Page 8 of The American

Then a hand tagged his shoulder.What?

Her musical laughter rang out above the music, and the DJ held up Sage’s hand as the winner. The crowd cheered.

Thad had to give it to her, he pumped his hands with the rest of them. She was beautiful on the dance floor.And off, he reminded himself.

He would have to be careful or he would gain far more than a spot as CEO of an American company. Some unwanted complications would confuse the issue, and his loyalties were in Torren. Somehow he didn’t think this high-powered motivated fireball of a woman would be happy living the palace life or even taking on a job in Torren—unless it was King of the country, and that slot was already taken.

Once the crowds had died down, and Thad and Sage were left to themselves, he found a quiet booth and pulled her in next to him. He took her hand, flirting naturally. “You were incredible.”

She sipped a water. “So were you! I knew you must be at least comfortable out there or you wouldn’t have suggested it.”

So she was trying to take a read on him. “Oh ho! And that’s where you are wrong. Sure, I wanted to put a few of our group in their place.” He coughed Devon’s name and then smirked. “But I am perfectly comfortable trying new things.”

“Are you?” Her expression turned calculating. “So, might I suggest our next activity?”

He glanced at his watch. “Tonight?”

“Tomorrow.” Her eyes sparkled with adventure.

“You’re on. Whatever you’ve got. I’ve got.”

The music got louder, and conversation became impossible. Thad shouted close to her ear. “Let’s go for a walk.”

She nodded.

They made their way outside and walked along the water. He took her hand easily in his. They came to a parking garage pier so they made their way to the end of it. The moon’s reflection stretched out along the water in a great pathway of light. “Did you ever want to travel that moonbeam?”

She tilted her head in surprise. “No, have you?”

“Of course. Look at it.”

She shook her head and leaned her forearms on the deck railing. “You make me question all the responsible and dedicated moments I’ve spent preparing for my career.”

He ran a hand along her upper back, letting his finger lightly slide across the soft skin at her neck. “I wouldn’t regret those moments. Look at where it’s got you.”

Her eyes sought his and he was surprised to see a hint of insecurity. Perhaps she was not as self-assured as she let on.

“Sage. I wanted to thank you for the way you have handled this change in your expectations.”

She looked away and a more aloof expression altered the lovely vulnerability he had just seen moments ago. “The way I see it, our situations are still in flux. Any day things could change.”

He nodded slowly. “So, you’re my adversary and my partner?”

She stepped closer and put a hand on his upper chest. “We have to keep things interesting.”

He wrapped a hand around her back. “I like interesting.”

She relaxed against him, her eyes welcoming, gaze moving to study his lips.

Instead of placing his lips right where he wanted them, he pulled her into an embrace, and kissed the top of her head. “Come on.” He stepped back toward the street. “Let’s catch a cab.”

She hid her disappointment well.

He hoped he’d have another chance to feel her soft lips under his, because he wouldn’t soon forget the moonlight shining off their slightly opened readiness.

But for now, he needed some perspective. And kissing his newly proclaimed adversary was not the way to gain some.

Chapter 5

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