The words, the voice, sent a shiver down Alexa's spine. Slowly she turned to find the very man she'd hoped would say such a thing standing before her, sweating drink glass clutched in his large hand, gorgeous in a simple black suit that clung to his broad shoulders and emphasized the length of his legs.

"Eric," she said breathlessly, swallowing hard. She didn't want to look like a fool the first time she talked to him in years. "It's so nice to see you."

He cocked a brow. "Nice? I haven't seen you in five years, and all I get is nice?"

She laughed and shook her head. "It's better than nice." She meant that. She knew he was coming to the wedding, had seen him on the confirmed guest list and excitement had bubbled in her stomach for weeks at the thought of seeing him again.

Despite the fact he'd confirmed himself accompanied by a guest. A guest she was most curious to meet. Her past sexual fantasies were fueled almost completely by Eric.

He opened his arms wide in invitation, and she walked into them, closed her eyes as he pulled her close. His deliciously spicy scent surrounded her, his warmth, his strength. His arms like bands of steel wrapped tight around her. Her entire body melted, panties growing damp at his touch.

Just like that. Just like old times. Only before, she'd been too young and too confused to completely understand her feelings. All for her brother's boyfriend.

Yeah that had been majorly confusing.

"I can't believe Austin got married," Eric murmured close to her ear. So close she swore she felt the brush of his lips against her skin. "To a girl."

"I know." She reluctantly withdrew, flashing him a quick smile. "But I love Michaela. We all do. They're perfect together."

"They certainly seem like they're in love." His head turned toward the newly wedded couple who danced together out on the makeshift dance floor. "I'm happy for him."

"How long has it been since you talked to Austin?" They'd been together for over a year, Austin and Eric. When Austin had still lived at home and was going to college, they'd met in class. Became fast friends, fast lovers and ended up the longest relationship her brother ever had at the time.

She still didn't know why they broke up. Austin had never really explained it, and she never asked.

"Ah, we're Facebook friends so we chat occasionally there." Eric grinned and shook his head. "Gotta love modern technology."

"I had no idea you were friends on Facebook." Damn it, she should've checked her brother's friends list more often. And why didn't Eric friend her?

"Isn't everyone on Facebook?" He glanced at her, a gleam forming in his light brown eyes. The music changed tempo to a faster beat, and he offered her his hand. "Let's dance."

She took his hand, as if she could resist, and he led her out onto the dance floor. Caught Austin looking at the both of them oddly, as if surprised to see them dancing together, and she sent him a pointed look.

What was the crime in dancing with his ex? Not like anything would happen. Though she wished something would happen.

Her crush on Eric had been huge, overwhelming. He'd always been so nice to her, so sweet. Taking the time to talk to her, hang out with her when he came by the house. Their parents had been accepting of Eric from the get-go, surprisingly accepting of Austin and his announcement that he believed himself gay. She'd always been thankful for that. Their openness was rare.

She wondered what they might do if she said she'd become involved with Eric. If Austin could marry someone of the female variety then why couldn't she set a gay man straight--literally?

"You're pretty good," she yelled above the loud music, impressed with his moves.

"You're not so bad yourself," he returned with a knowing smile. As if he could read her mind, see her thoughts and her cheeks flamed.

If he knew, he just might run screaming from the building.

Alexa admired him as they swirled around each other. Tall and lean with the perpetually messy dirty blond hair, more dark than blond, she'd accused him of highlighting it oh so long ago. He'd denied it. He just had perfectly natural highlights, he'd explained before they both burst out laughing.

Perfectly natural everything. His gorgeous, masculine face, the artfully arranged hair, the intense golden brown eyes and a body she desperately wanted to press up against. It was all enough to make a grown woman want to drop to his feet and cry. Beg him to switch teams, just once.

Just once.