Everyone in the room faded as he admired her.
Pleasure washed over Bear like a restless tide, making him a bit unsteady. She looked magnificent in her gown, a cascade of emerald silk that poured from her shoulders to her ankles. The flickering light of the wall sconces caught her beauty, making her glow like a goddess. Damn, he’d never wanted anything like he wanted her—not even Chelsea Montgomery, his first girl crush.
Aasia lifted her chin and their gazes met. Her smile radiated pleasure in seeing him.
Bear had never been romantic. Probably never even believed in true love or soul mates. Yet, whatever was churning inside him when he saw Aasia seemed foreign. There was a direct chord from his heart to his dick and with every beat he felt the pulse behind his zipper. He wasn’t out to get her in bed, but honestly, he wanted her in every way possible.
She moved with grace toward him. Every eye in her path turned to look at her, watching in appreciation, and maybe alittle envy. Her eyes were steady on him, and he felt pride knowing she was his date.
Her long, wavy hair spilled over her bare shoulders and his fingers ached to bury his touch. As she grew closer her smile widened, and her eyes glistened. Bear had never understood women, but he did understand when a woman wanted him. He would give his last breath to feel her body underneath his.
His calloused hands, usually so steady, felt suddenly shaky as he met halfway. She lifted her flute to take another sip, her movement refined. She was a perfect combination of both elegant and down to earth.
She settled her jade gaze on him, but her eyes shifted. Her smile weakened and her knuckles whitened.
Then Bear heard behind him…
“I wasn’t expecting to see you here, Aasia.”
Chapter Sixteen
Aasia had been so captivated with seeing Bear and his smile that she almost missed Bentley who was approaching fast. She felt her stomach turn and instantly wondered what she ever saw in him. He had good looks but that would fade and his ugliness would eventually show. He said something, but she couldn’t understand. His cocky smile set her on edge—an easy smile that sent the message that he thought he owned the place.
Bear stepped beside her and he placed his warm hand at the small of her back. A silent supportive gesture.
“Whatareyou doing here?” Bentley said the words in a lowered voice.
“Enjoying drinks from the bar,” she said smartly. Bentley’s beady gaze settled on Bear, and then he brought his gaze onto Aasia, a smirk forming on his thin lips. “You’re not supposed to be here.”
She exhaled, squared her shoulders, and said confidently, “I deserve to be here. I played an important role in finding benefactors for the mobile lab. I worked hard. Don’t cause a scene.”
Bentley didn’t seem the least bit bothered by her plea. “You no longer work for MedLabOne.”
“Thanks for the reminder,” she said quietly.
Bear moved his hand and reached for her, giving it a squeeze of reassurance. Bentley’s attention fell to Aasia andBear’s connected touch. “I think we’ve met?” Bentley said to Bear.
“Bentley, this is…” She realized she didn’t know how to introduce Bear. What name did he prefer?
“Ben Lane.” Bear extended his hand. “Aasia has told me a lot about you.”
Bentley nodded. Obviously, the handshake between the two was firm. “All good I hope.”
“Of course,” Aasia interjected. “No reason to be bitter because you fired me for no reason.”
His jaw tightened a smidgeon. “This isn’t the time or place.”
“Of course not.” She chewed on the corner of her mouth, wishing she could sink her teeth into him.
Bentley looked at her, really looked at her. There was something distant in him—disconnected. Sharper. Colder.
“You’re looking well.” He swept his gaze down her then back to her face. “I’m glad you’re not taking this too hard.”
“I’m doing wonderful,” she said sharply.
Bentley grabbed two champagne flutes from a tray and handed one to Bear before lifting his own. “A toast to new beginnings.”
“Well,” she said through clenched teeth, raising her own glass. “To new chapters.”
