“Ah, you were interested.”
No, she would not blush. “Like you said. It’s for charity. So I’m reconsidering.”
“Are you, now?” The smile that curved his mouth now was the very essence of naughtiness. “How about you ask me nicely then?”
Judith blinked, a shivery feeling moving through her. “Excuse me?”
“I said ask me nicely.”
“Or what?”
The hand on her hip moved, fingers pressing gently through the silk. “Or we continue to dance for as long as I want.”
The shivery feeling intensified, the liquid heat pooling in the pit of her stomach. He’d moved even closer, so close they were almost touching. Judith forced herself to ignore the inconvenient physical feelings. Wow, was she that easy to read? Not liking the thought one little bit, she gave him another saccharine smile. “Hey, I’ve got no problem dancing with you. However, since you insist, please tell me about your wonderful, special idea. Pretty please with sprinkles on top.”
Caleb’s grin was revoltingly self-satisfied, as if he knew exactly how discomforted she was by him. “Hmmm. I think that was a bit too nice. Less sprinkles and more smiles.”
“Caleb, I swear to God—”
“Okay, okay. Keep your hair on, sweetheart.” He turned them in time to the music, narrowly avoiding another couple. “So, did Joseph tell you about the Save a Life charity?”
“I know he’s their spokesman.”
“Yeah, well, we’ve been tossing around an idea for a fundraiser for them.”
“The calendar?” She tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice, she really did.
“Yes, the calendar.” The look on Caleb’s face told her how unsuccessful she’d been. “And no, not a pornographic version, whatever you’re thinking. It’s supposed to feature people who are successful. People who have had major disadvantages to overcome.”
Against her will, a flicker of interest stirred. Actually, that sounded almost…thoughtful. Not like Caleb at all. “And it’s a sexy calendar, right?”
He lifted a brow. “You’ve got a real problem with that, haven’t you?”
“So? It’s just not very original.”
“Sex sells, babycakes. Don’t knock it till you try it.”
This time nothing was going to stop the tide of red that insisted on washing over her neck and face, and she turned her head, glancing away over the rest of the ballroom so she wouldn’t have to look at him, praying hard he wouldn’t notice. Damn, now was not the time to be getting all weirdly sensitive about her sex life—or rather, her lack of it.
“Hmmm, Jude,” he murmured, “you’ve become rather pink. Any particular reason?”
His breath brushed her neck near her ear and physical awareness poured over her. Of the way he held her, the sensual heat of his body up against hers. The lean power of him. The scent of his aftershave…
That one night in his arms, his hands on her, touching her gently. Stroking her. It had felt so good, so right. He’d been careful with her. Tender. As if he’d been as amazed by the rightness of it as she had…
Abruptly Judith pulled out of his arms like a cat off a hot stove-top. “No, no reason at all,” she said, her voice breathy. “Look, why don’t you flick me a text with the details. I’ll think about it and get back to you. Perhaps we could meet up at some point to discuss.” She was babbling like a loon but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. “Okay? Yes? Great.”
Caleb was staring at her in surprise. “Jude? What’s the matter?”
The other people on the dance floor continued to move around them in time to the music, some turning to look curiously at them.
“Nothing. I’m fine.” Her hands were moving on her dress, touching her hair, smoothing, controlling. “Everything’s okay. Just have to go do some…uh, wedding photography stuff. Text me, okay?”
“Jude?”
What the hell was she doing? She was over this. Years and years over this. Over him.
Right?
Right?
“It’s fine, Caleb.” She began to back away. “I just…um…have to get some pics of the laser thing. I’ll talk to you later.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but already she was turning, walking quickly through the crowd. Getting away from him. Because she wouldn’t allow herself to be drawn in a second time.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
There would be no twice. Not if she could help it.
Chapter Two
Mike, Caleb’s agent, was saying something important, and Caleb knew he should be listening, but he couldn’t seem to concentrate. He was too busy thinking about Judith Ashton.