Page 12 of Indiscreet

“Twenty-eight,” I answered.

He tilted his head and grinned. “You look different than the first time I saw you.”

“At the restaurant in Seattle,” I offered. “I was meeting my friend Liz and her new boyfriend. I think you know him…Marco?”

His eyes flashed. “You met him?”

My lips parted. “No, I didn’t.”

He sighed and gave a nod. His reaction tipped me off that he wasn’t much of a fan of Marco’s, so I changed our conversation back to where he had headed it. His mentioning having met me before had me intrigued. “So, where did you first see me?”

“It was at the housing initiative fundraiser last year,” he replied. “I’m on the board, and I also design and build homes for families in need. You were with your husband at the time. I remember you because you were standing off to the side.”

“My usual method for blending into the background,” I said lightly, though it had irritated me at the time to be in the back where Patrick had wanted me—out of his spotlight. Getting involved in the housing initiative had been my idea, and Patrick had only agreed because of the photo op on a high-profile policy issue.

“You didn’t blend in,” he said. “I don’t think it’s possible for you to do anything but stand out.”

I lowered my eyes and grinned. “I didn’t know you were there.”

His gaze was intense as it bore into mine, so much so that I turned my head, but I didn’t want him to go. “So, you’re an architect. Did you design this house?”

He nodded and shared about his work as an architect and a sculptor. “I’ve done some of the artwork on display here. Over there is Incubus Nymph.” He pointed to the bronze image of the devil and a nude female nymph. The more he spoke, the more I didn’t want him to stop, but then he grew quiet and had someone take his glass away.

“They’re beautiful,” I enthused. “I’d love to get a remodel on my new place one day.”

“We’re available for assessments,” he said. “Even if you don’t go with my company, I can give you some ideas on strengths and what would need remodeling.”

I smiled. “I’d love that.”

“Now tell me about your work,” he said, and I launched into a bit about Perfetto. He stared at me like every word out of my mouth was interesting and I had his full attention, so focused and close that I found a nervous energy rushing through me as I talked about the company. My nervousness only intensified when he moved closer on the seat. Our thighs were touching, and a charge kindled at the point of contact. My pulse sped up and my breath quickened. It was terribly, sensually distracting.

I thought I detected a flicker of interest in his eyes as they slid downward. It caused a tingling low in my body that had me glancing away due to my inability to hide how much I welcomed his interest in me. Then he suddenly stood and took my hands to help me stand.

“I’ve forgotten my manners,” he apologized. “I should be introducing you around. In fact, I know someone I think you have a lot in common with.”

I smirked. Was he serious? I didn’t know what to make of it, but I was there to meet someone new and thus let him lead me over to a good-looking man built like an athlete. His hair was wheat blond and gelled back. “Gia, this is Michael Hertzog. His company designed the pheromone spray we used tonight.”

Michael smiled warmly at me. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I said with a tight smile.

Dane moved away from us and I got into a conversation with Michael about his company and my own. He was interesting and we found we had much in common, but there wasn’t an initial spark of attraction, nothing like I had experienced with Dane.

Dane…

My eyes couldn’t help but roam the room to find him, and I wasn’t the only one. His presence was compelling. Everywhere he stopped in the room, he was given undivided attention. It could have been because he gave off an air of authority and had the appearance of someone who would demand instant obedience. It could have been the confident way he carried himself. He radiated a masculine force that drew you in. He was like an irresistible beacon, and I couldn’t stop my eyes from scanning the room to find him. When I gave in to the impulse to see him, I found him looking my way, and a sensuous light seemed to pass between us before I forced myself back into the conversation at hand. Even so, my interest was conflicted. I wanted more time with Dane.

As a group of guests came over to speak with Michael, I took the chance to excuse myself for a trip to the bathroom with a promise to return afterward. There was a balcony, and I hoped it was available so I could go outside for a few minutes. I wanted a chance to gather my thoughts to decide what I wanted to do. I understood why I had been brought there. Most of the men I met had the same background as I did, a shared business and industry mindset. They were all complimentary and cautious and, for a lack of a better description, like me. So why was I disappointed?

That was the million-dollar question I thought about after a staff member directed me up the stairs, which I quickly ascended. It was dark except for the light coming from the top of a deep gold velvet curtain that was tastefully draped across the entryway at the end. Lively music was coming from the other side. Now that was the kind of party I was interested in.

Another host stood outside of it and met me on approach as I made my way farther down the hall. “You don’t have the clearance to be up here.” He eyed my ribbon. “What are you searching for?”

“The bathroom,” I replied, hesitating. “But…is that another part of the party?”

He hesitated too. “It’s part of the party, but this one is for green members. Sorry. The restroom is over there.” He gestured toward a large oak door across from where I stood. I nodded and went in. After I finished and washed my hands, I freshened up my makeup. While I wasn’t excited about returning to the mixer downstairs, I reminded myself that I wasn’t looking for a love match. I was looking for a start, and dating someone would be a new beginning. With that in mind, I walked out the door.

The music down the hall had mellowed, but I was still curious about what was going on behind the curtain. The host had stepped away, and I saw my chance. I quickly plucked off the red flower from my corsage and walked down the hall. I pulled back the soft fabric and stepped inside. The double doors were closed but unlocked, and I made it a good foot inside before I froze.

---