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Eyeing the pad with frayed edges, a slight grin widened the tight line of her mouth.
“Right. Well, I don’t know you.”
He nodded, regretting grilling her earlier about her age. He turned on the charm he often used with fans, using a different strategy.
“Let’s start over.”
She crossed her arms, her brows still drawn together.
“I’m Wesley. I live in New York City. I like fast cars, ink,” he indicated the tattoos rounding his biceps, “and gelato.”
For a moment, she remained silent, likely conjuring a snarky comment. With her gaze perusing his ink, he couldn’t help but tug down the front of his collar to expose the dragon tattoo that had become his empire’s brand. It didn’t seem to impress her, though. She dropped her gaze to his sketch pad.
“What’s in the notebook?”
“Sketch pad,” he corrected, stalling as he wondered whether she somehow knew he’d drawn dozens of sketches of her.Why had he even bothered to bring the darn thing with him?He didn’t have the time to keep drawing, no matter how inspiring the ocean’s breeze and soothing sounds were.
“Whatever. What do you draw?”
He shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable under her scrutiny. He’d always been proud of his ability to draw, even won competitions in his younger years.
“Ideas for my gaming program. Work stuff.”
Would she ask to see it?He rushed with urgency, “Tell me something about you, Ava Baxter.”
“There’s not much to tell. You already know I’m ex-military and that I’m in my twenties.”
The dig made him suppress a grin. “Where do you live? I assume New York since we both boarded the plane there. Or were you just connecting?”
“I’m in Brooklyn. For now.” She glanced toward the house as another catering truck with baked goods painted on the sides arrived. “I should go get ready.”
“Brooklyn’s nice.” It overjoyed him to know she lived just across the bridge from Manhattan, but it worried him that she’d saidfor now.Would she move farther away from the city? Or change states?
Shrugging, she turned her face into the wind, allowing the breeze off the ocean to lift her hair as she tilted her head, catching the last of the sun’s warm rays.
Stunning!He also liked how she’d chosen to stand out here by the ocean, which had drawn him too, when everyone else was inside, getting decked out for the gala.
“I’ll walk back with you.”
She cruised past him, not saying no, so he paced alongside her with his long stride. He desired to inquire more about her, but she speed-walked, dropping the hint.
Inside, among the hustle and bustle, she easily and swiftly maneuvered around rushing staff with laden arms as she beelined it for the grand staircase. Being agile and having the ability to anticipate the staff’s trajectory, she beat him to the top of the steps. She didn’t bother to wait for him and closed the door to her room before he reached his own across the hall.
Why are you running from me, my sweet muse?
An hour later, the house came alive with high voices and laughter as guests arrived and filled the catered rooms, chatting above what sounded like a small orchestra. When he stepped into the hallway, Ava came out of her room across the hall.
He understood his gawking stare wouldn’t win him any points with her, but that midnight-blue dress fit her like a second skin, taking his breath away. “Wow, Ava. I mean…” He blinked several times, trying to put his thoughts into words. “You look incredible.”
“Thanks,” she said tersely. “We should head down. Sounds like everyone’s here.”
Why act so cold?Has someone hurt you? An ass wipe ex-boyfriend, perhaps?
Ava had challenged him in the matter of hours they’d known each other, tested him even, but he would stay diligent in befriending her, winning her over at all costs.
He motioned for her to lead the way, watching her elegant stride down the steps, until she reached the bottom, where she faltered and hovered, nervously looking into the crowded next room.
“Is everything okay?”
