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“It’s been a year since I, you know...”
Hugh chokes again. “Okay, don’t share the same stories with me as you would with Zara. I’m not that sort of friend. But seriously, a year? What about those dates?”
“None of them did it for me.”
“Pick someone else and not the most powerful man here, please. Unless you want a fun night with no strings attached?”
In the past year, it’s exactly what I’ve avoided. The two-year journey to discover me, find all the things I like, and not be influenced by a boyfriend is a growing list. One-night stands were added to that list because, after Bernard and a string of one-nighters, I realized random men on top of me made me feel worse about myself. So, I promised no sex until date five. Everyone Hugh set up for me never got past the second date.
But maybe this time might be different.
It feels dangerous to be anywhere near him, and yet my stomach is in knots with curiosity when I imagine what it would be like to spend one night withFranklin. I say his name in my head. I imagine those brown eyes peering down at me as his muscular biceps cage my face.Is he muscular?I can’t tell, but he does look mighty fine in a suit.
And now I want to know.
5
PENELOPE
After dinner,Noah makes a brief speech, thanking everyone for attending, and they are excited for more celebrations tomorrow.
Hugh and I swapped seats with his aunt and uncle as they couldn’t see the main table. With my back to the stage, I pull out my cell while keeping it on my lap. Without Franklin’s sexual gaze enchanting my mind, I’ve had time to realize flirting with him is a bad idea.
What if he remembers who I am? How will he react? If who created the setting is leaked to social media, it might influence how people view my work. It could possibly be very damaging.
I stop thinking of the worst outcome and distract myself on my cell, scrolling through notifications. There is a text from my mother asking about Christmas. Another from a client in San Francisco. I’ve been waiting all week for this email, and now they think late on Friday night is okay.
Popping my cell in my bra, I excuse myself and head to the restroom.
When I exit, I find an oversized white leather chair against the wall. I lean back, enjoying the comfort. Retrieving my cell from my bra, I send a text to my mother and tell her I’ll call her when I get home, and I read over the email from the client.
“Why the serious face?”
I glance up at the brown eyes that threaten to undo my demeanor.
“Because these emails are stopping me from having fun.” That puts a smile on his gorgeous face. “You should do that more.” I push up and go to step around him, only to find his warm hand wrapping around my wrist.
“What’s that?”
“Smile. It’s why I started talking to you at the bar, because you appeared sad. When youdo, your whole face brightens.”
His lips curl up, but his eyes are serious. “I have something in mind that would make both of us smile.”
“I bet you do.” I roll my eyes and look away as it’s safer than staring into his brown eyes that have the power to mesmerize me. “I’m done with this game.”
“Yet you’re the one who approached me at the bar earlier. I’m ready to play, Penny. Tonight.”
I yank my hand from his. I’m coming to understand what Hugh meant by Franklin being the most powerful man in the room if his bossy attitude is anything to go by. I cross my arms and glare at him to prove I’m not someone he can control. “And what’s in it for me?”
He leans down and whispers in my ear, “The best fucking orgasm you’ve ever had.” I close my eyes with him this close. Every part of me wants to grab hold of his tie and keep him near so I can inhale his woody scent. Suddenly, my thoughts whip me into the forest, and I’m lying on soft leaves, and Franklin’s mouth is all over me.
God, I could come just by smelling him.
I press my thighs together to stop the ache. “A fucking orgasm?” I murmur.
“Fucking is usually involved,” he says in a low, sexy voice. The intensity in his eyes tells me he already knows my answer. His hand rests on my lower back as though I’m already his.
No.no. NO.
