“As CEO of W. Enterprises, I’m more than happy to thank all the donors, and on behalf of my father, we truly appreciate everyone’s continuing support toward bettering the healthcare in the greater Seattle area.”
More applause.
But the pieces weren’t falling into place. So he was a CEO of a company? That fit, I guess. He was dressed well, and he’d mentioned security, but what CEO had that type of security?
The guys filed off the stage. Gabe purposely bumped into me and winked before wandering off, probably to find Saylor, and Wes stopped right in front of me.
“So…” His grin was shameless. “Having fun with Charming, Miss Cinderella?”
I narrowed my eyes at him and crossed my arms. “You mean that’s the guy—”
“I think I deserve an ‘I’m sorry, Wes, for doubting your ability.’”
I held up my hand. “Not happening.”
“Of course, the great Wes Michels knows the prettiest girl in the room.” Mystery man walked up to us. He wrapped an arm around me, tugging me closer to his body. I liked it. I shouldn’t, but I did.
“Funny, I don’t see my wife.” Wes winked. “And yes, Tristan, this is—”
“No last names!” I blurted, sounding like a complete idiot.
“We don’t want to break the rules.” Mystery man leaned down, his breath hot on my neck. “Do we?”
Oh we do, we really, really do. “Nope.” My voice came out like a squeak. “Sorry, Wes, but no names until the unmasking at midnight!”
Wes held up his hands and grinned. “That should be very, very interesting.” He covered his face with his hand and looked away. “Yeah, I’m going to go find my wife… and dance. You two…” He licked his lips. “You have fun until midnight, then.”
“Until midnight.” I nodded, leaning further into the warmth of the solid body next to me. He smelled like expensive cologne — not overpowering, just inviting. So inviting I fought the urge to turn my head a bit and breathe him in.
“So…” His low voice vibrated. “…shall we dance under the stars?”
Laughing, I pulled away and stole a glance at his face. “Who are you?”
“Nobody important.”
I sighed.
“And you? The most beautiful girl in the room… who are you?” His eyes took on another dark hue, captivating me, making me want to lean in, discover his secrets.
“For tonight?” My body shook with desire. I wanted more. For the first time in a really long time, I wanted more, and I wanted it to be him. “Your dance partner.”
He brought my hand to his lips. His light eyes brimmed with hunger as he placed a gentle kiss across my wrist. “And tomorrow? What am I tomorrow?”
Was I shaking? “I guess we’ll see.”
“So strategic in her answers. I love a woman who knows her mind.” He dropped my hand and led me toward the double doors. When he pushed them open, we were suddenly on a balcony looking at the Seattle skyline.
“Beautiful.” I breathed. “And look, no rain!”
“Please don’t tell me you’re one of those.” He laughed, leaning against the railing as he tucked his hands into his pockets.
“What do you mean?” I turned toward him, my breathing labored at the sight. He looked so predatory. Even relaxed, he seemed ready to pounce.
“One of those horrible people who spread rumors about Seattle having nothing but rain when the exact opposite is true.” His head tilted in amusement. His full lips pressed together as he glanced briefly at the skyline then back at me, revealing a sensual smile that took my breath away. It was scary the way a complete stranger could make me feel, the desire he evoked in me with one look.
“It does rain a lot here.” I found my voice and took a tentative step toward him.
The tip of his tongue slid through his mouth, grazing his top lip, almost like he was thinking about licking my lips, not his. “I’d like to call it mist.”
“Fine, it mists a lot in Seattle.” My eyes couldn’t look away from his; like a trance, I kept watching his face, entertained by each movement he made.
“Magical,” he whispered reverently. “The mist. No way would I be coming out and saying that about you after only knowing you for a mere hour… don’t you think? After all, I’m honest, but I don’t want to come on too strong by telling you that under the stars you look like an angel… a dark angel.”
I tried to shrug, to appear unaffected by his words. “Hmm, isn’t darkness bad? Wouldn’t that mean I’m fallen?”
He laughed, pulling his hands out of his pockets and gently tugging me the rest of the way toward him. His legs braced either side of mine as my dress puffed around him. Strong fingers grazed my jaw as he kissed me softly on the cheek and whispered, “I’m pretty sure those are the best kind.”
CHAPTER TEN
“Prove you love me,” I demanded one night when we were at a party.
She gave me that stare, the one that said she was afraid but didn’t know how to fix it. “Tay…” She shook her head. “…you know I love you. What more do you want me to do?” She was on the verge of tears.
I felt equal parts bad and good. Her reaction sated me. Her tears destroyed me. I needed to be numb again. It was the only way to keep the demons out, the only way to keep everyone out. The pain was too much. So I reached into my pocket and pulled out a handful of pills then tossed them into my mouth and whispered, “Fine, you just killed me then.” —The Journal of Taylor B.