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I’m against it, but I feel I have the right to know.” He raised an eyebrow, teasing, and waited.
    I grinned and shook my head in answer.
    “Good.” He spoke with sincerity as he pulled me into a loose embrace.
    “That’s kind of sad, that you’d even think of those possibilities. I mean, isn’t your hotness enough?” He laughed at my teasing. My head lay against his chest, his heartbeat rapid and strong against my ear. His scent filled my nose, heightening my awareness of him. He smelled really good.
    “It’s business.” His chin rested on my head and his hand ran up and down my back in slow strokes. I closed my eyes. The feel of his touch, his skin on mine, made me quiver. I pulled back a little, staring at his chest, aware that my hands had tightened their hold on the front of his shirt. I let go, smoothing the fabric and stepping back. I looked up at him. He seemed content to look at me, his face intent before he took my hand back in his and started to pull me along. “Let’s go.”
    We walked on in silence. I was keenly aware that his eyes came to rest on me now and again, and that his hand was strong and warm around mine. I wasn’t sure what the hell was happening, but I wasn’t going to do anything to risk breaking the magical spell.
    We came around a low rise of hills and were greeted by a huge bonfire and a group of rather boisterous people. I pulled my hand away quickly. He quirked a questioning eyebrow.
    “What is it?
    “You’re going to know people here, aren’t you? I mean…” I fell silent, suddenly uncertain. Didn’t walking in there together, holding hands, imply something? I chewed on my lip and looked at him. Was that a bad thing?
    His hazel eyes searched my face carefully. His hands cupped my face, tilting my chin slightly as he bent to kiss me. I leaned into him, my response immediate. His hand took mine, placing it around his waist. His lips were soft on mine, encouraging, as my lips clung to his. I swayed against him on unsteady legs, my arms tightening as he deepened his kiss.
    I felt his tremor and stared into his eyes, completely shaken by his response. He traced my cheek with his thumb, his voice husky when he said, “I want you.”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    My eyes traveled over his face. His skin was flushed, his eyes hungry. From the angular planes of his face to his sparkling eyes, ruddy complexion, and unruly hair, he was gorgeous. He wanted me? And I wanted him, very much. His thumb brushed across my lower lip, lightly, before he took my hand in his.
    Hand in hand, Josh led me to the group. Victor was there, leaning back on the sand, his head pillowed on his arm and his eyes shut. I didn’t recognize anyone else, so Josh led me to Victor’s side.
    “Be right back.” Josh kissed my hand as I sat, and then went to join the other musicians setting up.
    Victor spoke without opening his eyes. “I thought so.”
    I jumped a little. I thought he was asleep. “Excuse me?”
    “I could tell on the carpet he had his eye on you. He’s been hanging on your every word.” He peeked up at me with a smile. “He’s kind of paparazzi target number one, so be prepared for tomorrow.”
    I looked around a little self-consciously. “Why? Preventing someone from tripping isn’t newsworthy.”
    “The way he looked when he caught you was.” Victor sat up, resting on his elbows. “He has a very expressive face.”
    “I noticed,” I mumbled, more than a little curious to know what Josh had revealed.
    “Besides, he’s the new it boy. The press love trying to find out what’s going on with him. Any news with him is big news.” He watched as Josh picked up his guitar and sat cross-legged on the sand, a pick in his mouth. He was joined by two other guitarists and they began talking amongst themselves.
    I chewed on my lower lip.
    Paparazzi? Josh was a celebrity. It was to be expected. But in my life? That was something else entirely. They could be here now,