Page 48 of Resisting the Temptation
I’m not going to meet a random stranger in a bar who’ll end up being my soulmate.
I’ll never have someone who looks at me like I’ve hung the moon and the stars.
That’s okay, though. Because falling in love means risking my heart, and I don’t have the strength for that.
Enzo and Camila ask me questions about my love life, and I swear I feel the tension radiating from Ben when I answer.
Apparently, they saw me speaking with Derek and Jason—the development director for the job I’ll be working on. We exchanged numbers since I’ll be working closely with him, but I could tell Jason’s interest wasn’t purely professional.
“Jason’s a good man. Hard worker, smart. He’d be a great match for you,” Enzo says, and I catch Ben’s scowl deepen.
“And he’s so handsome. You two would make lovely babies,” Camila interjects.
Jason is classically good-looking with his lean figure, perfectly styled light brown hair, and blue eyes. I’m sure our kids would be blue-eyed bundles of joy, not that I’ve thought much about having kids. I’m not even sure I want them.
I give her an indulgent smile. “While he is good-looking, I don’t feel any attraction to him. Besides, I don’t want to mix business and pleasure. This job is too important to risk getting feelings involved.”
“That is true.” She hums, tapping her chin. “Mateo doesn’t work for the company.” Camila nudges her husband, and he gives a thoughtful nod.
“Very true,vita mia,very true.”
Before I can ask who Mateo is, a microphone gives an overwhelming screech as Derek stands in front of the room on a little stage to give a speech.
While everyone’s distracted listening to Derek talk about how much his company means to him, Ben leans in and murmurs, “We have a problem with tonight.”
I turn to him and raise an eyebrow, motioning for him to continue.
“Drew will be at the club.”
Fuckity fucking fucks.I didn’t know he was a member! That would have been nice information to know in the beginning. I never would have agreed to see Ben at the club if I knew our coworker was a patron.
“Guess we’ll have to reschedule,” I whisper.
Ben clenches his jaw and very subtly shakes his head. “Not happening. Let’s make our excuses and go, I have a plan.”
“I can’t leave now,” I hiss. “It would be rude.”
Ben steps closer to me, and I’m assaulted by what is quickly becoming my favorite smell. “My patience is wearing thin,Dulzura.If you don’t make an excuse to leave within the next twenty minutes, there will be consequences.”
My cheeks flame with a mix of arousal and indignation. “We’re not at the club right now, so you can’t boss me around.”
Hegives a low chuckle. “I think you want to be my good girl, so you’ll listen anyway. You’re cute when you try to be defiant, though.”
Ugh. I love when he calls me that. And I hate that he’s right.
Derek finishes his speech with a toast to his wife for supporting his endeavors, and everyone raises their glasses, then the band he’s hired takes the stage, and the dancing portion of the evening begins.
I didn’t even notice Jason getting closer to me, but as soon as the music starts, he asks me if I want to dance. I glance at Ben before answering—not that I need his permission. It’s adance. His jaw is clenched so tight it’s a wonder he doesn’t crack a tooth, and his arms are folded over his chest. He taps his wrist in warning, which only makes me want to push his buttons more.
I give Jason a saccharine smile. “I’d love to dance, Jason.”
Chapter 24
Ben
Ican’t believe she’s not listening to me.
Well, that’s not entirely true.
