Duke looked down and realized they’d been dragging her through the crowd. “Sorry, gorgeous.”

“I’m used to it.”

They paused on the way to sample a little bit of gamelan from a five-person group in a little grassy knoll and, just around a corner, a ninety-year-old lady playing violin.

“I want to see the big band stuff. It’s on a stage near the Armory in an hour,” Carmella said as they showed their IDs to get into the fenced-off area where their friends waited.

“Okay. I’m in. Sounds good.” Duke looked down at her and got caught up in her smile.

“Mick is going to make a crack if you keep looking at me this way.” The right corner of Carmella’s mouth tipped up and he wanted to lick it.

“He’s just jealous.” They headed over to their friends and he found himself enveloped in hugs, handshakes, and hails of his name.

But he kept hold of her hand until she yanked hard and he turned around and realized that she’d been caught up in his wake.

One handed, he moved the two women who’d somehow gotten between him and Carmella and pulled her through the crowd to his side. “You okay? Sorry about that.”

She straightened her hat and cast a glare over her shoulder at one of the women he’d moved aside.

“There a problem?” he asked quietly.

“Nothing new.” She shrugged and then brightened when she caught sight of PJ and their girlfriends.

It wasn’t the time and she’d hate a scene, but there was a problem and he hated not knowing what was bothering her so he could fix it. Even though he wasn’t supposed to fix everything and just listen or whatever.

She let go of his hand after he kissed hers and went to join the others after he told her he’d get her something to drink that wasn’t beer.

He liked it when the people he cared about were happy. But this was different. She was important on a totally different level. Which was a pretty rad thing when he thought about it.

This being in love thing was pretty fucking awesome.

“You know, I’m just going to put it out there that perhaps you could give the ladies you aren’t dating some space?” Asa handed Duke a beer once they’d cleared the line.

“I need to get a straw for Carmella’s lemonade. Hang on.” He grinned his way around a lovely lady behind him and grabbed a straw and some napkins. They moved to the side. “Now what are you talking about? Ladies I’m not dating?”

Asa sighed, looking annoyed. “Dude, do you have any idea how many women rubbed up on you so far today?”

“I try to accept my blessings and be grateful. I didn’t do anything out of line, Asa. I wouldn’t do that to Carmella even if I wanted to. Which I don’t.” He frowned as he ran through it all.

“Okay then.”

“Okay then? What does that mean?” Duke asked, feeling defensive.

“You know, when you’re not the one giving advice, you’re a pissy crybaby. Jesus.”

“Fuck off.” Duke rolled his eyes at the direct hit.

“Since you’re stupid, let me be clear. You have a girlfriend. I know you’re not used to it and all. But some women don’t dig it when you’re with them and they have to beat off dozens of other women hot for their men. This is what PJ tells me, though that’s really too bad.”

“Has Carmella said something?” He looked over in her direction but she didn’t look upset. She looked happily engaged in conversation.

“Do you really think your girlfriend came to me to complain about the wall of pussy that surrounds you at all times? PJ mentioned it to me yesterday. In an offhand way. I didn’t think much about it until today when we walked in.”

Duke snorted. “Wall of pussy? Don’t you think that’s an overstatement?”

“Yes. And offensive too, I suppose. Don’t tell PJ I said that, though to be fair, that phrase might have come from her. Ignore me if you want.”

As they reached their friends, Carmella looked up at him, happy. Clearly she wasn’t bothered by the way his women friends said hello so there was nothing to worry about.

As days went, Carmella thought, this one ranked up there. There she was, twenty-seven years old, and she’d never gone to a concert with a group of friends and the man she was seeing.

It was so much fun. Her cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing all day. And right at that moment she lay on the grass, her back to a tree and Duke’s head in her lap.

So this was why PJ smiled so much. Not just the sex, but the sheer pleasure of having someone along with you. Of your hand in his or the head on a shoulder. She was turning sappy as she approached thirty.

“You sure you don’t need more sunscreen?” Duke asked her. “Your nose is pink.”

“My nose is always pink if I’ve been outside for longer than three minutes. It’s one of my most appealing physical characteristics.”

“You’re on a roll today.” He grinned up at her.

“It’s the day drinking.”

He took her hand, kissing her fingertips. “We should start over to Racha soon so we can meet up with everyone.”

“Oh yes. I forgot we were having dinner there. This is as cool as finding a five in the pocket of an old coat.”

He unfolded himself, all well over six feet, and then helped her up, brushing the grass off her ass really thoroughly. So thoroughly she had to swat him away after a bit.

“I think I’m good,” Carmella said, laughing as she removed his hands.