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ChapterOne
KATERINA
Absentmindedly tapping my fingers against my clutch, I gazed out across the floor through narrowed eyes. Dozens of people clad in expensive clothes glittered to distort my view, but it took mere seconds for me to spy the only man I wanted. Even from the opposite side of the room, Brandon Maddox stood out like a sore thumb, and I tightened my grip on my untouched Champagne flute.
Maybe it was his obvious discomfort with his own tax bracket. Maybe it was his head of ear-length auburn hair that had never seen a single drop of dye. Maybe it was the fact that of every man in the room, he was the only one unable to disguise how much he didn’t want to be at this function.
Which was ironic because it washisfunction.
“Here goes nothing, I guess.” My grumble only intensified the anxiety in my gut and tightened the knots in my chest, but I set down my glass on a random table without regard. I’d spent more time and effort to get into this shindig than I cared to admit, and I couldn’t chicken out now. Theclickof my tall heels was lost under the quiet conversation and classical music, and I licked my lips nervously.
Weaving between people I’d once hoped to be, I scavenged every drop of courage I could muster. The thin silk fabric that clung to my body became armor, and my clutch gave me something to hold on to that stopped my fingers from fidgeting. Keeping one eye on Brandon, I silently repeated my plan over and over again in my head as I drew closer to him.
My heart thundered in my chest and my blood sang as I steeled myself. A few more steps, and I’d be close enough that Brandon would notice me. A cold sweat broke out between my shoulder blades, and I inhaled deeply. Stepping out from behind a group of faceless, nameless men, I put on my proverbial mask just in time.
Bottomless brown eyes met mine, and heat crept up my neck as the fine hairs on my face stood straight up. Pausing mid-step, I smiled the same way I’d practiced for so long, and Brandon pursed his lips under furrowed brows. The silent interaction was less than a second, less than the time it took to blink, before I ducked my head and started off again. His gaze bored ruts into my back, and I exhaled hotly through my nose as accomplishment filled my chest to overflowing.
Part One, a flirty glance to get Brandon’s attention.A big ol’ check mark right there.
“He’s more handsome than in his pictures.” My mumble was lost above my head in the light atmosphere, and I licked my lips with a slight shake of my head. “I have to pretend I don’t know him. I can’t deviate from the plan... it’s my only one.”
The ballroom rigged with expensive foods and high-end wine was far too fancy for my tastes, and I crossed my arm over my belly to avoid glancing over my shoulder. Even the high ceiling couldn’t help the drone of voices and the horrible smell of too many perfumes. Heading for one of the many balconies, I silently debated what my next move might be. Everything depended on Brandon seeking me out, but what if he didn’t?
Despite the bright lights spilling out along the marble-clad concrete, the night was surprisingly dark. The sun had set, and I propped my arm against the swell of my breast to rub my jaw thoughtfully. Staring out at the lake, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the stars that twinkled across the small, rippling waves. For a moment, I wasn’t a poor girl at a rich boy party. For a moment, I wasn’t anything as the beauty stretching out into the darkness cajoled me.
“It’s pretty.”How can people be so ugly when this is their role model? Leaning on the ornate railing, I sighed heavily as my far too existential question weighed on my shoulders.
“That’s why I chose this venue.” I started with a gasp at the deep voice that rolled up my spine. I whipped around to hold my clutch to my chest. In the doorway, Brandon held up his hands with a guilty smile, and a brief but intense panic slammed into my chest. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s–it’s okay. I didn’t think anyone could hear me.” Blood rushed to my cheeks as I gained control of myself, and I smiled as Brandon stepped out onto the balcony fully. “I don’t come to places like this very often. It’s nice to just enjoy the scenery.”
“The scenery is a lot more attractive than most of the people here, for sure.” Coming up next to me, Brandon stared directly at me as he spoke, and my cheeks flamed. “Not you, though.”
Surprise knocked my heart out of rhythm, and I glanced over, openmouthed, to findhimthe one tinging red at his ears. My mind went blank as everything I’d expected of him turned on its head, and I somehow managed to shut my mouth and tilt the corners up. Brandon wasn’t a ridiculously wealthy, womanizing, corporate warmonger as I thought, or he was just an incredible actor.
