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Especially not one with a client who’s so much older than I am. But I can’t help myself.
I can’t stop what I feel.
The event starts, and a few people take turns on the small stage to thank the directors and investors for another successful year. After a few speeches, Blake stands and buttons his blazer. He leans down and kisses me on the cheek.
“I’ll be right back,” he says.
He walks to the stage, and everyone applauds.
“He seems very taken with you,” Mrs. Lawrence says when the applause dies down.
“What?” I’m surprised she’s talking to me.
“I’ve never seen him like this,” Mrs. Lawrence says again. “And I’ve been here from the start—Roy was one of the first men to get on board when Blake started his company. So I’ve seen a few of the women he’s brought to events.”
My stomach twists. “I’m nothing special. I’m sure I’m just the next in a long line of women.”
Mrs. Lawrence tuts when Blake starts his speech about success and everyone being a part of a bigger picture.
“If that’s what you think about Blake, then you don’t know him very well.”
“Do you know him well, Mrs. Lawrence?” I ask.
“Angela, please. And I know him better than you do, I can tell you that. He has dates because it’s the right thing to do, but he’s not very invested in any of them. With you…”
I blush. That can’t be right, can it?
“He’s a closed man, Rachel,” Angela says. “He doesn’t just open to anyone. So when he does open to you, take it as a compliment.”
“We’re not really together,” I admit.
“Could have fooled me,” Angela says and smiles. “Try not to think too much, dear. It’s the thinking that really trip us up.”
I turn my attention to Blake’s speech and let her words sink in. What she just told me is very different from what Gregory Dillon insinuated. But I’d rather believe Angela than Dillon.
Blake has everyone’s attention when he talks—he commands respect and authority and it’s a sight to behold.
“Before I finish, I’d like to welcome a guest of honor this weekend.” He smiles at me. “Rachel Watts, thank you for joining us. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
He holds out a hand toward me, and everyone turns to look. I blush under the sudden scrutiny and when everyone applauds again, I feel like I want to hide.
Blake returns to the table and takes a seat.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I say softly.
“I did,” Blake says. “I want them to know that you are to be respected. And I mean it when I say it—it’s an honor to have you here with me.” He takes my hand and squeezes it. “Dance with me.”
He says it like it’s a command, but I want to. I nod, and Blake, still holding my hand, leads me onto the dance floor. A few other couples already sway to the music, and Blake wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me closer. Our bodies press up against each other and Blake takes the lead.
He moves to the music, and it’s intoxicating. When I glance up at him, his gray eyes are on me and they’re dark and deep. He holds me tightly against him, and his hand brands a mark on my body. I’m very aware of his hips against mine.
My eyes slide down to his lips. I can’t stop myself. I force them back to his eyes, but then his eyes are on my lips, too.
When he closes the gap between us and kisses me, I don’t stop him.
I know I should. A little voice at the back of my mind screams at me that I’m supposed to behave, I’m here as a guest, not as a girlfriend. But the way he looks at me, the way he kisses me, makes me forget about my resolve to be professional.
All I want is to be with him.
