AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah,” I agree, my gaze still on Emerson. I know I should temper my stare with all the Hawks executives milling around, but I can’t bring myself to care. Not with her looking like that.
I feel it the moment Emerson spots me. Her lips tilt upward as her gaze scans my body from head to toe appreciatively, our eyes connecting last. We stare for a few moments, both moving at the same time, meeting somewhere in the middle.
“Hey,” she says, somewhat breathlessly.
I pause. “You’re stunning.”
Her smile is soft as the blush on her cheeks deepens. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, never fully comfortable with a compliment. Somehow, it only makes me want to shower her with more.
“Thank you. You look really handsome in that tux.” She reaches over and brushes a piece of lint from my sleeve.
“Should I have worn a gold one instead?” I jest, glancing back at Cruz.
She follows my eyes, and hers widen. “Probably not.”
I arch a brow. “You don’t think I could pull it off?”
She’s smoldering when she looks back at me. “Somehow, I think you could pull off just about anything, Anderson.”
I smirk.
She laughs when she notices my expression. “Except maybe humbleness.”
I reach for her hand, my thumb stroking her wrist. Her skin is so soft …
“Sam Anderson,” a female voice thrums, interrupting our moment.
I glance over at the stranger, my grip tightening on Emerson when she attempts to pull away.
“Hello,” I say, forcing a smile even though I want to frown at the interruption. I’m trying to be hospitable tonight, even if I’m forced to fake it. “Do I know you?”
The woman looks to be in her upper twenties or early thirties. She’s pretty with long blonde hair and a tight-fitting dress, and she knows it. Confidence oozes off her lithe frame. She’s holding a wineglass in her hand. I recognize the look of interest in her eyes as she watches me. It’s attention that I would’ve welcomed in the past, but now, I find myself only tolerating it for the sake of charity.
“No, but I’m hoping to change that,” she purrs coyly. She extends her hand, and I reluctantly drop Emerson’s to shake it. “Shantel Rogers.”
She hasn’t acknowledged Emerson, which annoys me. This woman reminds me of Eve, Emerson’s sister. I remember the way Emerson disappeared as soon as her sister popped up that night at the bar. The last thing I want is for Shantel or anyone else to ruin the good vibe of the evening.
“Nice to meet you.” I drop the stranger’s hand and reach for Emerson again, tugging her to my side and slipping my arm across her shoulders. “We appreciate you coming. It’s a great cause to support,” I say diplomatically without giving the woman anything extra. “This is my date, Emerson Evans.”
Shantel glances over at the woman under my arm, her expression cooling several degrees as she finally addresses her.
Emerson mirrors her fake smile as she plays with my fingers, where they dangle across her shoulder. It’s a subtle claim, but one just the same. A reminder that she gets to touch me when Shantel can only wish for it. I take a sip of whiskey to hide the smirk that’s threatening to emerge as I realize my kitten has claws after all.
“We need to get you a drink,” I say to Emerson. I glance at Shantel again. “It was nice to meet you.”
I turn away with Emerson still nestled beneath my arm.
“Well, she was nice,” Emerson snarks sarcastically when we’re out of earshot.
I chuckle. “Yeah, it was sweet of her to acknowledge you.”
Emerson shrugs out of my hold when we reach the bar, and my frown is instant. I watch her pull away, physically and emotionally. She’s punishing me for Shantel’s attention. My woman in red orders a gin and tonic, leaning her back against the bar to scan the crowd. I can practically see the protective shield around her as she takes her space, and I instantly start plotting on how to break through it.
“You’re a hot commodity around this place.” She sighs, glancing over at me, and I can see the vulnerability in her gaze. “Women always throw themselves at you, don’t they?”
“Sometimes,” I answer. It’s more than sometimes. But I don’t want to contribute to her insecurities. “I don’t really notice.”
She scoffs and looks away with a wry smile on her face. “I’ve seen you in action before. And I don’t believe that, Sam.”
