Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77309 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77309 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“I’m surprised they let you in here.” Damon’s leaning up against a pillar near the main conference space. The ballroom’s filled with people milling around and a live band’s playing up-beat jazz tunes.
“Nobody recognized me in this dress,” I say, grinning at him. “How’s it going in here?”
“People are keeping it together so far, but I won’t ever forget that freaking luau.” He grunts, smiling back. “You look good. Not to be weird or whatever, but everyone’s missed you.”
“Thanks,” I say, tugging at the lapel of his suit. “You look all right yourself. Working out?”
“Always. Gotta keep the guns locked and loaded.”
“Spoken like a true security professional.”
His smile fades. “The boss is around here somewhere, you know.”
“I figured. I’ve been trying to avoid him.”
“Yeah?” Damon’s head tilts. “You shouldn’t.”
“Thanks for the advice.”
“I just mean—” He clears his throat and looks around before his voice drops. “The guy’s been a fucking prick since you walked out, you know? Seriously, it’s been pissing everyone off. He’s goddamn moody.”
I’m not sure how to feel about that, so I only shrug. “I can’t control what he does.”
“Nah, I’m not blaming you, but whatever went down between you two, I say you go ahead and fix it. For my fucking sake.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Right. I’d better get back to keeping the peace.”
“How, exactly, do you manage that?”
“By looking menacing.” He scowls around. “See? Works great.”
I laugh and walk off, a strange feeling in my guts.
What does it mean that Conlan’s been moody since I left? I know he wants to talk to me and wants to see me again, but I’m surprised he actually cared. I figured he just misses having a competent assistant.
Then again, I don’t know why I’m putting much stock in whatever Damon says. He’s a good security guy, but I doubt he’s got a ton of insight into the human heart.
I find myself at the bar in the main room waiting in line for another glass of champagne. I’m not drunk, but I’m a little buzzed, and the alcohol’s giving me enough armor to keep going. Once I’ve got another glass in hand, I find a high-top table away from the action and observe the events.
There’s a surprising number of people in costumes. Only a few didn’t go all-out, which is a testament to Allison’s abilities as a party planner. Folks are dancing swing, kicking their feet and shaking their hands, and laughing as they spill their wine. I have to admit, it’s a good party, and the hotel’s doing a solid business in alcohol.
“She told me you’d be here, but I didn’t really think you’d show.”
I go still. I know that voice. This time, it’s not Damon, it’s not a front desk girl or one of the PR people. That voice is slow and velvety, smooth as butter, the voice that haunts my dreams. I turn and there’s Conlan, standing with a glass of something brown in a three-piece suit with a watch chain across the vest, fitting him like a glove. Strong arms, muscular chest, and those obscene lips. He’s staring at me like he’s going to rip me to shreds where I stand.
My heart goes wild with anticipation.
“I tried to get out of it, but you know how she can be.”
“I like the dress.”
“Allison picked it.”
“I figured.” He comes closer. I stay very still, afraid that if I move, it’ll only encourage him to chase. “I like it.”
“Thanks.” I shift slightly to face him. “You dressed up. I’m surprised.”
“Like you said, she’s very persuasive.”
“Look, Conlan—”
He shakes his head. “Not here.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“We should talk, but not here. I want you to come with me.”
“Conlan—” I chew on my lip and drink some champagne. “I shouldn’t.”
“You’ve been ignoring me for weeks now. At least give me this small chance. If you don’t like talking to me, you can come back inside. I won’t stop you.”
“Can I trust you to listen when I ask you to stop?”
I know it’s the wrong thing to say. I’m being hurtful for no reason. Except I still have some anger in me, even after these weeks. Seeing him there, wearing that outfit, looking so damn attractive rekindles it deep in my chest.
“You can trust me.” He turns away. “Come on.”
I hesitate. He starts walking. I could refuse to follow and stay here, but I know that’ll only make things worse.
And I want to follow. I want to talk to him. Seeing him again also wakes up all those old feelings, all that want, all that need. It never went away, and I crave him more than I thought I would.
I’m torn, confused, but I grip my glass tightly to my chest and hurry in his wake.
Chapter 39
Isabel
We go out beside the pool. There are people scattered around in the darkness, sitting in small groups and talking in low voices, but it’s much more private. He leads me to a pair of chairs next to the water and sits at the end of one. I sit on the other, stretching my legs out. It feels good to be off my feet. The damn heels are killing me.