Worth the Risk(66)

They both took one and as soon as the man walked away, Stephen held his up to her lips. His gaze narrowed, brown eyes seemed to darken to the color of the chocolate he offered. “I like watching you eat.”

She opened. Watching Stephen watch her was better than the dessert.

“Good?”

Sweet and slightly bitter, rich and creamy, but she’d rather be tasting him. “Very.” She glanced at the one in her hand. “I guess I have to give you mine now.”

“No. I’ll watch you. Even if it kills me.”

The heat in his eyes when he spoke might kill her. “I can share.” She held it up to his mouth. Desire bloomed and spread when his fingers closed around her wrist and he took the chocolate in his lips. Lips she’d kissed, that had kissed her. She almost went up in flames when he sucked her index finger into his mouth.

He drew it out slowly, then smiled, looking extremely pleased with himself. “We could do a lot with chocolate mousse.”

Good Lord. Could he be any sexier?

“Excuse me.” A female voice came from behind her shoulder. “I hate to interrupt.”

A striking woman came to stand beside Stephen, sounding like she was happy to do just that.

“Hannah, this is Blair Sinclair. Blair, Hannah.”

Hannah didn’t notice Stephen’s expression, her full attention on this new woman. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too.” Blair hadn’t finished the words before her predatory gaze was back to Stephen. “I need a moment.”

“I don’t think so. Not tonight.”

“It’s important that I—”

“Go ahead.” Hannah squeezed Stephen’s hand. “I’ll make a run to the ladies’ room.” She gave him another squeeze, assuring him she was fine, and he reluctantly let her go.

—

Hannah exited the stall and washed her hands at the opulent sink. The bathroom had obviously been modified for parties, with three stalls and a lavish adjoining seating area. A lady joined her at the mirror.

“He is unquestionably the most gorgeous piece of man that ever walked the earth. And I’m sure my imagination of what’s under that tux doesn’t do him justice.” The woman fanned herself dramatically.

“Umm…” It took her a second to realize that the woman swiping on lipstick was speaking to her.

“Of course you’d know. So what’s it like?”

“What’s what like?”

“To be tied to a man like Stephen McKinney? To roll around naked doing the nasty, you know.”

No, she wouldn’t.

“Not that I imagine you’d be tied for long.”

“What?” Their eyes met in the mirror.

“Well, no offense, but I know for a fact that man doesn’t stay tied. Who knows?” She snapped the top back on her lipstick, gave her lips a final check. “Maybe I’ll get a shot with him next. Ciao.” She happily wagged chartreuse nails over her shoulder as she left.

Hannah could only stare at her own reflection. Doesn’t stay tied for long. She knew it was true and she’d do well to remember. The last thing she wanted was to get her heart broken, prove her brother right. Could she have a relationship without thinking things meant more than they did? She was new to the game. She wasn’t stupid.





Chapter 28


Stephen watched in the direction he’d last seen Hannah. It was crowded. He should’ve gone with her. God, he was starting to sound like her brother, wanting to stand guard outside the bathroom door. Hannah had an independent streak. She wouldn’t appreciate a watchdog.

“So, is that the someone you’re seeing but not dating?”

Stephen thought about how to answer that other than None of your business.

“Oh, God, poor girl,” Blair said, taking his silence as an answer. “I hope you don’t crush her too completely. She seems sweet.”

“She is.” And he didn’t want to hurt her. If he couldn’t look her in the eyes as he entered her sweet body, he swore to himself he wouldn’t do it. He’d cut off his dick before he hurt her.

“Relax. She’ll be a while yet.” Blair tossed back a glass of champagne. “Let’s dance.”

Blair’s demeanor after their last meeting was odd. She wasn’t really the forgive-and-forget type. “No thanks.”

“Aww, come on. She can share you for a few minutes. For old times’ sake.”

Curious, and with nothing to do but wait, they moved farther into the room and took the stance. His hand rested lightly on her lower back, hers not so lightly on his shoulder.

Blair was a beautiful woman, objectively he could see that. But he couldn’t remember why she’d ever held any appeal.