What the hell was going on?
The same spark ran through my body in the garden a year ago. What were the odds? Or maybe my body reacted to the image in my head, since they both basically looked alike.
“My friend is right over there.” I pointed at Sophie, who was chatting at another bar stand with the guys she was dancing with. One of them put his hand on her thigh suggestively, and she flashed him a smile and turned around so he would have a better view of her ‘assets.’ “As you can see, she already has company and doesn’t need me. I’d love to have a drink with you.” He gulped then gave me a tentative smile and raised his hand to the bartender.
“Tim, the same drink she had and a shot of whiskey on my table.”
Tim saluted and replied, “On it.” The stranger put his hand on my lower back and pushed me in the direction of the VIP lounge, which had crystal tables and comfortable couches. Several people studied us with interest, and some women just rolled their eyes, whispering to each other.
Oddly enough, at the moment, I didn't give a shit what anyone thought, just wanting to enjoy the moment. Finally, we sat down and a moan of pleasure escaped my lips, which turned his attention to my mouth.
“Those heels were killing my feet.”
His dark brows furrowed. “Why did you wear them then?” Men were so clueless sometimes.
“They do have their appeal, and besides, girls look prettier with heels on. Men pay them more attention.” It was strange sharing all this stuff with him, but hey, he didn't even seem in a league for a one-night stand, and since I couldn't see a guy in him, so to speak, it didn't bother me being completely open and honest in my opinions.
“I think you’d get attention with or without them. There’s no need to torture yourself.” An edge to his tone made me uneasy and my eyes cast down, as though displeasing him was my biggest sin.
Maybe the drink was very strong and two sips were enough to make me drunk, because I was acting crazy. Before I could reply to his comment, a waitress showed up with our drinks and placed them in front of us on the table.
“Tim said you ordered those.” He nodded, and then she licked her lips. “Anything else you might want?” Her finger trailed down her neck to her open cleavage.
His eyes darkened in anger, but his tone was firm and bored when he spoke up. “That’s it for now, Angie. Thanks.” She sent daggers my way, but left immediately.
“Bad breakup, huh?” I tried to joke to lighten the mood while he took a sip of his whiskey.
“No. She just wants to sleep with me.” So, he had no problems with ladies.
“Why not? She’s hot.” And she was propositioning him. No offense to the guy, but he wasn't exactly some Gerard Butler type to get the ladies fawning over him. In fact, I was surprised she tried to nail him in the first place. His self-mocking laughter sent chills through me.
“She doesn’t want me. She wants my brother. Trust me on this, sweetheart; none of the women here are interested in what I have to offer.” His words stung, and part of me wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. While I decided to enjoy his company originally, my thoughts were on his brother too, which made me no better than any other woman he’d met before. Suddenly, his fingers grabbed my chin and lifted it to his face. The gesture was unexpected coming from him, and I shifted uncomfortably. Up close and personal, he reminded me a lot of my mysterious stranger.
“What’s your name, sapphire eyes?” For the first time, my lips drew a smile that probably brightened up the room.
“Sapphire,” I replied softly, and his brows furrowed once again.
“Yeah, like the precious stones.” He was still not getting my meaning.
“No, I mean that’s my name.” He stayed silent for several seconds, and then let go of me and leaned back on the couch with his drink in his hand.
“Well, your parents sure gave you a suitable name.”
My nose wrinkled in distaste. “Yeah, it wasn't delightful growing up with it.”
“Seriously? What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s different,” I whispered, tugging on my dress, trying to make the small wrinkles on it go away. His hand gently touched mine as he studied me with those eyes behind his big glasses, which I wished were off him. At the same time though, it helped the image of his gorgeous brother vanish from my mind.
“What’s wrong with being different?”
My teeth nipped my lower lip, and it didn't escape my notice how his eyes traveled to it and the dark hint of desire that colored them. “Kids don’t really like when someone is not like everyone else. Don’t you know that?”