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"Right here waiting for rinned

Zoe turned, happy to see her twin and share the party with her Gone were the days when a little voice in her head wished that just once she could be the center of attention without splitting it with her sister Those had been her teenage years, but once Ari had left for Ver that particular wish come true

It wasn't a birthday if she didn't celebrate with her twin, Zoe realized now and aze "So they ambushed you first?" Zoe asked

Ari nodded "Five e the surprise at the saot lad I'm home to celebrate this birthday with you"

"I was just thinking the sa" Zoe's heart filled as she looked at her twin If not for Zoe's fake death last year, Ari ht not have met Quinn, Quinn wouldn't have introduced the had led to ht with amuseone"

"Mine were so lonely," Ari said softly, then shook her head as if ridding her rinned "I've got ot the hottie social worker who isn't a social worker," she said, lowering her voice "Be careful, Zoe"

She nodded, appreciating her twin's concern Despite their time apart, Ari still knew Zoe well and she obviously sensed the truth— that her attraction to Ryan was potent and overwhelh the fact of his presence alone could have a negative effect on the faue over her lower lip "I'll watch myself I have to" She only hoped she'd heed her words when faced with te at theby himself, a man alone in a crowd of people Not an easy feat in her fa his solitary presence caused her heart to skip a beat She wanted to help ease his discomfort and assi, but so was the enore hi alone, Zoe told Ari she'd catch up with her later and headed to join Ryan

"Hi there," she said, co up beside him

"Hi" He shoved his hands into his pants pocket

Sexy khakis that, although neatly pressed and probably expensive, still gave him a more casual look than usual and she couldn't help but ad as she thought or how they would feel pressed hard against her own

At her thoughts, she didn't just s hard, she gulped "I guess so for the safe subject of his role in bringing her to the party

Though aware all prying eyes of her family were on them, she stepped closer, anyway Hisher of the sensual drearinned "If you want to say a proper thanks, I can't say I'd stop you," he said, his voice husky and deep

Zoe was so far gone with thoughts of being alone with Ryan that she ied innuendo and her body responded Heat spread through her belly, and dahs

"You're cute, Baldwin, but I'h to make out with you in front of the whole clan"

"Not even a quick peck on the cheek?" he asked