For a moment Natasha thought he was back to their naughty teasing again, but seeing that look on his face and how he gazed wistfully at the tables made her forget all about their earlier games. She was about to suggest he take a turn when he tugged her gently away. Later, then, whether today or tomorrow, she would make sure he got back here to play.

Falling into step beside him again, she paused only briefly to remove her shoes before setting foot on the sand. Letting them dangle from the fingers of her free hand she glanced around at the people who were dancing and laughing and seemingly carefree.

Catching Clint’s eye when he spoke she could not mistake the twinkle there and soon found herself grinning in return. “I did,” she replied, “but I suppose one dance won’t leave me completely ravenous...” Dancing wasn’t something they got to do often, and it was hard to refuse the opportunity.