Page 133 of Chandelier Enthralled
I didn’t want to go anywhere with this woman.
Her face fell at my resistance.
“You’re pretty,” I said, taking a sip of bourbon.
Her laughter was melodious. “Why, thank you.” She leaned closer, her interest disguised as intimacy. “Tell me about the inspiration for this place.”
I whooshed the bourbon around in my glass. “What do you want to know?”
“What are you trying to achieve?”
“I want to harness nature.”
“Hmm. Would you like to harness me?”
That made me laugh.
She grinned and then flipped back to being serious. “Let me ask you, looking back at your early career, what moment do you think was most pivotal in shaping your philosophy?”
I paused to gather my thoughts, but I was hesitant to open up to this stranger. Her personal questions had raised a red flag. She was askinga lotof questions. Not theNational Inquirerkind, but more likeThe Guardian, or perhaps the kind of reporting done by Pulse360.
I was considering the best way to extract myself from this conversation, politely walk away without appearing rude. I didn’t want to bethatmoody guy standing at the bar.
The air was drawn out of my lungs as soon as I saw the stunning brunette walking across the room—Willa Cole.
She always dressed refined, but tonight, she was exquisite in a jade green silk dress, her dark locks falling sleekly over her slender shoulders. Willa’s full rouged lips formed into a knowing smile, like a secret message being sent my way as she headed in my direction.
I wracked my brain for a reason why she’d be present at tonight’s event. Of course, I had considered inviting her, but that forbidden element between us discouraged me.
It was the only reason I had come alone.
Willa walked right past me.
Strange, really.
She’s not with me.I tried to send Willa a discreet message, which was useless, even though it made me feel better.
The way Willa finally glanced back at me gave me the impression she was trying to attract my attention. Perhaps this was her tactfully not wanting to ruin a date.
I hated the idea that she might think that about this stranger.
Chloe had noticed Willa. Then again, everyone in the room had become captivated with the stunning brunette who carried herself like royalty.
“Do you know her?” Chloe’s expression was a cross between intrigue and annoyance.
“I know a lot of people,” I said, dodging her question.
“Sure, but you seemed to recognize her.”
I looked over at Chloe. “There are predictable patterns from those who attempt to deceive.”
“You’re not talking about me, I hope?” She placed a hand on her chest in mock offense.
I continued to appraise her, my glare surgically cutting through her crap. “Your approach is too direct.”
“I’m a confident woman.”
“I don’t like to be used.”
