Renegade Moon (CupidKey) by Karen E. Rigley, Ann M. House Page B

unaware that Martin heard her.
    “Please excuse my brother. Sometimes he’s less than charming.”
    Silently, she followed Martin’s graceful dance style. He moved with more flair than Eric, but didn’t possess the magic sensuality Destiny found so irresistible.
    “Have you known Eric long?” Martin asked.
    “Not long,” she replied, hushing an inner voice that insisted forever.
    “I suppose Eric’s never mentioned me at all.”
    “Why don’t you tell me?”
    “Let’s see. I’m single, in good health, going on thirty-six years old. That’s seventeen months older than Eric. We’re actually adoptive brothers.”
    “I admit Eric did tell me he has a brother and a sister. But no details.”
    “Eric doesn’t talk much.” He cocked his head, watching Destiny. “Would you care to join me for a picnic tomorrow? I have to go back tomorrow afternoon, and I’d rather leave after our picnic lunch.”
    “Go back? To where?” Destiny responded, postponing her answer about the picnic.
    “The Double Bar-M. Near Johnson City in the Texas Hill Country. Now, about the picnic?”
    Destiny realized she wanted to go. Why not? She might get some good photos. “What time?”
    “Eleven. I’ll provide the food. Where are you staying?”
    “Let me meet you. All my stuff is in my car.” He shot her a puzzled glance and she added, “My photography equipment. Where shall we go?”
    “I know a spot on the creek. Shall we meet here in Wes’s parking lot?”
    She nodded. The music ended and they returned to the table. Iris was talking to Lee while Eric stood a few feet away, conversing with a fellow as wide as a grizzly.
    Destiny covertly studied Iris. The woman certainly received a goodly portion of attention, probably expected by such a striking female. Yet Destiny sensed something curried about much of it, as though it would be the same even if Iris were unattractive. Is this what rich people complained about? Never knowing whether they were liked for themselves or their money?
    Martin and Lee left to fetch another round of drinks. From his glazed expression, Destiny guessed Lee had indulged in several drinks while she had danced with the Montoya brothers. She’d never even thought about Lee’s possible drinking habits. She had a dismayed feeling she’d regret coming with him before the night ended.
    Lee returned to the table. “Dance with me, Destiny.” He swigged from his drink. “You danced with both these guys, now you owe me one,” he stated, reaching for her hand.
    “And it’s your turn to dance with me, Eric,” Iris breathed seductively, bending slightly to display her cleavage as if offering him a dessert. Her rose-tinted lips parted in invitation.
    “Okay, come on,” Eric replied in a manner offhanded enough to please Destiny. Still, as Iris moved close into Eric’s arms, she had to turn away, wishing that Iris would trip on those stiletto heels. And fall ungracefully flat on her fanny.
    Lee and Destiny danced to a country-rock number, then the music slowed and he took her into his arms. She didn’t like his style of dancing, made even more difficult to follow by his numerous Margaritas. However, he didn’t seem to notice as he pulled her around the floor, humming off-key in her ear. She couldn’t help but compare her distaste dancing with Lee to the sweet sensation of being held in Eric’s arms. But then, no other man compared to Eric, to the wordless bond that wrapped around them, reached toward each other, when they were near. The way he’d looked at her when they were dancing, as if he knew exactly what her thoughts were. She knew she hadn’t imagined that. Yet when Martin cut in, he’d walked away without a word.
    Wrapped in her musings about Eric, she almost forgot she was dancing with Lee until she sensed that ‘somebody staring’ sensation. She glanced around to see the same pale-eyed Nazi who had watched her earlier in the day at the restaurant. His bald gorilla sat beside him