Serendipity by Carly Phillips Page B

mind.
    â€œI don’t usually get into karaoke,” she said. “Or shots of vodka.”
    â€œI wouldn’t think so, princess, or you wouldn’t be feeling the effects so strongly.”
    She loved how he used that word, the way it rolled off his tongue like an endearment. Not that she’d ever admit as much to him.
    â€œYou’re right about that. I’m definitely feeling something.” Because his hand not only still held her arm, but he ran his thumb back and forth over her skin. But she wasn’t complaining. She liked his touch way too much.
    â€œReady to call it a night?” he asked.
    â€œThat’s probably a good idea. I just need to say good night to Kate and then I’ll go up to my place. Kinda convenient that I live right upstairs.” She took a few steps and realized she wasn’t steady on her feet. She made a mental note to buy herself a pair of flat shoes. Damn Carter and his insistence she wear high heels, anyway.
    But Ethan’s hand was still there, keeping her upright, and she was grateful. “Thanks,” she said to him. “But I’m sure I can manage this.”
    â€œI doubt that.” His low laugh rumbled in her ear. “Come on. I’ll take you on up myself.”
    Before she could argue, he wrapped his arm around her waist, and she no longer wanted to fight him. He pulled her close, his hard body aligning with hers.
    She closed her eyes for a second and inhaled deeply, taking in the scent she knew would arouse her for a long time to come. “You smell good,” she murmured.
    â€œYou smell better.” His gruff voice brought her out of her daydream and she realized she’d spoken out loud.
    He pulled her tighter against him.
    Oh man.
    They reached Kate’s table and she leaned over to whisper in her friend’s ear. “I’ve had way too much to drink so I’m going upstairs before I get in trouble.”
    Kate glanced from Faith to Ethan, who waited beside her. “Oh, honey, I think you already found trouble,” Kate said softly.
    Faith giggled again. “He found me.”
    â€œAre you sure you know what you’re doing?” Kate asked, concern in her voice.
    Faith nodded. “I’m just going upstairs to sleep.”
    Kate eyed Ethan warily as she spoke, then crooked a finger telling Faith to lean in closer.
    Faith complied.
    â€œMake sure that sleep is all you do. Because when you do have sex with the man, you want to make sure you’re sober enough to remember every second!” Kate whispered.
    Faith felt sure she was blushing, but she was so hot and bothered she couldn’t be sure. “I told you I’m not ready for anything with any man.” Even one who smelled like musk and made her want . . . everything.
    Kate narrowed her gaze. “Well, he sure looks primed and ready to me, so be careful.”
    Faith hugged her best friend tight and rose.
    Ethan had his hand around her before she could wobble or fall. Something told her she wouldn’t be as comfortable with this situation if she were sober, but that same voice admitted she was glad she wasn’t. With a little alcohol in her, she felt freer to be the self she normally would have kept in check.
    â€œSee you later,” Faith said to Kate and the rest of the women at the table.
    All, including Lissa, stared at Faith and Ethan, dumbstruck. Not just because he was back in town, showing his face, but also because he had his arm around Faith’s waist.
    Yep, she was going to have some serious regrets come morning. She looked into Ethan’s eyes and realized morning was many, many hours away.
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    You smell good. Ethan nearly groaned just remembering her arousal-laden words, and there was only so much a man could take. Even now, she tortured him. He walked behind Faith, up the stairs leading to her apartment, his hand on her waist to steady her. And she needed steadying. Between the high heels