…Andee entered a darkened area, where thick velvet curtains draped on either side of her, cocooning her. Suddenly, a warm hand closed around her upper arm, and she found herself being tugged into an alcove.

"You came backstage." Max's low, seductive voice swirled around her like rich, dark chocolate, and heaven help her, she wanted nothing more than to drown in it.

"Yes. Did you think I might not?" She was a bit breathless and lightheaded at being so close to him again.

He settled her against the back side of a curtain-covered baffle screen and twined his fingers through hers. He was still in full Phantom costume, including the mask. But there was enough light in the shadowy corner where they stood that, for the first time, she could make out some details. Like the soft, brown stubble of a newly growing beard. And the vivid green of his eyes. The intensity in them caused her heart to skip several beats.

"I honestly didn't know." His voice was gruff-soft. "I was afraid I'd scared you off last night."

"You didn't."

"Andee…I haven't been able to stop thinking about you."

His scent surrounded her, and the heat of his hard body seeped through her clothes and into the deepest core of her. "I haven't stopped thinking about you either," she admitted.

"In a good way, I hope." His voice grew even huskier and he leaned closer.