ended and a faster one began, but Carly and Zev continued slow dancing.
Quinn and Birdie breezed onto the dance floor, and Birdie said, “Hey, snuggle bunnies. We convinced the guys to dance with us.”
Dare gyrated his hips and rocked his shoulders, dirty dancing his way over to the girls, showing off his awesome dance moves. “Come on, Braden. You’ve got to keep up.”
“Told you he had moves,” Quinn said.
Cutter looked quizzically at Carly and Zev slow dancing and said, “Dude, can you even hear the beat?”
“At least do the country two-step,” Cowboy added.
“It’s called romance, you goofs. You should be taking notes.” Quinn grabbed them both by the wrists and dragged them away.
Zev chuckled as the others began dancing in sync with some kind of fancy footwork. The guys would probably always harass him, but they had essentially given him their blessing earlier in the night. Not that Zev needed it, but for Carly’s sake he was glad they approved.
As he gazed into her eyes, other things became crystal clear. “Remember when I said that the universe chose now to bring us back together?” She nodded, and he said, “I think I figured out why I needed you so badly.”
“Why?” Her eyes glittered with anticipation.
“Because I’m the guy who isn’t afraid to die but is terrified of losing the people I love. I thought if I put distance between us, and between me and my family, I could disconnect enough that if something terrible were to happen to any of you, it would be easier to deal with.”
“Zevy,” she said, full of emotion. “That’s the saddest thing I’ve heard in a long time. We were so close, and you and your family were, too. You gave up so much.”
“I see that now. I needed to see you, Carls, to feel the thunder in my chest and the intensity of my love for you in order to realize that love doesn’t work that way. If we hadn’t reconnected and something had happened, it still would have killed me. And I think I needed to spend time with you and your friends to remember that I enjoy connecting with people as much as I enjoy disappearing into adventures. I’ve been so busy running from our past, from the hurt I caused you and my family, I’d forgotten how valuable love and friendships are. I needed you to teach me what you learned years ago—that I should be spending time with the people I care about before it’s too late.”
“Oh, Zev,” she said softly. “I think you might be right.”
“I know I am. I always thought I was brave for the risks I took, but you’re the brave one, Carls. You never let Tory’s death stop you from forming relationships with other people. You’ve forged on, put down roots, and built a life, while I’ve lost out on years with everyone I care about.”
“You’ve built a life, too, Zev. You’ve done things most men could never do.”
“Professionally, yes. But I’ve done everything I could not to put down roots.” He slid his hand to the nape of her neck, brushing his thumb over her warm skin, and said, “I am so lucky you’re willing to give me a second chance.”
“After the way I left you in Mexico, I’m just as lucky.”
He lowered his lips to hers, and from the moment their mouths connected, he sensed a difference. She had kissed him eagerly every time since they’d reconnected, but this was more purposeful, possessive. Like she was opening up to them even more, believing in them. He crushed her to him, taking the kiss deeper, wanting to live in that moment until they reached the next level, the one where she let go of all her doubts.
“Now, that’s a kiss!” Birdie cheered.
“Dude, let her up for air,” Cutter hollered.
“Jealous, Cutter?” Quinn said. “Let them have their fun.”
As their lips parted, lust simmered in Carly’s eyes. Zev pressed a kiss beside her ear and said, “How about I take you back to the inn and show you just how grateful I am?”
Chapter Fifteen
CARLY’S BODY WAS on fire as they stumbled through the front door of the inn, kissing and groping. She was vaguely aware of Bandit darting past them to get outside. Zev had started to show her how grateful he was at every red light as they drove through town on their way back to the inn. And on the ride up the mountain she’d shown him how grateful she was with her hands