That did it.
“If you hadn’t acted like such a pompous ass, perhaps I would have,” she fired back.
She was surprised as his eyes flashed with fire.
“And I did apologize,” Bella reminded him over the rim of her glass as she took a sip of the cool champagne to ease her dry throat.
His eyes had turned molten silver for a moment, so quick she thought she might have imagined it. His serious expression made her think that it was probably a play of the lights and not any actual emotions.
“Well then, I accept your apology.” He was staring at her, and his unblinking gaze seemed to be trying to peer into her very soul.
Careful, she thought.
This man gave away nothing and that made him dangerous. He was big, too big. Bella found herself stepping to the side, moving closer to the light. He was an imposing figure, but even so, she couldn’t help the attraction she felt.
Staring back at him, Bella realized that a smile would alter his face from handsome to heart-stopping gorgeous.
Whoa, where did that come from? She surprised herself with that fanciful observation.
Even without showing emotions, his intense stare was getting to her. Damn! Lust pooled tightly inside her as she felt herself getting wet. She had not felt this strong a sexual pull from a man in, well, hell, ever.
Too bad he was so arrogant. Old Bella would have had no problem jumping this guy, but this new Bella, did she dare?
She saw his eyes narrow, and she couldn’t help but take a step in retreat.
“You look familiar, but I know we haven’t met before. I would have remembered you.”
She rolled her eyes. “I bet you say that to all the ladies.”
“I do not lie. And I don’t need to use pedestrian lines to attract women.”
“Really,” Bella drawled out. She didn’t know what had come over her. Every time she opened her mouth, she couldn’t help but bait him. It was like taunting a wild animal. He was dangerous and certainly not someone she wanted to push, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.
He opened his mouth, but Bella was saved by whatever scathing remark he was going to make when someone called her name.
“Bella, there you are!” Liz hurried up to them waving her hand. “Of course when I couldn’t find you I thought to look out here. Oh! I apologize for intruding. Bella, who’s your friend?” Liz asked curiously, offering a bright smile.
He continued to look at Bella with that aggravatingly serious look on his face. “I believe your friend thinks my name is ass, don’t you, love?”
She let a chuckle escape. “It was arrogant ass, if I remember correctly.” Bella’s obvious amusement sparkled in her eyes. “Liz, I would like you to meet…”
He shifted so the light played across his face as he turned to face Liz.
Liz let out a horrified gasp but quickly recovered and held out a graceful hand with a beaming smile plastered on her face, her green eyes glittering with shock and amusement. Nerves had Liz babbling. “Oh my, you are Jason MacBain, aren’t you? Mr. MacBain! It’s a pleasure to have you with us tonight. My name is Elizabeth Trenton. I’m one of the chairs for the Children’s Foundation, and I am so glad you could personally attend this evening. The sculpture you have donated seems to be the most coveted piece of the entire collection up for auction tonight. I cannot thank you enough for your generous contribution!”
Standing next to Jason, who towered over both women Liz was still shorter at around five nine with heels. Her straight blonde hair was held up in an elegant twist, and her peach chiffon dress showed off her body to perfection. Jason didn’t seem to notice, not taking his eyes off Bella any longer than to murmur a polite hello.
Jason took her hand and replied with a regal nod. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Trenton. Indeed, that is good to know. I was worried that I would have to buy it back tonight if no one wanted to bid on it,” he easily quipped before immediately shifting his attention back to Bella.
Liz also turned to Bella with wide eyes, silently asking for the entire story leading up to the strange introduction later. Bella knew that Liz would rip into her later for insulting what she had come to think of as the prize patron of tonight’s event, but right now she didn’t care.
Bella wanted to groan.
She completely didn’t see this one coming. He hadn’t come after her because he was attracted. He came out after her to babysit her.
Jason MacBain. Her brother’s friend.
Not to mention that Bella’s friend Tara had just taken a job working for him. He wasn’t a stranger. Of course this gorgeous man who had more money than God wasn’t chasing after her.
He was babysitting her.