“Ah, um, thank you. You’re very handsome... as well.” Sputtering slightly, I tore my gaze off Brandon to hide my burning face, but I couldn’t stop myself from glancing back. His wide, almost boyish grin revealed a dimple on his chin, and he reached to rub the back of his neck in a smooth, masculine gesture.
“So... I didn’t catch your name. I mean, I didn’t ask, but I’d still like to know it.” This time, Brandon was the one to look away, and a little giggle forced itself from my tight throat. Hiding my smile behind my hand, I watched above lifted cheeks as his grin softened and his eyes twinkled with pleased achievement.
“I’m Katie. It’s nice to meet you.” Holding out my hand for a shake, I sucked in a sharp breath when Brandon lifted my fingers to his lips. The action itself was so smooth that it took me off guard, but the actual kiss on my knuckles was hard. I could feel his front teeth from behind his thinned mouth, and he pulled back quickly before clearing his throat roughly.
“Brandon. My name is Brandon. Are you going to be participating in the charity auction, or did you just buy a ticket to donate?”This is actually going really well. Humming softly at the probe, I turned back to the lake to prop my forearms on the railing and disguise wiping my knuckles on my dress. Brandon didn’t prompt me immediately, but his expectant gaze lingered on my face until I opened my mouth.
“I’m not sure, really. To be honest, I don’t do a lot of charity work. There are so many awful people out there looking to take advantage of the kindness of others..." Trailing off, I struggled not to frown even as a shallow crease appeared between my brows. Brandon’s gaze only intensified, and I sighed into the cool night air before glancing over to catch his eye. “I know someone whose daughter had cancer and couldn’t beat it, though. He’s like a second father to me, so..."
“I’m sorry he had to go through that. The truth for me is I don’t know anyone at all who had cancer. My publicist suggests I do these things, and my business partner pushes it for the tax breaks. If I had to choose a charity that I was really passionate about—” Brandon’s eyes widened, and he shook his head hastily as I arched a quizzical brow. “Not that cancer research isn’t important or anything. Uh, like you said, it’d just make me feel like less of a hypocrite if I knew someone—not that I’d want anyone to have to deal with that kind of ordeal..."
The silence that ensued was heavy and awkward, and Brandon faced the lake with a slight frown. Rolling my lips between my teeth, I carefully reached out to touch his arm, and the lean sinew rippled even under his suit jacket. Shuffling a little closer, I ignored the blood drumming in my ears when he blew out a hot breath that slumped his shoulders.
“What are you really passionate about, Brandon?” My murmur drew his gaze once more, and I palmed his arm firmly. It shocked me how easy it was to flirt with him. Everything I’d practiced gave way to other reactions. Maybe it was because a hard sultry act wouldn’t do. So close that I could feel his warmth radiating through his clothes, I watched him gulp harshly.
“I’d be passionate about you, if that’s okay?” Instantly, regret rippled across Brandon’s entire face, and he jerked back with a low grunt. Automatically tightening my grasp on his arm, I gasped when panic strengthened my tug, and his arm snaked around my waist, intensifying that panic. His eyes widened, jaw loosening, and I couldn’t breathe as his chest conformed to mine.
“I think... I think I’d like that, Brandon.”What the Hell, what the Hell, what the Hell!I couldn’t let him get away, though, and I licked my lips nervously as his brows shot up in surprise. “Unless you didn’t mean it.”
“No. No, I meant it, Katie. I did..." Stiffly unwrapping his arm from around me, Brandon gave an uncomfortable chuckle as he stepped back. “Ah, maybe we could... exchange numbers?”
The hope in his voice sent a rush through my chest, and I nodded as accomplishment filled my heart to bursting. Once again, a big, pleased smile stretched his lips, and he fished his cell phone out of his jacket. Tearing my eyes off him to pop open my clutch, I blinked and sucked in a stabilizing breath.
