“Thanks.” Her shoulders slumped. It was the first time I’d seen her look anything other than self-assured since approaching her. I didn’t like it. Then she surprised me and straightened on an inhale. “But I believe that whenever things look their worst, it just means it’s about to get better. How about you?”
“I’m not here to look for investors.”
She giggled, and I found myself grinning. “No, silly. Why are you here tonight?”
I swirled the whiskey in my glass before I took a sip. Then I leaned in close to her ear. “I think I’m here to meet you.”
Her nose crinkled, and she choked on the sip she’d just taken. Gasping laughter rolled out of her. “Oh, my. Does that line actually work on women?”
I shrugged, my own smile growing. “Sometimes. Clearly not always.” I pulled up a seat at the bar and offered it to her before grabbing one for myself. “Do you want me to be honest?”
She nodded. “I’d prefer honesty over whatever that was.”
“I’m here to support the charity. It means a lot to me.”
This time when she grinned at me, her whole face lit up. I wanted to lean forward and kiss her right there.
“Then shouldn’t you be out there mingling instead of talking to me?” She waved her hand out into the crowd. “I can see that you’ve got a few admirers.”
I didn’t bother turning around. Whoever was looking didn’t draw me in like she did. They didn’t instantly turn me on. I shifted in the seat, my lips edging closer to her ear, and whispered, “Because you captivated me the moment I saw you. You are the most beautiful woman in this room, and there was no way I was leaving tonight without speaking to you.”
Her breath hitched.
I slowly leaned away from her, fighting back a grin.She’s intrigued.
“Oh—” She bit her lip and blinked a few times before blurting out. “I guess it’s only fair to tell you that I think you’re incredibly handsome too.” Her eyes raked over me. When her fingertips danced and flirted with the ruffles layered at the top of my shirt, my cock hardened. “Even though you wore this.”
A slow song came on, and I extended my hand to her, “Care to dance?”
She finished her drink in one long swallow and placed it on the bar. “Why the hell not.”
CHAPTER TWO
Dean
That wasn’t the answerI’d expected. Then again, she didn’t seem to do the expected, a trait I was thoroughly enjoying.