

“I’ll be in the villa,” I said. Val nodded, not quite meeting my eye.

My gut clenched as I headed inside. I’d forgotten that she was supposed to be here with another man. Did she still have feelings for him? Was she looking for a rebound? I didn’t know what this was between us or what it could become, but I sure as hell didn’t want to be Valentina’s rebound.

I went to return the empty bottle and glasses to the bar, keeping an eye on the entrance. When Val came in, I fell into step with her as everyone headed to the main hall.

She gave me a small smile but still didn’t meet my eyes.

I swallowed, trying to gauge what was going through her mind. She was going to announce the winners along with one of the presenters, so I didn’t have much time left with her.

Once we were inside the hall, I pulled her to a semisecluded spot.

“Val, if you want, we can forget what happened tonight. It’s your choice.”

“Mine? What about you?”

“I already made my choice. I don’t want to forget. I’d make an effort if you wanted to. But I don’t think you do. Judging by the way you opened up to me.... Fuck, I’m getting hard just remembering it.”

“Carter,” she whispered in a chiding tone, casting her gaze downward.

“You don’t have to answer right now. Just enjoy the evening.”