Page 31 of Most Eligible Billionaire CEO

“You do.” He gives me a languorous onceover. “It’s hard not to like you in that dress, but I’m sure I’ll like you out of it even more.”

The intense desire emitting from his blue eyes causes my knees to buckle.

I’m doing my best to remember this is purely business, but when I’m with Bryce, it’s so passionate, so hot, and so much more than I’ve ever had sexually with any other man, it’s hard to keep a clear head.

A voice breaks the spell.

“Bryce Van Der Linden!” A tall, handsome man in his early thirties approaches Bryce with his hand out ready to meet his.

“Spencer Rankin.” The two men shake hands. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight. I thought you’d still be traveling around the world seducing women in different languages.”

“I’m back in town, but obviously, I’m too late because you managed to meet this ravishing beauty before I did.”

Spencer is talking to Bryce, but his blue eyes are fixed onto mine.

“Spencer, meet Amanda. She’s my date.”

“Amanda, it’s a pleasure.”

I shake his extended hand. “Likewise.”

“Spencer, has your date already ditched you?”

Ignoring Bryce’s jab, Spencer asks, “I’m sorry for staring, but I was wondering what a beautiful woman like you is doing with an old guy like Bryce? Men lose their stamina in their forties.”

I’m caught off guard by his brash retort.

Bryce mumbles something under his breath that sounds like a curse.

These two aren’t friends.

I meet Spencer’s gaze. “I assume you speak from experience… perhaps men you’ve dated?”

“I’m not gay. I’m very much straight.”

“In that case, how would you know?”

“Hearsay.”

“I’m not one to kiss and tell, but let’s just say… there are exceptions to any rule.”

Bryce places a possessive arm around my shoulders.

“Bryce, she’s gorgeous and smart. Good for you. I’d fight you for her.”

Bryce says, “You’d lose, and we both know it.”

They size each other up like wild rams before a duel. It’s obvious they have a long, competitive history involving women.

“We should go find our table,” I suggest, breaking up the rivalry.

“Good idea,” Bryce says.

“I should do the same,” Spencer says.

With that, he’s gone.

“You two are the bestest of friends,” I mock, as we stride through the crowd.

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