Page 19 of The CEO's Sweetheart Deal
"I'm glad you came tonight," Oscar says, his voice dropping lower. "I wasn't sure you would."
"And miss free champagne? Please." I roll my eyes, but only to avoid looking straight at him. "You know how to throw a good party, I'll give you that."
The song shifts to something slower, and Oscar's hand slides to the small of my back, a whisper of pressure that sends an unwelcome shiver up my spine. It’s only natural to stand this close while slow-dancing, but it makes it hard to remember how to breathe properly.
Around us, our coworkers dance and mingle, some casting curious glances our way. How much of the story they have, I’m not sure. Nor do I want to distract myself from my work by getting caught up in possible rumors or trying to prove something to people. I’ve always let a job well done speak for my character.
"Want another drink?" Oscar asks as the song ends. "The specialty of the night is 20th Centuries.”
“I have no idea what that is, but sure.”
"I promise you’ll like it.”
“Oh, yeah?” I raise an eyebrow. “What makes you so sure.”
"Gin. Lemon juice. Creme de cacao. Unless you no longer like those things…”
I bite into my smile. Nope. He’s nailed me.
Oscar weaves through the crowd toward one of the several bars set up around the property, and I watch him go, unable to deny that he cuts an impressive figure in his tailored suit. The man knows how to dress now; I'll give him that. Gone are the days of hoodies and jeans that hung too loose on his lanky frame.
In fact, he’s also clearly not lanky anymore. He’s filled out with strong, compact muscles.
Needing to distract myself from the pointless thoughts about his body, I take a moment to look around at his estate. The sprawling lakefront property must have cost a fortune, with its perfectly landscaped gardens, infinity pool that appears to merge with the lake beyond, and the sleek, modern mansion that looks like something out of an architectural magazine. It's beautiful, undeniably, but also a reminder of how far Oscar has come — and how far apart our lives have grown.
"Well, well, well." Sydney materializes at my side, her red curls bouncing. "Look who's dancing with the enemy."
"It's just a dance," I say, but even I can hear how defensive I sound.
"Mmhmm." She sips her drink, eyes sparkling with mischief. "And that was just drool on your chin."
"I was not drooling!"
"Nearly." She bumps her shoulder against mine. "I haven't seen you look at someone like that since… hm… never."
I scoff, but there's a fluttering in my stomach I'm trying very hard to ignore. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm just… making an effort. For the company."
"Sure, sure. For the company."
"Have you seen this place?" I gesture around us. "It's like he's compensating for something."
Sydney laughs. "Maybe he is. Why don't you find out?"
I open my mouth to protest, when Oscar returns, balancing three drinks in his hands.
"I figured I'd grab one for you too, Sydney," he says, extending a glass to her.
"My hero." Sydney accepts it with a grin. "I was just telling Alice how impressive the party is. You've really gone all out."
“Thank you. Everyone deserves a good time after all the upheaval lately. Will you be at the team building game tomorrow?"
“Of course.” She smiles wide. I know for a fact that she would rather drink tar than go to a team-building exercise, but what else are we supposed to do?
Another song starts, and Sydney is drawn back to the dance floor, leaving Oscar and me alone once more. The drink he’s brought me is sweet and strong, and sipping it makes me feel pleasantly warm.
“Tonight is really nice,” I tell him. “Thank you.”
I can feel his eyes on me, and that alone makes me too flustered to look his way.
