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Adam wondered how he managed to do just that. Smile and dance Salsa like he really gave a damn. He didn’t care an ounce for Salsa dancing. Now the woman he was dancing with, he cared a great deal about getting to know her better.

Earlier he’d switched partners, and found himself shuffling around with various other women. But his thoughts had stayed with Christy, and it wasn’t long before she returned to his arms.

She was what his dad would refer to as enchanting. With her laugh, her subtle flirting, and how absolutely gorgeous she was. Those wide blue eyes and pale blonde hair. And the smattering of freckles on her nose made him want to kiss the upturned tip.

She was a little more petite than most of the women he’d dated. She was almost tiny, by his standards. But she was rounded in all the right places and had breasts that would be a perfect fit for his hands. And, Lord, that gently rounded ass she’d displayed to him when she did her flirty turns in the dance.

“Almost done,” she whispered as they came inches away from each other. “Can you last for a few more minutes?”

Every time they came in close contact, he could smell her perfume. She smelled sweet, almost edible.

“Darlin’, I can go all night.”

Christy winced, her expression turning wry. “I suppose I set myself up for that one.”

“I suppose you did,” he agreed with a smile. “You going to let me take you out for dinner after this?”

“Dinner?” She raised an eyebrow. “It’s nearly eight o’clock. I ate before I came.”

Adam wasn’t deterred. He didn’t want this night to end when class did. “How about a snack before bed?”

Her eyelashes fell, hiding her expression. “I…I have to get up early in the morning. I’d better not.”

The disappointment stung. What was going on with her? Had she just been stringing him along? Was she playing hard to get? That didn’t seem right. She’d seemed interested in him—he’d seen her response in the coffee shop this morning. The way her nipples had gone hard under her sweater. The blood flowed to his crotch at the memory of it, and he abruptly turned his thoughts back to what might have spooked her.

Maybe she just wasn’t experienced with men. But she’d certainly flirted like she was. Maybe he’d just been too forward. That seemed a little more likely.

The song ended. Christy released his hands to step away from him.

“Congratulations.” She raised her voice to address the class. “You’ve just completed your first Salsa lesson. I’ll see you all tomorrow night.”

Adam stood there. Should he cut his losses and leave? Or try to talk to her more? Christy had already crossed the room and picked up a hand towel from the bench, using it to wipe over her face, which was amusing, since she hadn’t even broken a sweat.

He stopped hesitating and walked over to her. She looked up, seeming surprised that he was still here.

“Did you have fun?” Her question and tone were equally polite.

“It was interesting,” he compromised. “I’m sure I’ll pick up more tomorrow night.”

“You’re coming back?” she asked, and then her cheeks tinged pink. “I mean, I think you should. They’re week-long classes. I just wasn’t sure you’d want to.”

“When I start something, I finish it,” he promised, enjoying watching the flush in her cheeks deepen.

Christy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He’d noticed she did that when she was nervous or embarrassed.

“All right, well I’d better head out.” She slipped a bag over her shoulder and waved goodbye to Carlos who was locking up.

Adam kept pace with her as she walked out the door. “Let me see you to your car.”

“Thanks, that’s sweet of you.” She cast him a sideways look. “Do you have a long drive home?”

“I’m not from Seattle. I’m just in town for the week.”

Disappointment flashed across her face before she could turn away to hide it. Hmm, so she wasn’t looking for a one-night stand. Then again, neither was he. Not with her. She intrigued him like no woman had before. One night with Christy would be like watching half of the Super Bowl.

“But I have a lot of business here. I come back often.”

Her smile seemed a bit forced now. “Well, you picked a good week to visit. Now you get to be one of my students.”

“It’s been a long time since I was a student,” he admitted and stopped when she reached her car. “But I’m mighty glad you’re my instructor, Christy.”

“Why is that?”

The sudden huskiness in her voice was a good indication that she wasn’t immune to him. Despite his decision not to rush her, he was going to touch her. At least once.

“Because you’re every man’s fantasy teacher,” he said with a laugh. “And I’m going to kiss you now. If you don’t mind.”

Her lips parted in surprise, and before she could answer, he lowered his mouth to hers.

Her soft lips sent a stab of desire through him, which only increased when he slipped his tongue through the seam of her lips.

She tried to wrap her arms around his neck, but wasn’t tall enough. He laughed when her fingernails instead clutched at the top of his shoulders. She was so small, yet so lush. He settled his hands on her hips to pull her closer. Her nipples were hard, he could feel them brushing against his chest.

Adam stroked his tongue against hers a few more times, and then retreated. Slowing the kiss to just small brushes of his mouth over hers. He didn’t want to spook her anymore than he already had earlier. When he finally lifted his head, her eyes were closed.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night, okay?” He drew the pad of his thumb over her swollen lips.

“Okay,” she murmured, and opened her eyes to look up at him.

Her blue gaze was hazy with arousal, and his confidence surged. There was no doubt about it. She might have gone all shy for a moment, but she still wanted him.