Page 22 of The Frock Up
The crowd applauded as the master of ceremony concluded the official speeches, a swarm of people surging to surround Ash as he stepped off the stage.
We'd organized the water filter launch to be held at Lovers Lake Lodge—the building a triumph of old glass and wood that showcased the beautiful water views in the early twilight. The lodge had been here for over a century, extensions and renovations keeping it pristine and relevant in the modern age.
Apart from the views, we'd also sold Ash and James on Lovers Lake Lodge because the owners believed in being carbon neutral. They'd had invested significant capital to become an eco-lodge, the first in Capricorn Cove.
Sally hadn't been thrilled—complaining that it was a waste to hold the launch in some pokey little corner of a pokey little town when the city was right there.
I spotted her in the far corner, a pissed-off expression on her face as she stared at Ash.
"He's driving me crazy," I admitted to Keiko as we watched Ash shake hands and smile at his adoring fans. "I just want to rip his clothes off and ride him into next week."
I'd been officially dating Ash for three weeks, and each moment had me falling a little bit more in love with the guy.
Not to mention becoming even hornier.
I wanted him—desperately. But the guy kept everything above the clothes. It was driving me bonkers.
Keiko reached for another shrimp, juggling it with the champagne in her hand. "Then make your move. The man can't keep his hands off you."
And yet he keeps his clothes on.
I watched Ash interact with the head of the clean water charity, his expression serious as he listened to the woman explain something.
"He really is the most attractive of men," I sighed, leaning against Keiko.
She bumped my hip. "And you are the most attractive of women. Go on, Millie. Ask him to dance."
I shook my head. "It'll attract too much attention. You know Ash hates it when he's in the spotlight."
Keiko rolled her eyes. "Then I will if you—"
"Ladies," James, Ash's brother interrupted us. "May I steal Millie away? My brother is dying to dance with her but won't ask while he's still got big wigs to satisfy." He sent me a wink. "I—on the other hand—have zero compulsions and am more than willing to ensure he has fun tonight."
"By making his girlfriend dance with you?" Keiko asked, cocking one eyebrow.
"By making him jealous." He held out a big hand, wiggling his blunt fingers at me. "Come on, live a little."
Keiko gave me a little push, sending me tripping into James' arms. "Go! Dance! I shall hold down this delicious buffet."
I laughed, allowing James to escort me onto the dance floor.
"You know," I said as he spun me away and then back into his arms. "I have to admit to being stunned that you're so light on your feet."
"Boxing," he said with a grin, leading me across the dance floor. "My coach insisted on dance lessons. Said it made you a better boxer."
Over his shoulder, I saw his executive assistance talking with her fiancé, neither looked happy.
"Is Hazel okay?"
James turned us so he could watch the heated exchange, his face hardening.
"No. She's engaged to an absolute jackass of a—" James cut himself off, shaking his head. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
"It's okay. You love her. I get that."
His expression froze, his feet tripping for a moment before he quickly righted himself.
"Shit. Is it that obvious?"
