Page 18 of Seducing a Sagittarius
She stared at me for a moment before she gave a soft smile.
“Avery, we don’t have to discuss that. It was a mistake, and I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Was it?”
“I didn’t mean to kiss you back. That was very inappropriate and very unprofessional.”
“If you say that word one more time.” We both chuckled.
“Fine.”
“Are you single?”
“You shouldn’t be asking me that.”
“Why not? I’m not your boss.”
“I’m not doing this with you, sir.” She giggled. Our drinks arrived just as a round of applause serenaded the building. I took a sip of my drink while the host announced another talent to the stage. He was a young guy, maybe mid-twenties, with a tone of the late Al Green. Ironically, he sang “What A Wonderful Thing Love Is” by him. I watched as some of the crowd began to stand and dance along to the song. I looked over and saw Layne taking gulps of the margarita and laughed.
“Slow down, mama.”
She covered her mouth, seemingly embarrassed. “I’m sorry . . . But this is really good.”
“I know. It’ll also sneak up on you, so take it easy.” She nodded.
I shrugged off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves, then tossed my drink back and stood. “Come on, let’s dance.”
“W-what?”
“Let’s dance.”
“Avery—”
I leaned down in her ear and whispered, “When I said let your hair down, I meant that. Don’t think about shit else,Ms. Grant. Allow this to be a night of fun, possibilities, and opportunities. Now, may I have this dance?” I extended my palm to her, and she reluctantly accepted. I walked her to the front of the stage where the dance floor was and blended us into the crowd of lovers and friends.
I wrapped my arm around her waist and took her hand. We began to rock slowly to the music while staring into each other’s eyes.
“You’re beautiful,” I said.
That bashful smile drew up on her face. “Thank you. I have to be honest with you . . . Since you’re not my boss, and it’s clear that you’re interested in me beyond being your assistant . . .”
“Damn, you got me.”
She laughed. “Yeah, I pulled your card.”
“I’m glad you did. This makes whatever you’re about to say a little easier for me.”
“This is new for me . . . I’ve never been out with a guy of your caliber. I won’t pretend that it doesn’t make me nervous. I know tonight you say you aren’t my boss, but if we take it there, I can no longer be your assistant.”
“That won’t work for me.” I shook my head.
“Then we shouldn’t do this.”
“Listen. I don’t know what’s happening between us, but I know that I like you . . . a lot. And if I’m reading you correctly, I believe you like me too.”
“I do.”
“Then who gives a damn about what people think? In just two days, I felt more intrigued by you than I have with any woman I’ve ever dated. I don’t know about you, Ms. Grant, but I think I’d like to explore whatever this is.” The song came to an end, and the applause sounded again. She looked away then back at me.
