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"I think I can already feel the bubbles going up to my head."
"Want to sit down?" he asked, pointing to a bench.
"Yeah, let's do that," I said. "Just for a few minutes."
He put a hand at the small of my back, leading me to the bench. The contact instantly made my skin simmer. I was so sensitive ever since our dance, and the champagne wasn't helping. Once we sat down, he took his hand away, and we just watched the waves.
"You know what would be perfect now?" I asked.
"What?"
"A firepit, and s'mores too," I said as I peeked at him. It was semi-dark here because there was quite a distance back to the hotel.
"I never learned how to make smores," Chase admitted.
"That can't possibly be true. Everyone knows how to do that. It's one of the finest pleasures in life. And the art of roasting the perfect treat is a valuable skill. I love s'mores. All that gooey chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker goodness," I said, humming. "I think we should go back. I need some water. My head is starting to spin."
Chase chuckled as he finished off his champagne. "You didn't eat?"
"Honestly, I was a bit nervous, so I barely touched any food."
"Then let's go back," he said. He reached out to help me up, but I rose to my feet faster, and then I somehow managed to catch my heel between two wooden boards. I lost my balance, and Chase put a strong arm around my back, lifting me up and holding me against him.
I pinched my eyes closed, and when I opened them, I realized how close he was. His lips were practically on my cheek, and I wanted to kiss him right there.
"Damn it, why can't I unsee your dance moves?" I asked. Worse, I couldn't unfeel his body against mine, especially now that he was holding me against him.
He laughed. "What?"
"You were so damn sexy, and you weren't even trying." I gasped, realizing I'd said the last part out loud.
Then Chase's mouth was on mine. He kissed me deeply and wildly. My entire body hummed. I couldn't get enough of feeling his lips against mine, his hand pressing into my back. I groaned, lacing my arms around his neck, pulling him even deeper. I ran my fingers through his hair. His smell was addictive; I had to know what it was.
With a groan, I pulled back, and the world around us came into focus again, making me realize just who I was kissing. This was Chase Sterling, Josh's best friend and best man, and proclaimed marriage skeptic.
"Hannah," he whispered, raking a hand through his hair.
I took a step back. "Chase!” Even though we were surrounded by darkness, I could feel his eyes on me. "I didn't mean to.... I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything." His voice was low and gruff, and it was so damn delicious that it was messing with my mind.
Just then, we heard someone calling my name. It sounded like Josh.
"Crap, I think they need us," I said. “I hope nothing went wrong.”
"After you." He pointed ahead, and I walked with hurried steps, careful not to catch my heel again.
"There you are," Josh said when we arrived back at the gazebo. "Where were you?"
"We needed a bit of air," Chase explained.
"We need you for pictures."
"Sure," I said, quickly heading straight to the photographer—and I felt Chase watch my every step.
Chapter Five
Chase