Page 46 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
Jensen shot a glare toward the door. “Now I really want to ruin him.”
We swayed to the music and the feel of his body against mine was intoxicating. I’d wondered what it would be like to be this close to him, and it was headier than I’d imagined. I wanted to lean into his neck and get lost in his scent. Maybe even let my lips graze that tempting stubble on his jaw.
His eyes moving around the room as he turned me in a slow circle brought me back to reality.
We’re here for a job, Natalie. A job.
But with his hand splayed on my lower back, pressing me to him, it was hard to keep my head.
CHAPTER 11
Jensen
Natalie felt good in my arms. No one else was dancing, but I hardly cared. I liked the feel of my hand on her lower back, her body close to mine. I wanted to press her against me. Lean in and trail my mouth down her bare neck.
But we had a job to do.
More importantly, I didn’t think she’d let me.
If I was going to have a shot at getting my mouth on this woman—which I certainly wanted—it would be on her terms. Not mine.
For a second, I thought about making a move. Putting my mouth next to her ear and asking if I could kiss her. If she said yes, the teasing could begin. I’d softly kiss her neck. Nothing outrageous or obscene. Certainly nothing that would make her uncomfortable or draw undue attention.
But enough to tempt her. Make her want more.
Except I caught sight of the man in the Brioni suit heading for the doors to leave. And I still wanted to talk to him. Something about him made my instincts light up. Maybe he wasn’t our guy, but our infiltration would be a failure if I didn’t have the chance to get a feel for him.
“Be right back, darling,” I whispered.
With a nod, Natalie stepped away. I didn’t like letting her go, but I didn’t have much choice.
On my way toward the man, I deftly picked up a full glass of champagne from a server’s tray. I wouldn’t have time for subtlety. Striding fast, as if I were in a hurry, I pulled out my phone and pretended to focus on the screen.
Nothing to see. Just a man on his way out the door to take a phone call.
I got close and collided into him, making sure to tip my hand so my drink spilled all over that very nice bespoke suit.
“Fuck.” I stepped back and lifted my hands as he whirled around to face me. “So sorry, mate.”
I watched his face carefully. He looked surprised. And who wouldn’t if they’d just had a full glass of champagne dumped on them? But there was something else. Alarm. And possibly… recognition?
Did he know who I was?
That was an interesting twist.
“Can I get you a napkin?” I asked. “Actually, no. Let me pay to have it cleaned.”
He glanced over his shoulder—most of the champagne had gone down his back. “That’s all right. I’ll take care of it.”
“No, I insist. It’s entirely my fault.” I slipped my phone back into my pocket and held out my hand. “Jensen Lakes.”
He hesitated before taking my hand. “Julian Myers.”
It was him. Imported statues and a very expensive Italian suit. It didn’t prove anything, but it certainly made him a person of interest. Especially because he kept looking at me like our interaction concerned him.
Who are you, really? A new player?
I was going to find out.
