On A Night Like This (Callaways #1)

chord."
    Sara laughed. "I remember. I guess all that practice is paying off."
    "It is. I'm going to get you a drink and me some more sparkling water. Save me a spot."
    Before she could tell Emma she didn't need another drink, her friend had disappeared into the crowd.
    Sara glanced around the room, wondering if she'd see any other familiar faces from her past. Almost immediately her gaze came to light on Aiden, and her heart skipped a beat. She really hadn't thought he would show up. Then again, Aiden had never been short on guts.
    There were dozens of people between them, but when his gaze locked with hers, everyone else faded away. Her breath got stuck in her chest, and a wave of heat ran through her. It was crazy to be attracted to someone who'd already rejected her once. Hadn't she already learned that painful lesson? So, why the same crazy, world-tilting reaction whenever she saw Aiden? He wasn't a super hero. In fact, right now he was probably one of the most hated men in the room.
    He moved towards her, and she silently willed for someone to get in the way. She needed to get herself together, to remind herself that she was not a teenager any more, and he was not her high school fantasy.
    But he looked really good in jeans and a black knit top under a black leather jacket.
    They were not in high school anymore, but he was definitely still fantasy material.
    When he stopped in front of her, she forced a casual expression on her face. "I didn't think you were coming."
    "Changed my mind a half dozen times. Let me know if you see any knives headed towards my back."
    "So far, all the daggers are just looks," she said, aware that people were watching them, and she didn't think she was the one drawing attention.
    "Great."
    "Did you get my message about the investigator?" she asked. "She's going to call you tomorrow morning."
    "I got it, and I appreciate the help."
    The crowd around them shifted, moving her closer to Aiden, so close she could smell the musky scent of his aftershave. Her breasts teased the front of his chest, sending another tingling surge down her spine. She drew in a shaky breath. "It's warm in here."
    He gave her a knowing smile. "It always seems to be that way when we're together."
    "I think it's all the people in the room, Aiden."
    "No, you don't."
    His gaze caught hers, and something passed between them, something real and honest and very hot.
    She was in trouble. She was having a hard time fighting her own desire. No way she could fight him, too . Then again, she'd misread his intentions once before. She couldn't do that again.
    The microphone crackled, and she was relieved by the interruption. She dragged her gaze away from Aiden's to look at the stage.
    Sean stepped up to the microphone. "Thanks everyone for coming," he said. "This is a special night. We're playing for a man who was a really good friend to a lot of us in this room and for me he was like a big brother. In fact, Kyle is the first one who encouraged me to stay true to my dreams, and those dreams always included this guitar. He's gone, but he won't be forgotten. Tonight is for Kyle. Enjoy."
    Sean played the first chord, leading the band into action.
    As she listened to the music and watched the band play, Sara was very aware of Aiden standing just behind her. She could feel his breath moving the hair on the back of her neck. Occasionally, she thought she could feel his hand resting on her waist, but she was afraid to look back.
    Where was Emma? She could really use a drink right about now. Actually, drinking was probably a bad idea. Too many vodka cranberry drinks had sent her into Aiden's arms the last time.
    Fortunately, she didn't have to talk, didn't have to do anything but listen to the music. Sean was even better than she'd expected, not just as a musician, but also as a singer. His tone was silky smooth, husky and romantic on the ballads, and sharp-edged on the faster numbers.
    After another trio of songs, the band took a short break, and she had no choice but to turn around. Fortunately, Emma was heading her way.
    "Sorry, I got sidetracked," she said, handing her a glass of wine. "I kept running into people. I'm glad you came, Aiden."
    "I couldn't seem to stay away." He took a breath. "Maybe I should have."
    Burke pushed through the crowd. "I need to talk to you," he said to Aiden. "Let's go outside."
    "No."
    Burke's gaze turned to steel, but Aiden didn't waver.
    Sara could feel the tension emanating from the two men. They