“What if this guy could love you? What if he’s not like Harry? You passed him by.” Kelly turned Danya around. “You had the balls to speak to him and have a dance. Harness those balls and give this guy a shot.”

“Mason,” she mumbled. His name sounded good on her lips. He looked like a Mason. He also struck her as exotic but approachable.

“Who?”

“His name is Mason.” She’d spoken to him when she’d thought she had no chance. Before she could cross the room, he and Michelle joined her and Kelly.

Michelle grinned. She leaned into him and tipped her chin. Danya suppressed a groan. The woman didn’t have to be so smug. She’d been friends with Michelle since the third grade, and Michelle never ceased to remind Danya she was the top dog. Danya was the designated unpretty friend.

“Ladies, this is Mason,” Michelle said. “He’s new-ish in town.”

Kelly rested her hands on her hips. “Michelle, aren’t you supposed to be meeting Craig here tonight?”

“We split,” Michelle snapped. “I want to introduce you to Mason.” She turned to him. “You’ve met Danya, and this is Kelly. She’s married.”

“Or she just enjoys sporting big-ass diamonds to ward off approaching men,” Danya muttered.

Kelly snorted. “Justin will love that when I tell him. He spent two grand on a diamond that’s just there to ward off men. Nice.” She stuck out her right hand to Mason. “It’s nice to meet you.” She turned back to Michelle. “Craig texted me and said he’s on his way.”

“Kelly.” Michelle glared at her. “A word?”

Danya stifled a chuckle. Kelly always knew when to stand up to bullies. While Kelly and Michelle went outside to discuss Kelly’s comments, Mason remained with Danya.

“She’s pissed,” Mason said.

“That’s nothing. You’ve never seen her when she’s truly upset. Hell hath no fury like a Michelle annoyed.” Danya shrugged. “She thinks all men are at her disposal.”

“Then it’s a good thing she’s got a boyfriend—I think. I kind of feel bad for him.” Mason bumped shoulders with her. “Makes asking you out a lot easier, though. I meant what I said, and I liked our dance. Want to dance again?” He didn’t give her a chance to argue. He tugged her to the dance floor a second time. “Nice dodge, though.” He half-grinned. “I’d think you were trying to palm me off.”

“No.” Oh God. Ignoring her hadn’t been his intention. “I not good at palming anyone off or having much courage, but if I were at my job, I’d be able to say what I needed to say without a problem. When I’m in the wild, I’m horrible.”

“You seem fine to me.” He held her close once again. “You seem pretty great.”

She tipped her head to the side to look at him. His eyes flashed, then he captured her mouth in a kiss. Electricity shot from her head to her toes. She pressed against him. She’d never been kissed so deeply. Sparks centered in her pussy. He threaded his fingers into her hair and held her tight without crushing her. When he broke the connection, her knees quaked. She sagged into him.

“Damn.” He smiled. “Better than I thought.”

She wanted to say something snappy, but the words weren’t there. Instead, she settled for honesty. “For me, too.”

She draped her arms around his neck. She didn’t want to leave the dance floor or for the night to end. She could almost hear Kelly encouraging her to leave with him and live a little. He hadn’t asked her to go home with him, but the better part of her wanted that to happen.

“I can’t offer you forever, but I want to give you tonight,” he said. He kissed her again then cupped her jaw in both hands. “Very much so.”

“Who needs forever when one night can be everything?”