Page 1 of Only His Girl

Chapter One

HEATH

I walk into the Fit Mountain Opera House, smoothing the lapel of my tuxedo jacket as I scan the crowd.

It’s Saturday night, and I’ve just arrived for a charity performance of The Sound of Music.

To be honest, I’m not exactly in the mood for it. Unlike my brothers, fancy suits and cocktail parties aren’t my thing. But I have my own reason for being here.

Now, I just need to figure out where she is.

Before I can take another step, my mother’s busybody friend, Eleanor, spots me from across the lobby.

“Heath, darling!” She waddles over in her glittering evening gown. “So glad you could make it. We are always so thankful for your family’s generous support.”

I force a smile. “Happy to contribute, Ms. Beaumont.”

“Will anyone else be joining you this evening?” Her eyes gleam with curiosity behind her tortoiseshell glasses. “I can get an usher to help escort them to your private booth, if you would like.”

Classic Eleanor, always fishing for gossip. I smirk. If only she knew.

“Just one person. And I’ll be escorting her upstairs myself. Thank you.”

“Marvelous! Well, I believe I saw your brother arrive a few minutes ago. He’s such a dear. Do enjoy the show, Heath!”

With that, she toddles off, no doubt eager to corner her next victim. I stride farther into the lobby, my eyes flitting over the clusters of people near the grand staircase.

Then I spot her—the only reason I hauled my ass out here tonight.

She’s chatting with my brother, Drew, and his girlfriend, Eliza. My pulse kicks up a notch as I head their way, anticipation thrumming in my veins.

It’s time to make my move.

I walk up to the group and clap Drew on the shoulder. “Evening, brother.”

Drew raises an eyebrow, confusion and surprise flitting across his face. "Evening. Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

I chuckle. “I was in the area and thought I’d swing by.” I turn and give Eliza a friendly smile. “And you must be the lovely Eliza my brother won’t shut up about. I’m Drew’s brother, Heath. It’s great to finally meet you in person.”

Eliza smiles warmly as she shakes my hand. "It’s wonderful to meet you too, Heath. Drew has told me so much about you and your family." Then she gestures to the gorgeous woman beside her. "And this is my roommate, Willow. We’ve been best friends since college.”

Willow's gaze locks with mine. And just like that, I'm drowning in the most stunning pair of honey brown eyes I've ever seen.

Fuck. She's even more beautiful up close.

Glossy curls frame her heart-shaped face, setting off her high cheekbones, and the most luscious pair of lips I've ever seen. She’s also on the shorter side, barely coming up to my shoulder even in her high heels. Her figure is plus-sized and curvy, her cocktail dress hugging her tempting hourglass shape like a second skin.

She looks like a goddamn dream come to life.

I take her small hand in mine, electricity zinging through me at the contact. "Pleasure," I murmur.

A rosy blush blooms across her flawless cinnamon skin. Then she licks her plump lips. "N-nice to meet you.”

I know Willow probably thinks I had no clue who she was before tonight. But nothing could be further from the truth.

I’ve been obsessed with her for the last week.

When my brother started dating his secretary, Eliza, I felt it was my duty as COO and Chief of Security to do an unofficial background check. Her family is well known in this town, but you can never be too careful.

---