Page 35 of Broken Hero
“Oh yeah.” His voice drops an octave when he says that, as though he means it in more way than one. It sends a shiver all through my body. I haven’t seen this playful side of him before...I like it...a lot!
We head downstairs, and when the elevator doors open, we spot Gary and Lydia.
“Hey guys,” I say to them as we walk closer. “Lydia, you look lovely.”
“Ah thanks, I was trying to get it right, not too dressy, not too casual.”
“Yeah, me too,” I laugh, “are we back on the Prosecco tonight?”
She nods. “Oh yeah, think we need topping up, don't you?”
“Blue’ll need a drink by now - she takes so long getting ready she’ll have sobered up.”
“Hey, don't you worry about me; I packed some booze. I had a vodka and coke while I was getting ready.
Lydia tilts her head. “Aw, you call her Blue, that's cute. I’d ask why, but it's pretty obvious.”
We laugh and head into the bar area where everyone is meeting. A waiter takes our drinks order. I look over at Dec, he seems relaxed enough now.
I slide my hand onto his knee and lean into him. “How are you doing?”
He looks over and smiles at me with a soft smile. “I’m good, are you okay? Things were intense before.”
“I'm fine, babe. Kiss me, and let’s put some effort into it.”
He looks down at my mouth and gives me a lopsided grin. Leaning in, he kisses me firmly on the mouth quickly, but the sensation of his lips on mine gives me goosebumps. As his head lifts, I look into his eyes. I want more. Sod it, this is the one time that I'm allowed to come on to him, allowed to be with him, so I'm going to make the most of it. I move my hand up behind his neck, closing the distance between us until my mouth is on his again. I dart my tongue out, it touches his lips and he takes a short breath in.
His lips part, and as he's about to deepen the kiss, I hear, “Well, well, I heard you were coming, Declan, but I didn't believe it until now.”
We break apart from the kiss like naughty teenagers caught in the act. I blink and pull myself together and see an elderly guy, but broad and tall. I instantly know that this is the guy that Declan brought me here to impress.
He looks down at us both and puts his hand out for Declan to shake. “Good to see you, boy.”
Declan stands up and takes his hand. “Sir, good to see you.” He turns to me. “This here is Sophie. Soph, this is Lieutenant Cognat.”
I go to stand to greet him.
“No sweetheart, I’ll come to you.” He walks around Dec and leans down to kiss my cheek. “Lovely to meet you.”
He stands and turns to Declan. “I know it will probably be impossible to tear you away from such a beautiful woman, but if we could get together for a chat at some point this weekend, I would like that?”
He smiles and nods his head. “Of course, I’ll make sure of it.”
He nods. “I’ll leave you to enjoy your meal.”
As he walks away, Dec turns to me. “That went well.”
“He wants to talk to you this weekend - that can only mean good things, right?”
“Yeah, we’ll see. I don't even know if I want to apply for the job yet.”
I was right - the room is full of attractive men. It's a girl’s paradise. Everyone is in good spirits, anticipating a fun weekend.
Lydia and I get tipsy rather quickly. There’s so much Prosecco you can drink, even with food, before it sends you over the edge.
I'm dancing with Lydia, loving life when I feel arms slide around me from behind. I turn my head. Dec. The pdas have stepped up a little - a touch here and there, but nothing so bold as this. His body presses flush against mine and he buries his head into my neck. I'm shocked at the way he's being with me. Maybe he’s good at pretending. Whatever the reason, I can't say no.
I slide around, still in his arms, as Gary comes to dance with his wife.
