‘No, I haven’t. Why, are you hungry?’
‘I came down here to grab a pizza. They’re to die for. I get one every time I’m in New York.’
‘You drink beer and eat pizza?’ I can hear the amazement in his voice. Doesn’t everyone? Well, normal people, anyway. I think I’d pass out from shock if I ever saw M doing it.
Instead of replying, I nod my head.
‘Wow. I definitely had you pegged wrong.’
His statement puzzles me. How did he have me pegged? I don’t ask him to elaborate.
As the old saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. Looking down at my phone, I see it’s just after eleven. My gaze moves to Rupert. The poor thing has been sitting at the bar waiting for me for six hours. This job must get boring for him.
After giving him a smile that hopefully conveys my apologies, I turn my attention back to Brock. ‘It’s getting late,’ I say, disappointment in my voice. ‘I probably should get going.’ I’ve had the best time. Probably the best time I’ve ever had in my life. I know I’m going to look back on tonight with fondness for years to come. We talked and laughed about anything and everything. Though nothing too deep. He did ask a few personal questions over the course of the night, but when he could see I wasn’t forthcoming with information, he didn’t pry any further.
I hate that it has to come to an end, but it does. My life doesn’t permit this type of evening.
‘I suppose you’re right,’ Brock says. He sounds just as disappointed as I am. ‘Can I see you tomorrow?’
My heart sinks and I look down at the table. I’d like nothing more than to spend time with him, but it’s not an option. Rupert has risked everything, letting this go as far as it has.
‘I’m sorry, but I can’t.’ My heart hurts when his face drops. I hate myself for even uttering those words. My gaze darts back to Rupert, just as Brock stands abruptly. My first thought is that he’s going to walk away, and panic rises in me. Instead, to my horror, he heads in Rupert’s direction. I cover my eyes with my hands, because I don’t want to witness what’s about to happen.
Minutes pass and Brock doesn’t return. Curiosity gets the better of me, so I sneak a peek through my fingertips. I’m surprised when I see Brock and Rupert talking calmly. I kind of expected them to be rolling around on the ground, fighting.
Brock pulls a business card from his pocket and hands it to Rupert. Then, to my amazement, they smile and shake hands. Wow. That wasn’t how I expected this to go down. I remove my hands from my face when Brock turns and walks back to our table.
I grab the hand he offers when he’s standing beside me, and let him help me out of my seat. He places a soft kiss on my knuckles. As innocent as the gesture is, it sends desire surging through me. No man has ever made me feel like this. I want to feel his lips all over me.
‘I’ll pick you up at four,’ he says as a beautiful, triumphant smile spreads across his face. Looking around him, my eyes meet Rupert and he gives me another nod. Excitement shoots through me. I’m going to get to see him again.
‘Okay,’ I breathe, trying to contain my eagerness.
‘Wear something comfortable.’
‘Okay.’
‘Goodnight, Jade.’
‘Goodnight, Brock.’ When his face inches forwards, for a split second I think he’s going to kiss me. Surprisingly, I truly want that, but he doesn’t.
‘Dream of me,’ he whispers instead. His warm breath dances over my skin, making it pebble with goose bumps. He drops my hand and turns towards the exit. I stay fixed to the spot.
I’ll most certainly be dreaming of you, Mr Weston. That you can be sure of.
CHAPTER SIX
BROCK
I headed into the office early, having hardly slept a wink because I couldn’t get Jade out of my mind. I was eager for 4 pm to roll around so I could spend more time with her. Last night I didn’t want our time in the bar to end. I found her nothing like I’d expected. Utterly charming would be the first phrase to spring to mind. Then: absolutely mesmerising. Not only funny and incredibly smart, Jade has the face of a goddess, and a sinful body that I’m just itching to get my hands on. No woman has ever been able to capture my attention like this. There’s something about her that makes my heart accelerate whenever she’s near. It’s a strange yet pleasant sensation. I find myself craving that feeling, which is a total mind fuck.
Never in my life have I looked forward to seeing someone as much as I am her. This will be the closest to an actual date I’ve ever come. Sure, I’ve been out with other women—I rarely go to functions unaccompanied—but my main reason for doing that is so I don’t get stuck with damn Clarissa as my date. No, this is the first time I’ve ever asked a woman out for the sheer reason of wanting to be near her. Jade evokes something deep inside me. I can’t quite put it into words, but I’m drawn to her.