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The evening had been going so well until now Good wine, a herself Even Derek appeared to get over his initial annoyance over her attire and had started sht Throw in a serously irresistibleher constantly how close he sat, how little she’d have toin his lap

Then the slideshow started and everything ceased to exist around her The past blurred everything out, threatening to expose her as an imposter in this room full of rich people

When the lights ca in her clutch so no one would notice her puffy eyes He suddenly stood behind her, pulling her chair back

“Come on Dance with me”

Grateful for the chance to escape their table, Ginger didn’t dwell on her surprise over Derek’s invitation Standing, she took his hand once more and let him lead her out onto the floor where several other couples danced to a soft instru an open spot, he pulled her into his arms

A sigh escaped Ginger before she could stop it Her body fit perfectly against his in her heels, bringing her head just under his chin The expensive aftershave scent eh to taste They’d never stood this close to each other before without so between the, breathing thing

To distract herself from those memories, she counted his flaws Stubble appeared on his jawHis dark hair was cut too short, giving a woers into if the mood struck her

Aw hell, as she kidding? TheAs they swayed to thejust above her ass, sending a e to every otherher naked tonight It infuriated her It turned her on so crazily, she could hardly focus on the dance

“I’m sorry”

She tipped her head back to meet his eyes “What are you sorry about?”

His gaze penetrated hers “You were upset during the slideshow I’m sorry”

Ginger atte of her heart, but didn’t think she succeeded She wished Derek hadn’t reuess I was just thinking about soram like this back in Nashville” She paused “Even if it is just a recruituise”

Derek’s face registered surprise “Picked up on that, did you?”

She shrugged, casting a glance over at their table where several detectives were still seated “You see to be their lieutenant How did that happen?”

Apart fro underneath her hands, his demeanor stayed the same “It’s not a very pleasant story”

“Okay You don’t have to tell me”

The hand riding just below her waist pulled her even closer “New Year’s Eve three years ago, there was a hostage situation involving a Lithuanian er from so I’d just made detective, and my partner at the tieneration irants and he happens to be the only man in the department with that particular skill”

His hand skian stroking her neck gently Ginger struggled to focus on his soothingly deep voice as he continued the story

“Kenny translated for the hostage negotiator and they see hies tried to escape and was shot and killed for his efforts The whole operation went to hell, the perp aware that his new status asready to send in a SWAT tea’s layout, he would probably have seen it co and shot more people before they could stop him”