Page 5 of Only for Tonight
Both looking at me like I’m exactly what they hoped to find tonight.
This doesn’t happen to girls like me.
“So, Rebecca.” The way he pronounces my full name makes my stomach flutter. “Have you had the opportunity to meet your favourite author yet?”
“Tomorrow morning. She’s on a panel.” Words come out steadier than I feel. “I’ve read everything she’s written. Listened to every interview. Joined her Facebook group.”
He lifts his glass. Small toast. “Then I sincerely hope she lives up to your expectations.”
“She already is.” The words slip out. I glance between them.
The atmosphere shifts, heavier and charged.
Leo’s watching me now, something heated in his expression. James tilts his head. Assessing. Like he’s working out exactly how to take me apart.
I’m caught between them. Pulse racing. Like I’ve fallen into one of those reverse harem books I’ve been reading. Where the heroine doesn’t have to choose.
Except this isn’t a book. This is real life. Isn’t it?
My skin feels too tight. Too warm. An ache builds low in my belly. Nothing to do with the alcohol. Everything to do with the way they’re looking at me.
A new voice slides in behind me. Warm. Teasing.
“Now this looks like the place to be.”
I turn.
Fuck me.
Tall, tan, and stupidly gorgeous. Golden-boy glow that probably has its own filter. Scruffy stubble, a smile that could sell anything, and a tank top that should be illegal.
Easy confidence. Like he’s never met a room he didn’t light up.
His gaze drops to my chest. My convention lanyard.
I move to cover it.
He catches my wrist, gentle and warm. “Hey now, don’t hide that. I love a woman who reads.”
His eyes linger—not just on the badge but on the curves the emerald dress shows off. Then meet my face again with open appreciation.
“Rebecca. That’s a beautiful name. Suits you perfectly.” He grins. “And that dress? Fucking gorgeous on you.”
I flush. Unused to this kind of direct attention. “Thanks.”
“I mean it. You’ve got curves that would make any photographer weep with joy.” His smile is warm and genuine. “Trust me, I work with beautiful women every day. You? You’re the real thing.”
“And you are?”
“Luca.” He flashes his own convention badge. “Cover model. You might’ve seen my abs on BookTok.”
“And there he is.” James sounds fond and exasperated. “Marginally less insufferable when he’s not discussing his physique.”
“Hey, the abs pay my rent.” Luca protests cheerfully. “How’s the new audiobook coming along?”
“Nearly finished. Mafia romance. I find I quite enjoy narrating those.”
I blink between them. “Okay. So I’m surrounded by...” I gesture at James, then Luca, then look at Leo. “A narrator, a cover model, and a chippy?”
