“What?” Patrick laughed. “That’s the worst age ever!”
Elaine joined him in laughter. “They’re just a misunderstood bunch. All raging hormones. But they want to be loved and accepted just like everyone else.”
I could feel Derek’s intense gaze on me, and I didn’t dare look at him. Instead I faced Patrick, a far less intimidating table mate. “So you work in internet security?”
Patrick’s hazel eyes twinkled. “That’s right, and don’t worry. We’ve already done complete background checks on both you lovely ladies.”
My throat tightened, but Elaine laughed loudly. “Liar! You don’t even know our last names.”
“You got me,” he smiled, taking a drink of cava. “But I will after tonight.”
“Maybe I’ll keep you guessing,” she said.
Their easy banter was making my head hurt. Especially in view of Derek’s continued silence. I took another drink, finishing my glass.
“So if all the bad guys are virtual now, why are you two so buff?” Elaine said, touching Patrick’s biceps lightly. “I’m pretty sure Derek’s arm is the size of my thigh!”
My eyes flickered to his upper arm, and I remembered how easily he lifted me against him, as if I weighed no more than a doll. My cheeks heated at the memory.
“Occasionally Big D has to use intimidation tactics,” Patrick said as if revealing an insider secret.
“Big D?” Elaine’s nose wrinkled.
I could hear the smile in Derek’s low voice. “It’s a joke.”
The pressure was too much. I stood, placing my napkin beside my empty plate and now-empty cava flute. “Excuse me,” I said softly.
Elaine frowned up at me. “Mel? Are you okay?”
She started to rise, but I held out my hand. “Please stay. I just… I need to go. I’ll have dinner in the room.”
“But you don’t have a key!”
“I’ll get one from the front desk. Please… just stay.” I turned and hastened to the restaurant exit.
Elaine spoke again, and the low sound of male voices joined hers, but I didn’t stop. My heart was flying, and I was out the door, fast-walking through the convention center hall in less than a minute.
I’d intended to exit the way we’d come in, but somehow, I’d gotten turned around. Now I was headed in the direction of the small bar from our very first night. Between me and it were three signs for men, women, and the large “family” bathroom. I paused, trying to remember the quickest way back to the spa side of the resort. Just then, I felt a presence approaching quickly. I started to go, but Derek’s voice stopped me.
“Wait,” he said, touching my arm.
I turned so abruptly, he bumped into me, catching me in his strong embrace, his familiar woodsy scent all around me. “Oh,” I said, clutching his solid arms, looking up into his intense blue eyes. Energy rushed through me so hard, I was sure he could see it. I almost felt like I could see it reflected in his own eyes.
“Here,” he said glancing around quickly before pulling me into the family bathroom.
I only had a moment to observe how very clean it was before he had me against the wall, pinned by his huge physique.
“You never came.” His voice was a low, husky whisper. “I waited all night.”
My hands rested on his chest, and heat flamed through me with every heartbeat. My eyes traveled up, up, up to his. They were darkened now, and I was certain he was thinking the same thing as me. He remembered how fantastically our bodies came together two nights ago. I barely registered him reaching out to lock the door.
“I’m sorry,” was all I could say.
“When you walked in the restaurant tonight… god, you’re so beautiful.” He spoke against my skin as his lips pressed into my brow, his beard roughing my closed eyelids. “Are you feeling bad?”
“No,” I managed to say despite the heat surging through me as his lips moved to my temple. “I… didn’t think I could eat.”