The elevator opened and they piled out. “Don and I are staying long enough to have a quick bite. We splurged on a night here.” She threaded her fingers through her husband’s hand as they headed toward thesuite.
The door was open, so they moseyed inside. Taylor hadn’t taken three steps when Maverick bustledover.
“Hey! You made it. Maverick Hott.” He shook Don’s hand. “Pretty sweet digs. Let me show you the spread.” He escorted them through the art deco living room and into the equally stylish dining area. “There’s beer, wine, soda, sparkling water. What can I geteveryone?”
Taylor wanted to suck down a ginger ale in the hopes of calming her stomach, but that would be a dead giveaway she was a wreck. “Sparkling water. No, I’ll have a glass of red wine,please.”
Tonight, Raven was in charge and she drank alcohol. Maverick poured from a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that Taylor suspected cost a few hundred dollars.Who is this JaggerLoving?
She glanced around the spacious suite filled with people and her heart skipped a beat when she spied him. Though he stood in a small group, he turned in her direction, as if he knew exactly where she was. The second they connected, her pulse pounded a frenetic rhythm. He broke eye contact long enough to place his hand on the arm of the man to his right, say something that left everyone chuckling, and head in herdirection.
A raw hunger lurked in his eyes. With his every step, her insides burned with desire. Even though she squirmed from his intense energy, she couldn’t turn away.I’m Raven.Cool, sophisticated Raven. Knowing she could play the part of someone else calmed her down. She turned and facedhim.
“I’m glad you could make it.” Jagger placed his hand on her arm. That simple touch excited her in a myriad of ways. “You lookbeautiful.”
He sounded so sincere; she wanted to believe him. “Thank you and thanks for inviting us.” She gestured to her friends, but Melissa and Don were chatting with Maverick while filling their plates at the buffet table. She and Jagger stood alone. A tremble skirted throughher.
Jagger tossed a nod toward the buffet. “I think your friends are hungry.” Instead of following his gaze, she studied his profile. From every angle, he was gorgeous. High cheekbones and a strong jawline accentuated his chiseled face. As soon as she honed in on his sexy mouth, she pursed hers, but the whisper-soft moan still managed toescape.
Not wanting to get caught gawking, she peered into her glass. This man was so out of her league. Beyond his striking looks, he carried himself with a confidence she only dreamedabout.
“You okay?” He ran a comforting hand from her shoulder blades to the small of her back, and kept itthere.
Meeting his fiery gaze, she nodded. But she was crumbling from hisintensity.
“I see you have something to drink. How about some food?” The heat from his fingers seeped through the lace gown. She could have stood like thatforever.
“That’s a good idea,” she said, finding her voice. “It’s been a longday.”
With a plate in hand, Jagger escorted her through the buffet, ensuring she received a sampling of several delicious-looking foods. Then, he seated her at the dining room table, retrieved her utensils, a bottle of sparkling water and two glasses, and joined her. Despite feeling self-conscious, she loved how he waited onher.
“Are you eating?” she asked as he eased onto the chair, catty-corner fromhers.
“Maverick and I had a huge meal at Sargent’s.” He poured their waters and lifted his glass. “Cheers. Congratulations on a successful event. Melissa said you really came through forher.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, unable to look away. She could hardly breathe, but her insides were humming. Taylor became tongue tied around handsome, sophisticated men like Jagger, but she had to say something. “Did you arrive late to the fundraiser?”That wasbrilliant.
“We got there when you took thestage.”
She wanted to ask,why me?Instead, she bit off the end of a lobster toast with avocado, and the tiny cracker crumbled onto the plate.C’mon get it together.She nibbled a carrot tart with ricotta and almond filling. This gorgeous, elegant man deserved his money’s worth, starting right now. Swallowing down a mountain of insecurities, she pinned on asmile.
“What do you do?” sheasked.
“I’m in the hospitality industry. How about you? Do you work full-time forWalk aMile?”
“No, I’m…”What does Raven do?Her mind raced with possibilities. “I’m a vet…primarily dogs,” she blurted. “Cats, fish, too.”Ohgod, I’m losing it.She forced a laugh. “No, nofish.”
He chuckled, but he hadn’t stopped staring at her. Assuming she had food on her face, she wiped the corners of her mouth with the clothnapkin.
“Well, Doctor, I’m impressed you’d volunteer with what must be a fullschedule.”
Tell him the truth, apologize, give him your phone number, and leave. He’ll nevercall.
“We’re heading out,” someonesaid.
Taylor continued staring into Jagger’s eyes. “I…so…um, I’m not really a…the reason Iintro—”
“Raven. We’releaving.”
