If we got a chance to talk quietly during the party, I was hoping to tell her how I felt—that I wanted more than just no-strings sex on the side. And I wanted to deliver the message while we were fully clothed and—at least mostly—sober, so that there wouldn’t be any confusion. I could keep my hands to myself for the night, couldn’t I?

Of course I could. If I was the kind of guy who was worthy of her, I could be a respectable gentleman for one night.

And then I saw her in that skirt.

It was short. And tight. And mesmerizing.

It was the color of champagne and sparkled as she moved, almost like a disco ball. Sylvia wasn’t tall, but her bare legs looked endless beneath that glittering little skirt. On top she wore a loose-fitting white blouse with long sleeves that draped into a V at her chest, barely hinting at the curves I knew were underneath. I saw her standing near the appetizer table, sipping a glass of something bubbly and talking with Chloe, and the sight of her stopped me in my tracks. My confidence in my ability to behave respectably wavered.

She saw me, and her lips curved into that slow, secret smile that made my ears feel like they were burning and my neck feel like the knot in my tie was too tight. Eventually someone bumped into me, and I realized I hadn’t started walking again yet. Trying not to tug at my shirt collar, I moved toward her.

“Hi, Henry. Happy New Year!” she said, opening her arm as if to embrace me. She wasn’t wearing the bright red lipstick tonight, but her lips shimmered with something that made them look like sugar-coated peaches.

Respectable gentleman. Respectable gentleman. Respectable gentleman.

“Happy New Year.” I leaned forward and kissed her cheek, then did the same to Chloe. “Where’s Oliver?”

“Around here somewhere.” Chloe waved a hand in the air. “He’s trying to convince my dad to let him shoot off fireworks at midnight. I told him it’s never going to happen. Sparklers are about as crazy as my father has ever let us get.”

“Oh, shoot!” Sylvia snapped her fingers. “I forgot the bag with the sparklers in it for the kids! I left it on the counter at home. Think I have time to go get them?”

“Dinner is about to be served,” said Chloe, “but you’ll have time before midnight for sure.”

“Okay. Don’t let me forget.”

Her ass in that skirt sort of reminded me of sparklers. Dazzling. Fiery hot. Slightly dangerous. I glanced at the bar. “I’m going to grab something to drink. Can I get either of you anything?”

“I’m good.” Chloe touched Sylvia’s arm. “I’m going to find April and make sure everything is running smoothly.”