Page 15 of Richard

“Yea, like that. But if you are going to go to her because you have an itch you want to scratch, then forget it.”

Richard stared at him in amusement. “When did you become her advocate?”

Lenny shifted uncomfortably and avoided his eyes.

“You have the hots for her?” The tone of voice was decidedly menacing.

“What if I did?”

“Is that why she is at your place three days in a row?” Surging forward, Richard pinned his friend with hard green eyes.

“Relax.” Lenny waved a weary hand. “Even if I could get it up, I doubt she would ever be interested in me.” A knowing smile touched his lips. “You got it bad, my friend.”

“It will pass.”

“Sure about that?”

“I am going to make sure.”

*****

Richard’s eyes scoured the room restlessly. His attendance had been necessary, but he was looking for a way to disappear without offending the hostess. He was tired.

A planned vacation to his vineyard in Tuscany had been shelved. It was almost the end of November and there were too many activities planned that needed his presence. He was working with the producer of an upcoming series to select an appropriate soundtrack to accompany the series.

And he was horny as hell. It had been more than a month since a woman had graced his bed, and he realized he was punishing himself. The woman he wanted was off limits. His head snapped back and for a moment, he thought he had conjured her up.

There she was on the arm of some jerk, looking incredibly lovely and wearing a dress of hammered gold. Her hair was loose around her face, and she was laughing at something her date was saying.

What the hell was she doing here? He wondered fractiously. And who the hell was that?

Tossing back the now lukewarm champagne, he threaded his way through the thick crowd, ignoring those who were trying to seek his attention and not stopping until he was standing in front of her.

Barely giving the companion a glance, he focused on her and felt a jolt to the core of him as he stared at her lips. Gold had never looked so damned appealing or so utterly sexy.

“Mr. McBride! Hi.”

“Ms. Sutherland," he inclined his head slightly. “I had no idea you would be here.”

“Tony asked me to accompany him, and I said yes.”

Tearing his eyes away from her face, he finally looked at the man standing next to her and realized that he knew him. “Gallows.”

“Mr. McBride, it’s a pleasure to formally meet you.”

Richard shook the actor’s hand reluctantly, letting go immediately. He wanted to ask what he was doing with her but managed to keep the question to himself.

“Might I have a word with you?”

“I will be by the bar, Collette, join me when you are ready.” With a nod at Richard, the man made his way through the crowd. An uncomfortable silence descended as they stared at each other.

“You said you wanted to talk?”

“Ah, yes,” Taking her arm, he led her toward an unoccupied area. “Champagne?”

“Yes, thanks.”

He nodded to a waiter who hurried over with a laden tray. Plucking two flutes brimming with the pale gold liquid, he handed one to her.

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