Page 27 of Dimitri
"Yes and no." She sighed. "I somehow seem to be tangled up with an unlikely someone. And I'm trying to avoid him."
"Married?"
"Of course not."
"He has a bunch of baby mamas."
"No."
"Are you going to keep me guessing?"
"He's rich."
Jessica's eyes brightened. "As far as I'm concerned that's a plus. Do go on."
"He's The McKenzie's grandson."
"McKenzie, the farm people. I did read something" Her eyes widened as she stared at her friend. "Good Lord. Dimitri Petrov!" She had to shout over the sudden applause going on. "I saw a pic of him in the papers. Honey, he's a god."
"He's not. He's annoying and arrogant and pushy." She took another sip of her drink. "And is probably waiting for me at home."
Jessica arched an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a sly smile. "At home? Since when do you let a man wait for you?"
Allison groaned, rolling her eyes. "It's not like that. I mean, I barely know him. But somehow, he's found his way into my space, my routine... even my thoughts." She fiddled with her napkin, cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "It's confusing, Jess. I don't know what I'm doing."
"Well, well, well." Jessica was delighted. "Someone has finally gotten under your skin."
"You don't have to be so pleased about it." She muttered. "And he's not under my skin. Oh, who the hell am I kidding? I'm hot for him and chances are, I'm going to do the wrong thing and sleep with him and then what?"
"And then you tell me in exacting details how he rates in bed." She grinned at the ferocious look her friend threw her. "Honey, why are you obsessing? It's not like you."
"None of it is like me. We just met and I want to tear his clothes off and feast on him."
"I would say that's a natural reaction. I've never met the guy other than seeing photos of him in several society magazines, but he's hot. I bet he's even hotter up close and personal. And he probably has an accent."
"He does." Allison groaned. "Not a very deep one, just there enough to make everything he says sound sexy." She closed her eyes briefly. "I don't know what to do."
"Has it been that long, that you have no idea how to perform? I could give you pointers, but I can safely assure you that as soon as you start, it comes right back."
"You're not helping." Allison told her darkly.
"You're overthinking things. The man is one of the most eligible bachelors in the world and he's single and interested in you. Most women including me and I happen to love my husband dearly, would jump at the chance to be with someone like that."
"I am not most women and that's the problem. He's been with several hundred of those women. I am not into harems. And casual sex is not something I'm good at. You know that."
"What if it's not casual?" The noise level had increased, sending vibrations through the crowded room.
"What do you mean?"
Jessica sent her friend a speculative look. "You're a beautiful woman and one who attracts most men. What if he wants more than a roll in the proverbial hay?"
Her heartbeat quickened, and she could not stop the hope that flared inside her chest. "Now, you're being ridiculous. We're as different as night and day. He's not only from another country, but from another continent. He's fabulously wealthy and he's Russian. There's no way there could ever be anything lasting between us. And I would be a fool to think that. Besides, I'm not interested in a relationship."
"Aren't you? From where I'm sitting, it sounds like you're plenty interested." She leaned forward. "Not since Michael have I known you to be so flustered." Jessica gave her a thoughtful look. "As a matter of fact, you were never this flustered over him."
"That's" She blew out a breath and felt the pounding of her heart. "You're right." Lifting a hand, she rubbed her forehead. "I can't do this. I'm practical and sensible and always think before acting. This is a bad idea. And I have no idea what to do."
"Want my advice?"
