Page 49 of Power

“Everything okay?”

I look over at Theo. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s. . . breathtaking.”

He stares down at me. This connection cackles between us, and we can’t seem to look away. “It sure is.” His eyes drop to my lips and—

“Theo! Fantastic of you to come.”

Our moment is cut short when a plump, aged man interrupts us.

“Vincent. Wouldn’t miss it.” He reaches out, and they shake hands.

“How’s your father? I haven’t seen him since the golf outing last year. Still keeping himself busy since handing the reins over?”

“You know him, once a workhorse, always a workhorse. Just doesn’t know how to step away.”

“Tell him hello.” The man refocuses his attention on me. “And who do we have here? I expected to see you and—”

“This is Fay Evans,” he replies before the man finishes. “She’s my secret weapon for the evening.” He angles his head down at me and smiles.

“Is that so? Well then, am I able to claim the seat next to you? It’ll be much lovelier chatting with you than listening to the horrendous speeches we’ll have to sit through over dinner,” Vincent says.

I smile, accepting the compliment. “Well, thank you, Vincent. A pleasure to meet you.” I extend my arm, and he holds my hand to his lips, kissing the top. “The pleasure is all mine.”

Theo wraps his arms around my waist, and an electric buzz runs down my back. “We should find our table. Enjoy the evening. Call the office and set up lunch.” Vincent nods, and Theo escorts me away.

We walk for a beat until I break the silence. “Who was he expecting to see you with tonight?”

“No one.”

“Isno onethe woman you were photographed with at that charity event?”

Theo stops and stares down at me. “Stop digging for silly information and come out and ask me. You want to know why I brought you.” I slowly nod. “Because I make the rules. And since I have no obligations to anyone, I have you with me. Does that answer your question?”

I’m not sure it’s the answer I’m looking for, but the way his penetrating gaze steals my breath, I accept it. I feel stupid now for bringing it up. I swallow and reach for anything to redirect the topic. “So, secret weapon, huh?”

“Like I said, these things tend to be terrible. When I look bored out of my mind, it’s your job to save me.”

“Oh, so you’re using me.”

His lips curl into the sexiest smile. “That wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind when I think about using you.”

He holds my gaze, and butterflies erupt, creating a warm flutter inside my belly. There’s no more denying the attraction between us, and I don’t know how much longer I can lie to myself. My body aches to be touched by him again. And deep down, I think he feels the same. “Theo, I—”

Another client interrupts. I stand there quietly, my body screaming with need. I take a sip of my champagne to help calm myself, but it’s useless. The silk fabric suddenly feels heavy against my skin.

“I’m sorry. Excuse me. Theo, I’m just going to go find the bar.” Theo’s hand wraps around my arm before I can make my escape.

“Pleasure catching up. If you’ll excuse us.” The man nods as Theo directs us toward the bar. “What’s wrong? You look flushed.”

He has no idea. “Nothing. Just thirsty. And I wanted to practice my weaponry. How’d I do?”

Another small chuckle falls off his tongue, and I swear, it’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. “Horrible. You’re supposed to save me, not ditch me.” It’s then he notices my full glass of champagne. “Is there something wrong with the champagne? Did you want something different?”

“Nope.” I tip my head, shooting back the entire flute. “That was good. I’ll take another.” This whole one-eighty from him is confusing me. He’s being. . . nice. Gentle. He orders another and hands it to me, and I inhale that one too. “Okay. All good.” I place the glass on the bar top.

His smile is semi-devious as he takes my hand and guides me around the ballroom. Conversation after conversation, he introduces me to clients and business associates. I enjoy the ambiance and expensive champagne as he works the room and talks business. When we’re finally seated for dinner, the speeches are just as Vincent described—painful. The dance floor immediately fills when the tables are cleared from dinner.

“Dance with me.”

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