Artist's Dream by Gerri Hill Page A

only a hint of teasing.
    Cassie nodded. “More than enough,” she whispered painfully. “And I’ve got to pee.”
    Luke grinned and stood, holding out her hand, offering it to Cass ie. Cassie stared at it, wondering again how it could look so strong and soft at the same time. She finally took the offered hand and let Luke pull her to her feet. She was dizzy from her touch and the wine and would have fallen if Luke had not grabbed her with both hands. They rested lightly at Cassie’s waist and Cassie gripped Luke’s strong forearms hard.
    “I’m not used to drinking this much,” she murmured.
    “It’s okay,” Luke assured her. “I’ve got you.”
    “Yes, that’s what I’m afraid of,” Cassie whispered.
    Luke laughed softly, the laugh that Cassie was growing to love, and then lifted up one corner of her mouth. “Now, don’t tell me you’re afraid of me.” She pulled Cassie closer, the hands at her waist tightening. Her breath whispered in Cassie’s ear and Cassie felt faint all over again. “I told you, I’m harmless.”
     
    Cassie realized she was breathing hard … but at least she was breathing. She stepped back from Luke and managed a smile. “You’re making me crazy, you know that?”
    “I’m sorry. You’re just so damn adorable,” Luke whispered.
    “Adorable, huh? I don’t feel very adorable right now. I’ve had too much wine and I really, really have to pee.”
    “Okay. I’ll wait here.”
    Luke gave her a push down the hall.
    Cassie was afraid to walk, afraid she would fall. She still felt dizzy, although she wasn’t sure if it was from the wine or Luke’s presence. She wanted to think it was only the wine. “Maybe you could just… walk with me?”
    Luke chuckled slightly and nodded, leading her slowly toward the hall and the bathroom.
    But Kim intercepted her progress with a worried look on her face.
    “Hey, Cass. Are you okay?” Kim looked first to Cassie then Luke, who had a light grip on her arm.
    “I’m perfectly fine,” Cassie said sharply. “Just a little dizzy.”
    Kim looked at Luke. “Wine?”
    Luke nodded. “A lot, from what I can tell.”
    “I’m fine,” Cassie said again. “I may have had one glass too many, but I’m just going to pee and then we’re going home.”
    “Do you want us to take you home?” Kim asked.
    “I’m fine, Kim,” Cassie insisted. Then she glanced at Luke. “Unless Luke would rather stay.”
    “No. I’m ready to go myself. I’ll take you home.”
    “Are you sure?” Kim asked Luke. “Because I can do it.”
    “Kim, go find Lisa. It’s okay.”
    “Are you sure you don’t need some help?” Kim asked as Cassie fumbled with the doorknob.
    “Of course not. I can manage perfectly.” She escaped inside the bathroom, now totally embarrassed. She heard Luke and Kim talkŹing quietly outside, and strained to hear what they were saying. For some reason, Kim didn’t want her going with Luke. This sur-
     
    prised her. She would have thought Kim would be pushing them together.
    When she stepped out, Luke was alone, leaning against the far wall, waiting. Cassie closed the door and leaned against it, allowŹing herself to stare. There was no one watching. And God, Luke was attractive. Her hair was nicely layered against her face, thick and dark, and Cassie’s fingers itched to touch it. She clenched her hands at her side, afraid of what they might do. They stood there watching each other for what seemed like an eternity, then Luke pushed off the wall and moved just in front of Cassie, a lazy smile and warm eyes relaxing Cassie more than wine ever could.
    “Better?”
    “Yes, thanks.” With Luke so close, she lost all her inhibitions as a traitorous hand reached out to brush at Luke’s hair just over her ear. “I’m sorry. If you’d rather, I can get Kim to run me home.”
    “I think I can manage. I’ve had lots of experience with drinking too much wine.”
    “And who took care of you?”
    Luke smiled but didn’t