“Johanna?” Traveler’s voice is like a blanket over my skin, warming and enveloping. His hand gently catches my wrist, causing me to stop and gaze back at him. My skin is tingling underneath his fingertips. His determined expression slips away like someone untying a mask. His gaze slides up my face, connecting with mine. “You look really pretty tonight.”

I’m taken off guard by the unexpected compliment, and I catch myself blinking back at him with a smile. “Thank you.” His fingers slowly work their way down to my palm, entwining each one with mine, until our hands are laced together creating a pulsating thump in my heartbeat. I stare up at him, his eyes fixated on our fingers locked together.

“Ready for a drink?” His voice is low and alluring. I let him lead me into the restaurant, all the while thinking the seduction of tequila in my veins is exactly what I’m ready for.