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Those big, expressive eyes flashing up at me, that rosebud mouth pressed into a harsh line. I’d never understood the term walking temptation until she’d stepped in between Camry and me. She was a slight little thing. Slim and short, with the palest skin I’ve ever seen and a smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. She was adorable but fierce.
I’d never been attracted toadorablebefore. No, my type was sexy, sultry,bombshell. Usually blond, with legs that went on forever and an obsession with all things brand name. But she was different, and some part of me clearly craved it.
“Right, well, I’m sorry about earlier. Really.”
She stares at me for a handful of seconds, chewing on her bottom lip as she seems to weigh my words. I worry she might reject my apology until she flashes me a meek smile.
“Apology accepted, Emory.”
“Thank you.” I flash her a smile.
By the time I return to my seat, I’m already devising a plan to get into the VIP section of the event. And I’m confused by the fact that I wasn’t placed in VIP to begin with. Alyse was incompetent, obviously. Which is why she’s gone now. Everyone knows I prefer to be within the velvet ropes.
Jackson squints at me sceptically when I ask about being moved to the VIP section on the top level. But to his disbelief, when I bring it up to the maître d’, she is happy oblige. It’s a Herculean task not to openly scowl at the woman when she caresses my arm as she leads Jackson and me up the stairs. The room is even more richly adorned than the main dining area. It’s carpeted in dark red, and the seats and tables are covered in cream-colored silk. On this floor, the chandelier is close enough to see each flickering light. The lighting is dimmer than down below, but I spot the brunette I’ve been looking for almost immediately. God, her hair is beautiful. I imagine running my fingers through the silky layers and bite my lip. I don’t even pay attention to where we’re seated. My eyes are glued to her. Distantly, I hear Jackson order for me.
She flashes a smile at the man whose order she’s taking, and my gut clenches. Jesus Christ, she’s not just adorable. Her smile transforms her entire face. She’s resplendent. The low lighting in this section makes it impossible to ignore the way her face seems to glow. Or the way her hair shimmers as she moves. My heart is pounding as she laughs with the man. I want to be him.
I’m losing my goddamn mind.
It hasn’t even been an hour since I’ve met her, and she’s managed to make me feel jealous of a complete stranger.
Her pen falls, and she squats to pick it up. My heart stalls as the skirt she’s wearing molds to the curve of her ass and thighs.Dear God.She straightens, and our eyes connect across the room. Her smile falters, her eyes narrowing into slits, her face transforming again, before she turns back to her customer and finishes their conversation.
She swivels and exits through the doors leading to the employee stairwell without a backward glance, and I almost laugh at the obvious indignance in her behavior.
Jackson clears his throat, gaining my attention. “Don’t stare too hard. You’re already bordering on creepy, ogling her like that.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not ogling her.”
“Maybe you’re not familiar, ogling means openly staring—” Jackson explains slowly.
“That’s not what I’m doing.”
Jackson smiles. I frown.
“Next you’ll request she be our server.”
I consider his words. “That’s not a bad—”
“You will not,” Jackson interrupts, wagging his finger at me. “Ogling from a distance is fine. But I draw the line at outrightharassment.”
I purse my lips.
“Someone should’ve taught you how to flirt like us regular folk.” Jackson sighs. “You’re like a caveman. You can’t always get what you want, Emory, when it comes to women.”
I smile at Jackson’s grumbling. He knows better than that. I always get what I want,especiallywhere women are concerned. He doesn’t look surprised when I respond.
“She’s already mine for the night. Even if she doesn’t know it yet.”
