This time, it wasn’t an urgent, possessive, and demanding kiss. This time, it was a sweet, slow, yet passionate touch of affection. It had my heart racing like his punishing kisses did.

Pulling away, I gasped for breath, placing my head against his cheek. “It’s just a friendly date, you remember that, right?”

“I didn’t know you kissed your friends.”

My face turned hot as I hid myself in his chest, causing him to chuckle.

So not fair! He couldn’t just kiss me and expect me not to kiss him back. Who could resist this Greek god?

And just then my stomach decided to embarrass me more. A grumble had me turn into a beetroot.

Pulling away, he cupped my chin. Amusement curved in his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hungry?”

I shrugged, looking away. Stupid stomach!

Biting his lip, he took my hand and dragged me with him. “Come, let me feed you something.”

I didn’t complain.

When we reached the gazebo again, he turned to me. “Wait here. I’ll go get the food.”

“I can help,” I offered.

He shook his head. “No, you wait here. I’ll be back in a minute.”

I nodded, and he turned, walking back into the house.

Sighing, I took my glass and drank the rest of the champagne. Gazing at the ocean as I waited for him to come back with the food, something caught my attention.

A vibration.

My phone?

When I grabbed my purse, my suspicion turned out right. But as soon as I opened the purse, the vibration stopped.

Shaking my head, I fished the phone out. God knew who was calling me.

As soon as my eyes locked with the screen, I stilled.

Three missed calls.

From Warner.

THIRTY-SIX: THE PAST

Warner? Why was he calling me?

The phone buzzed again. But this time, it was a message from him.

“Who is it?”

My thumb halted in mid-air from opening the message. Slowly turning around, I put my phone back into my purse. “It’s Mom.She asked if we’ve reached the party safely.”

I couldn’t mention Warner’s name. No matter how sweet Ace was at that moment, jealousy didn’t sit well with him. He proved it many times before. And I didn’t want to ruin this night when it just started.

I’d just talk to Warner later.

Nodding, he put the trays of food on the table and gestured to me to sit. Of course, he pulled out a chair for me.

Shaking my head, I smiled. “Thank you.”

When he settled in his chair, my eyes fell on his broad shoulders. His jacket was gone, now he was only in his black shirt. It clung to his sculpted chest and arms like a second skin. Those folded sleeves up to his elbows, displaying the veiny strong hands, had me staring.