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Alexis pulled back and gulped breaths of air as she stared at CeCe. How does she do this to me? She can turn me into a raging inferno with one touch!

“I thought you wanted to slow dance with me and sneak your hand under my dress?” CeCe cooed softly. She ran her thumb under Alexis's lower lip.

“Do you see what you do to me?” Alexis asked shakily.

CeCe tilted her head and grinned. “Oh, no you don’t. It’s not me. It’s that heart of yours coming out of the deep freeze.”

A bark of laughter escaped Alexis's lips. “Oh, my God. I think you’ve made me swoon.”

CeCe laughed with her. “Take me dancing, Lex. We’ve got the whole night ahead of us.”

They changed for dinner and the party then walked the short distance back to the restaurant. There were two cars in the parking lot and Alexis thought she could just hear the sounds of music coming from inside.

Alexis remembered what CeCe had said earlier about the women at Lovers Landing being Alexis's people. At the time she hadn’t understood what CeCe meant, but now she knew that CeCe didn’t see herself on the same level as Krista and her friends. Alexis smiled and couldn’t wait to show CeCe that she not only fit in, but these were her people as well.

* * *

“What’s that sweet little smile about?” CeCe asked as Alexis held the restaurant door open for her.

“I’m about to walk into a room full of incredible women, but the most amazing woman of all is walking in with me.” Alexis beamed.

CeCe smiled and stopped in front of Alexis. “And this amazing woman is also leaving with you.” She sealed her statement with a quick kiss on Alexis's lips and wiped a smudge of lipstick away with her thumb. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are, Alexis?” she said, staring into Alexis's eyes. Her stomach did a little flip as she watched Alexis smile at her. “I can’t wait to get you back to that cabin.”

Alexis gave her a wink and CeCe walked through the door. “Fuck me,” she said on an exhaled breath. She could hear Alexis chuckle behind her.

“Hey! There they are!” Melanie exclaimed as CeCe and Alexis walked into the restaurant.

“Over here!” Krista called to them from the bar. “You have to get a drink first.”

CeCe felt Alexis slide her hand into hers and was surprised at the feeling that washed over her. She’d held Alexis's hand before, but the sweetness of the moment and the feeling of togetherness eased the nervous butterflies in her stomach. Yes, she was a little nervous even though she’d met and been to a party with everyone there before, except for Alexis.

While CeCe was getting dressed she’d thought about what Alexis had shared earlier about being married. It really hurt her to know someone had broken Alexis's heart like that, so much so that she hadn’t taken a chance on love since. Maybe CeCe could at least show her what an amazing woman she is. Love? Time would tell, but definitely a lot of like.

“I brought an excellent bottle of wine,” Tara said, walking up to the bar next to CeCe and Alexis. “It’s so nice to see you both again.” Tara glanced down at their joined hands and smiled. “Alexis, I hope you realize how talented this beautiful woman is.”

CeCe watched as Alexis gave Tara a measured smile. “Believe me, I do know what an amazing woman CeCe is.” She turned to CeCe and continued. “And I can't believe I’m lucky enough to spend time with her.”

Tara nodded. “I don’t know you very well yet,” she said to Alexis, “but I do believe you.”

“Ladies, ladies. What is all this fuss over little ol’ me?” CeCe said with a sly smile, secretly loving every second of this.

Tara laughed. “Hold onto this one, Alexis.”

“Oh, Tara. No one holds onto CeCe Sloan unless she allows it. Right, babe?” Alexis said, with a grin.

CeCe chuckled. “You know the right things to say,” she said to Alexis with a wink.

“Okay, if y’all are through with all this good-natured flirting, how about a drink?” Krista asked again.

“I’d love a glass of Tara’s wine,” CeCe said. “I know she has good taste because my sister supplies her spirits.”

“I’ll have the same,” Alexis said.

“Tara, I appreciate your compliments, but don’t forget what Alexis's skillful hands did for Krista this week,” CeCe said.

“Oh, I’m sure Alexis's hands are quite skillful,” Tara said with a roguish look.

“Let’s all agree this room is full of exceptional women,” Melanie said from the table where she, Lauren, Julia, and Heidi sat. “Now come over here and join us.”