Page 57 of Billion Dollar Mistake

My skin prickles at his words. I want him to touch me.

“Who wants a drink?” Bentley calls out, moving through people near us.

I suck in a deep breath and take a step back. That was close.

I can’t believe I was going to let him kiss me in front of my co-workers and boss. I’m supposed to be making a good first impression as an employee. Tonight means everything to me. And as much as I want to kiss, I can't. I need to think about my parents, and if I lose this job what it means for them.

“Can I get you a drink?” Jeremy asks.

Jeremy plus alcohol seems like a lethal mix.

“I don't think I should drink anymore,” I say.

“Are you sure? You didn’t get to enjoy your champagne.”

“Mm true. One more won’t hurt anyone.”

I wouldn’t mind having something to take the edge off.

Jeremy nods to Bentley who beams back at him.

“Here’s the man I was looking for,” Bentley says coming to stand next to Jeremy. We take our drinks. I grab a new champagne and Jeremy grabs a drink with amber liquid.

“There’s someone I wanted to introduce you to,” Bentley continues.

I sip my champagne, watching the interaction over my glass.

Bentley waves over a serious looking short, dark-haired man. He’s wearing a similar outfit to Jeremy.

I wonder if I should stay or go.

Bentley goes to open his mouth, but Jeremy's voice cuts in. “Asher. Nice to see you again.”

“It’s been a long time between meetings,” Asher says, in a low gravelly tone. Not a hint of a smile on this man's face.

“I’ll leave you boys to it,” Bentley says and strolls to the next group of people, offering them more drinks. I must admit, he is a good host when it comes to parties.

“How are your new Primary Care Clinics going?” Jeremy asks.

Asher's eyes widen a fraction, under the night lights, I see a hint of glimmer in his eye as he’s asked about his business.

I watch them talk, sipping my drink, my gaze ping pongs between them in fascination.

“I’ve opened another ten with expansion plans.”

Jeremy offers some advice, and they organize to catch up. I can’t close my mouth.

I’m in awe of how fluid he is with business. I’m so transfixed that I swipe a new glass of champagne from the tray passing by.

I finish my drink in a few sips as the guys continue talking. When my glass is empty, I decide it’s a good time to find my friends and colleagues, Poppy and Dalton, who I haven’t spoken to much tonight.

Moving around the yacht, I’m about to head up the stairs to the upper deck when I hear his sexy, husky voice just behind me. One of the speakers is above, so I didn’t hear him approach. I turn around to face him.

“I was looking for you earlier.” His hand circles my wrist. “And now I am doing it again.”

The corners of my mouth turn up. “I didn’t want to interrupt you before, so I thought I’d take a walk.”

The touch on my wrist makes it hard to think when he draws lazy circles over my beating pulse. The alcohol has definitely kicked in. I feel like I’m floating. He stares at me, and with his heavy cologne filling my nose, I’m not sure what to say.

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