Page 7 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
Maybe he's come to this lounge to wash away all my sins?
I swallow and study him more closely while he looks around and seems to be searching for someone.
Dark, curly hair, a bit wild and windswept, as if he'd been riding a motorcycle. He runs a hand through it, letting me see his knuckles stand out. I love when men have beautiful, sinewy hands. Several rings adorn his fingers, and the distinctive gold watch gleams in the light of the entrance area. A tailored suit in dark blue perfectly matches the ambiance. His upright, confident walk already gives him my stamp of approval:He knows what he wants. And he gets what he wants.
For a brief moment, our eyes meet. A strong tingling sensation courses through my body, which inevitably makes me smile.
And him?
Oh, yes, he returns my smile.
With a charming demeanor, he approaches me, continues to look around the lounge, and casually takes a seat next to me.
"What’s a woman like you doing all alone in a bar?" he asks, nodding at Chloe, who walks up to us. "A whiskey, please."
"Sure." Chloe goes about her business, while I only have eyes for him.
"I’m enjoying a virgin colada," I reply, then immediately ask, "Are you looking for someone?"
If he is, he doesn’t seem to have found them. Maybe he just wants to pass the time with me until they show up.
"Looking for the most beautiful woman in the lounge," he flirts immediately, just as Chloe hands him his whiskey.
I shoot my best friend a look she knows exactly how to read.
"And lucky me, I found her right away," he adds.
"You’re lucky I let myself be found," I counter with excitement, trying to keep my face neutral. I want to seem cool and distant, not too easy—though that’s exactly what I want to be tonight.
"So, tell me, what’s a woman like you doing alone in a lounge like this? And on a Sunday evening, no less?" he asks, sipping his drink.
His gold watch catches the light. I wonder if it’s real. It doesn’t look cheap. He’s probably some businessman on a trip, just looking for a little fun. Can’t see a wedding ring. Every gold ring on his hands is on a different finger. I don't notice any suspicious tan line either. A man like him probably isn’t settling down anytime soon. He’s living life to the fullest—and tonight, I might get the pleasure of tasting a little of that.
"I’ve got an appointment tomorrow at noon, so I just came here to kill some time. Good company’s always welcome."
"That’s good," he says smoothly. I also don't have anything important until tomorrow afternoon."
He looks into my eyes, but I feel more like he's gazing directly into my soul. Goosebumps rise on my arms. My stomach flipswith excitement. I keep my composure. Not just leaning in and kissing him is suddenly very hard. It’s a long way back to my place—hopefully he’s got a hotel nearby.
"My name’s Kimberley, by the way," I say, extending my hand, desperate to know the name of the man who will sweeten my night.
What will it be like to touch him?
"Gabriel."
He takes my hand, which goes quite differently than I imagined. His movements are gentle and precise, his grip strong and commanding. Immediately a hot wave flows through me along with the great desire to be particularly reckless tonight. I never would have thought possible that a mere touch could throw me into such disarray.
I mourn the loss of our handshake when he lets go.
His fingertips brush my palm on the way out, making me shiver. It’s been far too long since a man last touched me. Maybe that’s why I’m practically starving for it, prowling like a cat on the hunt. I should relax and let him hunt me instead—he’s the man, after all. He should be the one to win me over. I take a deep breath and smile softly.
"Do you drink wine? Or champagne? Maybe whiskey?" It sounds like he wants to treat me.
"I was actually planning to stay sober tonight, but if you're inviting me, I wouldn’t mind a good whiskey."
"A woman of taste." He seems to like that.
He signals Chloe and orders me one. She shoots me a stern look.
