Page 35 of The Billionaire's Obsession: Florida

He’s good. I see why Helen says he can charm anyone. It’s really too bad that his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

Kara reclaimed her hand by pulling it out of his grip and letting it drop to her side.

“Eat, get a drink, have a good time,” Sam suggested jovially, slapping Simon on the back. “Happy birthday, little brother.”

“Yeah, thanks for the party,” Simon grumbled, shooting his brother an I’ll-get-you-for-this look that only brothers could exchange as he nudged Kara toward a cluster of guests and the food in the living room.

“You love me. You know you do.” Sam smiled, his voice teasing and arrogant at the same time.

“Not today,” Simon snarled back.

Sam laughed wickedly as he moved away, advancing toward a group of people who were motioning for him to come over.

“Bastard,” Simon said in a low, irritated voice.

Kara rolled her eyes, keeping her amusement to herself. “He’s your brother, Simon.”

“Not today,” he repeated, his hand sliding across her back as he led her to the lavish food and drink tables.

Sam’s home was stunning, surprisingly decorated in white, light, airy décor that made the already-spacious mansion appear even more enormous and grand. Well-dressed guests chatted in groups, their wealth and status obvious by their dress and their ease with the sumptuous surroundings.

Kara tried not to gawk like the penniless woman she really was, but it was difficult to keep her gaping mouth closed. The women were dripping with diamonds and gems and their expressions were cool. The men smelled of money and power, gathering in groups, probably discussing business or golf scores.

Simon filled their plates from a large buffet that was bursting with elegant-looking appetizers that were being continually replenished by silent employees. She picked up two napkins that were folded so precisely that she almost felt guilty about messing them up. The dishes were obviously fine china and Kara frowned. Crap…she’d hate to have to clean all of these dishes and wondered how many servants it took to clean up the mess after the party was over. Hadn’t the wealthy ever heard of paper plates and napkins?

She didn’t have any idea what she was eating, but she downed every morsel on her plate after she and Simon had found a quiet corner to eat. Every bite melted in her mouth and she licked her lips as she consumed the last delicate treat, hoping she hadn’t left crumbs on her face.

“God, that was delicious,” she uttered appreciatively as she handed her empty plate to a roaming waiter.

“May I get you anything else, madam?” the older waiter asked politely.

“No, thank you. I’m full.” She smiled as the little man gave her a polite bow and moved away.

Simon had discarded his plate and snatched two full champagne flutes from a passing waitress. “I love that about you,” he said quietly as he handed her a glass.

“What?” She gave him a confused look as she accepted the glass, sipping slowly at the drink, trying to decide if she liked champagne. It was dry, but not bad.

“You enjoy your food. You don’t pick away at it or eat like a bird. I’m almost jealous when I watch your face. If it’s good, you look well-pleasured,” he answered before taking a healthy sip from his glass. “Watching you eat is almost an erotic experience.”

She shrugged as she lowered the glass from her face. “If you don’t have an endless supply and you’re never sure when your next meal will be, you appreciate the taste of good food.”

“Will food always be an orgasmic experience for you?” he asked casually, but his eyes were full of mirth.

She tried not to smile, she really did, but her lips twitched as her eyes met his. “Probably.”

“Simon!”

The male tenor voice carried across the room and both of them turned to see a middle-aged man raising his arm, trying to get Simon’s attention.

“You better circulate, birthday boy. Youarethe guest of honor,” she told him with a smile. “I’m going over to talk with your mom for a while.”

He didn’t look happy, but he left her side and went to greet the man waving frantically for his attention. She sipped her drink and watched as Simon moved around the room, greeting people, his smile charming. While he might not have quite the charisma that Sam had, Simon could work the room. Not for one second did he look uncomfortable with these people. He was able to chat and make small talk, taking total command of himself, moving in and out of the crowds as if he belonged here.

Because he does. He may not always like socializing, but he plays the game well.

Her gaze stayed riveted on him, marveling over this part of Simon that she had never seen before. The man had so many layers, so many facets to his personality.

Forcing herself to stop staring like a complete idiot, Kara looked around for Helen, finding her at the buffet table.

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