Page 3 of Do Me
“I thought I was the only one who hated weddings.”
He glanced up at her and slowly rose to his feet. “Why would a beautiful woman like you hate weddings?”
“Probably for the same reason you do.”
He lifted a brow. “Is your mother so determined to marry you off that she’s bringing a string of guys around and letting them know you’re single?”
“Not quite, but they’ve been coming anyway. May I?” Londyn asked, gesturing to the empty chair next to his. She’d spent the past two years telling herself she neither wanted or needed a man, that she had no time in her busy schedule for romance. She had devised so many excuses that she’d become adept at keeping any and every man at bay. Yet, tonight, she had purposely sought one out. A man whose mother thought he needed help. Men who looked like him didn’t stay unattached long and could take his pick among women. Just from his mannerisms he seemed to be a good catch. She couldn’t recall any man she’d dated standing at her approach. So why, she wondered, wasn’t he seeing anyone?
“Please.” He seated her then reclaimed his chair.
“Braxton.” He extended his hand. “And you are?”
His large hand closed around her smaller one.Strong and warm.And since he seemingly wasn’t interested in relationships, safe. “Londyn. Bride or groom’s family?”
“Groom. He’s my cousin. What about you?”
“Bride. A member of the family is my colleague.”
Braxton opened his mouth, then closed it. His lips settled into a grim line.
Londyn followed his gaze and saw a woman she assumed to be his mother, a look of determination on her face, approaching with another woman. She chuckled.
He hopped to his feet. “Would you like to dance, Londyn?”
She read the plea in his eyes. “Sure. I’ll help you out.”
A slow grin curved his lips. “I appreciate it.”
He led her out to the dance floor. Belatedly she realized the DJ had switched from the fast-paced dance songs to a slow, jazzy ballad. The moment Braxton wrapped his arms around her, she knew she’d made a mistake. He smelled good and his hard body against hers felt even better. Even in her heels, he towered over her five-foot, three-inch frame by almost a foot. He gathered her closer, keeping a respectable distance, but his thighs brushed against hers and she stifled a moan. All the emotions she’d repressed since her breakup surfaced, and for the first time in a very long while, she felt desire. Londyn was torn between wanting to flee or move closer to the man whom she now realized was anything but safe.
“So, what do you propose I do as payment?”
She looked up at him. “Payment?”
“For helping me.”
Londyn averted her gaze. “Nothing, since you’re helping me, too,” she said without thought. She wanted to snatch the words back as soon as they left her mouth.Just great, Londyn. The man probably thinks you’re desperate or something, she muttered to herself. To his credit, he didn’t push the issue. As soon as the song ended, she intended to thank him and leave, but he swung her out and started moving his hips to the up tempo beat of the next song. No way would she leave the dance floor now, not when it was a song by her favorite artist, Prince. The old school funk of “Musicology” made her throw her hands in the air and sing along. The DJ followed up with Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.”, Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” and a few more classics. Londyn couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. Finally, they left the dance floor.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“Actually, I’ll have to take a raincheck. I need to get going.”
Braxton nodded. “How about I walk you to your car?”
“Then you can consider your bill paid in full.” His deep laughter surrounded her and made her belly flip.
“I’ll take that.”
He placed his hand in the small of her back and guided her to the elevators and down to valet. She stole glances at him striding next to her and couldn’t figure out why he needed help finding a woman. The man was fine, sexy and a true gentleman. She tried to discern how old he might be—somewhere in his mid-thirties like her she guessed based on the way he carried himself—but his unlined face didn’t give anything away. Another thing she noticed about him was that he didn’t talk a lot. While waiting for her car to be brought around, she asked, “How much longer are you planning to stay?”
“I’ll probably be right behind you. I stayed through all the formalities, so my mom should be satisfied.”
“Miss, your car,” a valet said behind Londyn.
“Thank you.” Londyn turned to Braxton. “Thank you for a great time, Braxton.”
“Thankyou. Maybe I can return the favor one day,” Braxton murmured.
