Page 11 of Indiscreet

He chuckled and kissed her cheek. “That came up quick.”

“I didn’t ask,” I clarified politely. “Sophie mentioned it.”

“Now that we’re on the subject,” he said, not missing a beat, “what are your thoughts on open relationships, Gia?”

My lips parted. I didn’t know what to say right on the spot, but since they were asking, I thought it was best to go with honesty. “I don’t have many thoughts on the subject. I believe I’m open-minded regarding whatever anyone chooses to do that’s right for them. As for myself, I’d be too jealous.”

“That’s what we had thought previously,” Sophie said. “But sex for most species on earth isn’t monogamous. We all have different attractions. It’s only natural to want to copulate with others, but real intimacy is beyond sex.”

I shrugged my shoulders. Whatever gets you through the night. “Okay.”

“You don’t have to agree, of course,” Bradley said. “It’s whatever you’re comfortable with.” He placed his arm around Sophie’s waist, and she leaned into him then kissed him deeply.

I took a sip of my wine and tried not to stare. They were being affectionate while simultaneously talking about sharing each other. I didn’t understand the concept, and I liked that they didn’t try to get me to. When they came up for air and returned to our conversation, I said, “I can’t really speak on open relationships. I’m recently divorced, and this is my first time getting back out there. I feel like I need training wheels.”

“Or you need a good teacher,” said a man’s voice, smooth as silk behind me. I turned around as he came closer, and I recognized him at once: Dane Westbrook. He stood close to six-two, and instead of a tuxedo, he wore a designer black suit and dark gray shirt that contrasted with his pale gray eyes as they met my light brown gaze.

“Dane,” Bradley said, greeting him warmly with a handshake and a clasp on his broad shoulder.

“You look lovely tonight, Sophie,” Dane said, moving on to her. He kissed her cheeks, causing her to blush pink, which made me curious. Had he been a part of their open relationship?

It wasn’t my business, but when it was my turn and I stood under his shrewd gaze, I had to fight hard to school my face into passivity or he’d get my version of the golden look—wide welcoming eyes and a grin that spreads from ear to ear. It was a look reserved for a very short list of fantasy men. It was a look that, when he saw it, would let him know he wouldn’t have to try to win me because he already had me. I would go to bed with him.

Just the thought brought heat to my face and made my breaths come faster. It was unnerving, but so was Dane Westbrook. He was positively breathtaking. I’d always had a thing for men with dark hair. His was coiffured back in waves that tapered neatly just above his collar. His bone structure was elegant, his jaw freshly shaven. His full lips turned up into a broad smile and revealed an even set of white teeth.

He lifted my hand to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. I felt a tingle go through me at the contact.

“Gia Ruiz,” he said, surprising me by knowing my name without introduction. “I received a call from The Agency to invite you. I’m glad you were able to join us on such short notice.”

“I was totally free,” I said.

His lip twitched and my face warmed. God, why did I say that?Sounds thirsty. Tone it down.

I straightened my shoulders. “Thank you for the invitation. You have a lovely home.”

“Thank you,” he said. His large hand took my elbow. It was warm and firm, slightly calloused, like he worked with his hands. “How about we talk and let Bradley and Sophie have a chance to mingle? Perhaps I can introduce you around.”

“He’ll introduce, but he’s not participating,” Bradley said. His tone was light, but the look between them wasn’t.

“He’s right about that,” Dane said evenly. “I’m hosting the mixer tonight. I’m here to help you find a match, not be one.”

I turned my head to hide the disappointment that arose within me, and my eyes widened in surprise as his hand slipped around my waist and rested on my lower back. It felt so natural that I didn’t move away.

Bradley’s eyes shifted between us, and a small smile formed on his lips. “Nice to meet you, Gia. Hope to see you again.”

Dane moved us over to an available spot on one of the leather couches. He got the attention of a hostess and ordered a scotch for himself.

I returned my wine glass and declined another. “So, why get involved if you’re not…”

“Looking for a match?” he finished for me. “I’m a partner in the company, and part of our agreement is to host parties. I say I’m not interested, but perhaps I’m jaded. To be honest, I doubt I’d find a woman that could handle my proclivities.”

There was a twinkle in his eyes and amusement in his voice, which made me wonder if he meant what he said. If he did, I understood being jaded from my divorce, but he, like me, was there, so he must have had some sort of optimistic streak.

“What about yourself?” he asked, sipping his drink.

“I’m recently divorced,” I replied candidly. “I’m not so sure about finding a match, but I’d like to find a date.” Date sounded better than I’m looking for sex, and why not expand my horizons? I hadn’t had much experience with either. I’d dated in college, but I became Patrick’s girlfriend my sophomore year, and he was one of the few men I ever had sex with.

“We have that in common. I got divorced, but in my early twenties,” he replied. “I’m thirty-four now. May I ask how old you are?”

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