Page 28 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
I make my way to the bar and greet the bartender.
“Hi. I’m not much of a wine drinker, so I don’t really know what I’m asking for.” I smile awkwardly.
“She’ll have the 1981 cabernet sauvignon,” a deep voice says from behind me.
I turn around and see Ivan. For some reason, I expected him to have an accent, but he doesn’t. He’s not bad looking, with tousled dirty blond curls and baby blue eyes. But, he’s definitely no match for Landon’s brooding good looks.
He looks me straight in the eyes. “It’s very sweet, and smooth. Perfect for people who don’t drink wine often.”
The bartender hands me the glass and Ivan winks, passing her a large bill. He gets no change, and I’m left wondering exactly how much this glass of wine is. I take a sip and am surprised by how much I like it.
“This wine is lovely. Thank you for the suggestion.” I raise the glass to him and walk away from the bar to go stand somewhere else.
Ivan follows me.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Ivan Sokolov.” He steps in front of me and holds out his hand for me to shake.
I paste a grin that feels more like a grimace on my face.
“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Hailey Dunn.” I put my hand in his and he brings it to his lips.
“Hailey, can I say that you are simply the most stunning woman in this room right now? Your red hair is so brilliant, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it.” I have to shake his hand off mine because he won’t let go.
“I really appreciate that. I should probably—”
“Oh, don’t hurry off. I’d love to get a chance to get to know you.” He steps toward me.
I step back as far as I can, but am stopped when I accidentally back into someone that shoots me a dirty look. He steps closer, his lips right in front of mine. His breath is sour, indicating that he’s likely had more than just a few glasses to drink.
He caresses my arm, and as I try to pull it away he suddenly grips it. “What’s wrong? I promise I will make you feel amazing.”
He leans in close again and runs his hand down my side to my hip. I throw his hand off my side.
“Excuse you! I am engaged!” I say indignantly.
As if on cue, Landon materializes out of the crowd.
“Ivan, I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave my fiancée alone,” he says, snaking an arm around my waist.
I lean into him, and for the first time, I feel grateful for his presence.
It makes me trust him more, knowing that I can rely on him to be there when I need him, even if he was nowhere to be found the moment before. His warmth behind me is comforting.
“We were just having a nice conversation, that’s all. No need to be weird about it,” Ivan says as his eyes trail over my body.
I sneer at him and he looks taken aback.
“Come on, love, let’s go,” Landon says, grabbing my hand and leading me away.
He stops when we get into the main hall, turning to face me.
“Are you okay? He didn’t bother you too much did he?” he asks.
I smile at his concern.
“I’m okay, just a little shaken up. He’s a lot bolder, and handsier, than I thought he would be,” I say, and I wipe my hands on my dress, out of nervousness more than anything.
“Look, let’s go to the hotel. It’s just down the road a ways, and the limo is already out front.”
