When Evan grabbed his plate and, with one hand, turned his chair and wheeled toward the sink, Ben took the cue and started clearing the table.

“Thanks,” Stef murmured to both of them, but she was smiling at Ben as she took the platter of meat.

Evan knew that smile well.

“Nature calls!” Evan backed his chair up and turned it toward the doorway.

It was just an excuse to leave them alone for a while. He could empty his bag whenever he wanted. He stopped by the living room to turn on the stereo. By the time he got back, the dishes were done, the food was put away, and Ben and Stef were sitting on the sofa talking. It took him a hell of a lot longer in the bathroom than it used to, that was for sure.

“What are we talking about?” Evan asked.

Stef smiled and Evan noticed that her hand was on Ben’s. “You.”

“Guess that’s why my ears were burning.” He smirked. “Nothing too terrible?”

“Just making fun of your scrawny chicken legs.” Ben grinned and stretched.

“Hey, I take offense to that,” Evan scoffed. “They were always scrawny.” Stef laughed. “It’s true. Scrawny and pale.”

“Not like Ben over here.” Evan rolled his eyes at him. “Mr. Outdoors, right?”

“Night and day.” Stef smiled. Evan could tell she was feeling the effects of all the wine they’d had tonight. She was leaning back into the couch, curled up like a cat, her feet tucked under her. “Oh, God, I love this song!”

“I know.” Evan smiled.

Stef grinned and winked at Ben. “The blues always makes me want to take my clothes off.”

“Don’t let us stop you!” Evan laughed.

“Dance with me.” Stef held her hand out to Ben and he took it, following her to the middle of the living room floor.

She began to dance, her hands above her head, her body undulating to the music. Ben put his hands on her hips, watching the shift of her dress over them, like green fire under his fingers. He barely had to move at all, she did all the work, like she was putting on a show for him-for them.