“Starland Vocal Band,” Addison whispered as she wrote the answer on their sheet.
“Unbelievable.”
“Not really. My dad’s art gallery is called Beauty and the Beat. I picked up his love of art and music a long time ago. I love everything from classic rock to classical, and for some reason my brain hangs on to trivia. But Dad and I both enjoy obscure bands or songs. He’s always looking for new talent.” Addison grinned. “He’s kind of an old hippie with long hair pulled back in a ponytail, totally the opposite of my mother. But they somehow make it work.”
“My mom and dad are a little bit the same way. They butt heads all the time but still have a strong marriage.” Reid decided not to mention that he was well aware of who her mother was, since she didn’t mention it herself. He guessed she was trying to distance herself from the recent gossip.
“Hard to find that kind of commitment these days,” Addison said, and he wondered if she was talking about her broken engagements.
“Who sang ‘Gonna Fly Now’?” Pete asked the crowed and played a few bars. “I’ll accept two different answers.”
“The theme from Rocky,” Reid said, and looked at Addison. “Yo, Addison, do you know the answer?”
She giggled at his really bad Rocky impression and then frowned, tapping the pencil to her bottom lip, making Reid wish he were the pencil. She had a great mouth, nice shape with a full bottom lip. “Oh . . . um it won an Academy Award, I think.”
“You know that?”
“Yeah, but it’s not the answer to the question. Wait. . . .” She closed her eyes and tilted her head back in thought. Damned if seeing her like that didn’t do funny things to Reid’s gut. She seemed so sweet, so pretty, it was getting difficult to remember that she had a famous mom and ran in circles that Reid would never feel comfortable in. He wondered how long she’d stay in Cricket Creek before getting bored and returning to LA and her jet-set lifestyle. Probably not long. “Oh . . .” She opened her eyes and put her hand on Reid’s forearm. “Bill somebody. Bill . . . Bill Conti! I think. I’m not certain but I’ll write it down.”
“Here’s the last question in this category. Listen closely,” Pete said and played a few bars. “Name the song.”
“‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,’” Reid whispered.
“What?” Her eyes widened. “I . . . um . . . I don’t know.”
“No, I’m sure of this one.”
She arched one eyebrow. “Really? You’re that confident, huh?”
“Yeah, trust me,” Reid said, and then had to hold back a chuckle when he suddenly realized she didn’t know that was the title to the song. “Absolutely positive.”
“Well, aren’t you just so sure of yourself?”
“Not usually, but this time I am. Write it down,” he whispered in her ear.
“Oh, it’s the title to the song,” she sputtered, and quickly wrote it down. She gave his shoulder a playful shove, and he laughed.
“Want another Redneck Sunset?”
“If I have another I might be howling at the moon.”
“Then I’ll be right back with one while we’re in between categories. We just might win this thing.”
Reid returned with another beer and Addison’s martini in time for the next round. He was pretty good at sports trivia and held his own. Addison killed it in the romantic-comedy movie category, and they laughed through the random-question speed round, spitting out answers at each other left and right. They were laughing and breathless at the lightning-fast questions, but he felt as if they did well. Reid couldn’t remember when he’d had this much fun.
“Time to bring me your answers,” Pete boomed into the mic. “We’ll play some music while we tally the scores. But don’t leave, because tonight’s winner will get dinner for two at Wine and Diner and two tickets to a Cricket Creek Cougars baseball game.”
“Nice prize,” Addison commented, just before Shania Twain started crooning “From This Moment On.” “Oh, that song . . . I do think I’ve found my name.”
“Well, then, we should dance,” Reid offered, in spite of his earlier misgivings at getting involved with her. Suddenly everything ceased to matter except for having her in his arms.
“That would be nice.” She smiled shyly at Reid and he found his hand reaching out to hers. He led her to the dance floor in front of the stage where live bands played on the weekends. Other couples were heading to the dance floor too. He pulled her close, holding one small delicate hand in his and swayed to the music.
Addison was of average height and in heels fit just right for a slow dance. He inhaled her sweet floral scent laced with something sensual just beneath the surface. When her hair brushed against his cheek it felt as soft as he’d imagined. Reid couldn’t remember the last time he’d danced with a woman, most likely at a wedding, and he’d forgotten how intimate and sexy it felt, especially with someone he was already attracted to. The palm of his hand rested against her back. He could feel the warmth of her skin beneath the soft, stretchy fabric, and when he pulled her slightly closer she didn’t resist. A delicate, feminine quality about her brought out a protective instinct that came out of nowhere. And yet he sensed strength, determination, and so when the song ended and he suddenly felt her breath hitch, he was confused. Pulling back he looked into her brown eyes and noticed the sheen of unshed tears.
“Are you okay?”
She pressed her lips together and gave him a jerky nod. “I think I need a breath of fresh air.”
Reid nodded and led her toward the back door that opened to a deck overlooking the river. It was popular during the summer, but the cool nights kept people inside and tonight was no exception. “Is something wrong, Addison? Did I do something to upset you?”
She swallowed hard and cleared her throat. “No, the song . . . just . . . got to me.”
“Somebody from your past?” he asked, trying to ignore the disappointment that she might still care for someone.
Addison lifted one shoulder slightly and stared out over the river. “In a way, yes.” She frowned and then shook her head. “I’m sorry, Reid. I was having a wonderful time. We should go back in there. I just had a little pity party. Stupid. I blame it on the three Redneck Sunsets.” She tried to smile but it wobbled at the corners. “It’s so pretty out here. Just look at the moon . . .” she said, and Reid knew it was an attempt to change the subject.
Reid wasn’t having it. He stepped closer. “I’m so sorry. I would never have played that song if I’d known it was going to upset you.”
She put a hand on his chest and then pulled it back as if she’d touched something too hot. “No, it’s not your fault. I guess I just wonder . . . No, never mind.” She looked down at the ground.
Reid tilted her chin up. “Wonder what?”
She hesitated. “If my moment will ever come,” she answered so softly that he barely heard her. Then, without really thinking, he dipped his head and kissed her.
The gentle touch of his mouth on hers was meant to soothe, but instead of pulling back like he’d intended, Reid pulled her closer. When her lips parted he deepened the kiss, threading his fingers in her amazing hair. She clung to his shoulders and kissed him back. Her lips were soft, compliant, and the gentle tangle of their tongues was sultry, a slowly building heat that promised so much more.
And he wanted it. Wanted her.
Reid licked her full bottom lip, nibbled at it, and then captured her mouth for more. The cool breeze blew her hair forward around their faces, as if hiding their intimate kiss from the world. He felt her relax, melt against him, as if giving in to something she didn’t want but couldn’t resist. Reid knew the feeling.