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him in the buff undermining her ability to think. It was as if the man held the magic combination to her sexual appetite. She hadn’t blushed in years, but she could feel him watching her and it increased her awareness of him.
    It was completely frustrating.
    And totally exhilarating.
    She looked back and he was gone. Zoe scanned the crowd but there was no sign of him. A tingle touched her nape. That same sense of unease that had interrupted the red-hot passion between them last night. There was something about the way he was … well, stalking her. Maybe it was just who he was.
    Maybe she was imagining things.
    Yeah, maybe Roni was right about her life being too mundane.
    Definite possibility.
    The evening breeze was blowing clouds in for the night. The wild birds were beginning to chirp, sensing the approaching darkness. Cleaning personnel began sweeping up the remains of arts and crafts while Zoe packed her parrot stage.
    â€œDo a lot of charity events?”
    Zoe turned around too fast, startling Harley. The parrot extended his wings and flapped. His clipped wings didn’t allow him to take flight, but she’d already released his leash and he went gliding across the parking lot. Her mystery man reacted instantly, his body snapping into action the moment the bird moved.
    The second he realized the bird wasn’t intent on attacking him, he launched himself after the animal. Harley turned and lowered his head, his beak open with wings spread in challenge.
    â€œHarley bites,” she warned. “Deep.”
    â€œI can tell.” But that didn’t keep her mystery man from sizing the bird up and moving closer. “Come on, buddy, let’s not tangle before dinner.”
    â€œHe’s stuffed. He only performs for food rewards.” Zoe chased after Harley. Mercer stuck his arm out in a blockade to keep her behind him, nearly clotheslining her.
    â€œNow, don’t be jealous, honey, I’ll have time for you just as soon as I catch your parrot.”
    He actually grasped her biceps and set her back several feet. It was done effortlessly, his strength stunning her. But his grip didn’t hurt; instead, his control was perfect, the contrast of so much power mixed with a gentle touch flooding her with sensual heat that went straight to her core.
    It would be amazing in bed …
    Zoe shook her head. “What you’ll be doing is heading to the emergency room. Macaw parrots have enough strength to take off fingers. Even overgrown ones like yours … buddy.”
    â€œI guess it’s a good thing he isn’t hungry.”
    It should have been illegal for anyone to have so much confidence and not strike her as a fool.
    It should disgust me to be turned on by it … Where is my inner confident, modern woman?
    Zoe stood back, annoyed with the way her gaze traced his movements. She was fascinated by him, just as she had been the night before, and now there was no margarita to blame.
    Harley snapped his curved beak in warning, but that didn’t stop the advance of her company. He moved in, lowering his body and extending his forearm. Zoe smiled as she witnessed the way he kept his fingers in a tight fist.
    â€œCome on, fella … that sun is setting fast.”
    Zoe’s eyes widened when Harley lifted one talon and climbed up onto the offered forearm.
    â€œThat’s impossible; Harley is a one-man bird,” she declared, astonishment flashing through her.
    â€œDon’t you mean one-woman?”
    Zoe shook her head. “No. Harley belongs to…” She snapped her mouth shut and lifted her arm, but Harley was busy climbing up to the guy’s shoulder.
    â€œWho?”
    She propped her hands on her hips. “Look, I don’t even know your name, so my personal information is none of your business. And letting him stand on your shoulder is a bad idea. He thinks you’re submissive to him.”
    As if such a thing were possible.