Page 37 of Wicked Flirt
“Marcus!” she called as she walked toward him. Still didn’t notice her.
Be cool.
She closed the distance, standing so close to Marcus she could feel his body heat. And hestilldidn’t notice her! He was thoroughly engrossed in a low hushed conversation with Ellie.
“Hi!” she said brightly. “I’m here.”
Marcus’s head jerked to her, and then he flashed a devastatingly handsome smile that made her pulse thrum and her body flush with heat. He murmured something to Ellie and finally shifted his attention to her. “I was waiting for you.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “How’re you doing?”
“Fine.”Not jealous. Nope, not me.
He gazed down at her warmly. “Awesome.”
Ellie gave Lexi a tight smile. “I’m having some trouble with a clingy ex. Marcus had to walk me home last night and check the apartment to make sure it’s safe.” She turned to Marcus. “You’re coming up tonight too, right? After the party?”
“Sure, sweetheart,” Marcus said in a soothing voice. “I don’t want you to worry. Tomorrow I’ve got the security alarm guy coming in to set you up.”
Sweetheart. Suddenly Marcus calling her sweetheart yesterday didn’t feel as special. She’d nearly forgotten he said that to all women.
Ellie looked up at him, widening her eyes, playing helpless girl to big strong man. “You know I appreciate that, but it’s not the same as letting him know I’ve got a muscled man like you standing guard.”
He laughed. “I want to know you’re safe when I’m not here.”
Lexi’s stomach clenched, their intimate conversation excluding her once again.
“I’ll see you later,” Marcus told Ellie.
Ellie gave them both a small wave and headed through the employees-only door.
He’s just helping her out.He’s a good boss.
Marcus took her hand and gave her an appreciative once-over. “You look beautiful. I’m loving this dress.”
She relaxed. This was the Marcus she loved—warm, tender, sweet. “Thanks.”
Marcus guided her toward their friends. “I’m going to tell everyone to head upstairs to the private party. Ellie will take care of things downstairs.”
A few minutes later, they all went through the private door and upstairs, Lexi and Marcus in the lead. She’d been in the upstairs private room once before with her friends for a singles mixer arranged by Hailey. The space was dimly lit, cozy and comfortable, with dark red drapes drawn over two long windows. Dark wooden round tables were scattered around the room, where they’d played poker before. A bar and pool table stood across the room.
Marcus went behind the bar, right away playing bartender. Next thing she knew, music piped through speakers in the high corners of the room. Soft, slow dance music. He called to her. “They’re playing our song!”
She laughed, shaking her head. He kept insisting she owed him a dance because she hadn’t danced with him at the Valentine’s Day dance. She crossed to the bar and took a seat on the end. “I’m guessing they’re all our song?”
He gave her his sexy half-smile, his dark eyes locked on hers. “Whatever’s playing during our long-awaited dance will automatically become our song.”
“I hope it’s a good one,” she said with a hint ofsexy times ahead.
“I’m sure it will be,” he replied with a wink.
“Uh, should I just help myself to a beer?” a guy asked loudly.
Lexi startled, suddenly aware of Ben standing by her side, the bar lined with her friends watching her and Marcus with open curiosity. She felt herself flush and turned back to Marcus. “Better get back to serving.”
“Merlot?” he asked, looking only at her.
“Preferential treatment,” Ben grumbled.
She bit back a smile, her heart kicking harder. “Sure.”
