“I accept your apology.” A soft blush washed across her cheeks, but her expression remained resolute. “But still no hookup. Is that clear?”

“Yes, ma’am. No hookup. Just a dance.”

Tara smiled at last, and he wanted to puff out his chest and maybe pound on it a little. But he restrained himself and led her to the dance floor. They had seen the bride and groom off to their wedding night, and the crowd was dwindling. The band was playing a lazy jazz piece, but the band leader winked at Seth and transitioned to a sensuous, old-time ballad. He nodded his thanks to him.

When Seth pulled Tara close, his body reacted as though he’d touched a live wire. His smile faltered and was replaced by slack-jawed shock. Every hair on his arms and the back of his neck stood at attention, and the shiver running through his body felt hot and cold at once. He’d never felt desire so instantaneous and powerful before. What the hell was happening?

Tara stared back at him with eyes filled with alarm. She must’ve felt it, too, and was as startled as he was by the electricity humming through them. He wanted to reassure her … let her know this was something new for him, too.

“Wow,” he said, taking a small step back. “I … will you catch me if I swoon? My knees feel like Jell-O.”

Tara huffed a husky laugh, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “Each person to their own.”

He returned her smile and waited a moment before he pulled her close again. He shivered and she nestled her cheek in the crook of his neck, tightening her hold on him. Probably just in case I swoon. Her scent intoxicated him—citrus, cream, and aged oak. It was an unexpected but sexy-as-hell combination, and he couldn’t get enough of it. He couldn’t get enough of her. But he intended to respect the line she drew. For tonight.

Seth was moving to Paris in a little over a month. He was rearing to start the next chapter of his life as an esteemed photographer in the world’s fashion capital. It was the opportunity of a lifetime that he had every intention of exploiting. He already had most of his belongings packed and a lease on a condo in Paris.

But he couldn’t leave their wild attraction unexplored. He and Tara wouldn’t have much time, but there was enough for a bit of fun. He just needed to come up with a plan to win Tara over for a sweet spring fling.

The music came to an end much too soon, and he held her for an extra beat. Then Seth cleared his throat and asked, “Do you want to get a drink?”

She hesitated, staring hard in the vicinity of his bow tie. After a moment, she met his eyes. “Sure. I could use some company.”

“I make great company,” he assured her.

Tara hid a small smile. He was surprised by her change of heart, but she seemed more comfortable around him. And less suspicious about his intentions. Whatever the cause, he was glad he could spend more time with her. But when he searched for the closest bar, the bartender was busily closing shop. Seth’s dismayed eyes sought out the other bars, but they were already closed.