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He glanced briefly at June, who exchanged a look with Jihae, then shrugged. “By all means. I’ll be at our table.”
Jihae watched her assistant—who was obviously a close friend—walk off the dance floor, and met his eyes again. She placed one hand near his collar and drew it slowly down to his shoulder. Then she offered him her other hand, which he wrapped up in his own, and cradled it to his heart. Colin gulped audibly as he placed his free hand on her back and pulled her a little closer. Her soft body fit so perfectly against the hard planes of his own.
“Well, this is rather awkward. It was supposed to be my secret night of debauchery,” Jihae said in an even voice that didn’t reveal a hint of nerves, whereas he was trembling inside. Did she have the slightest idea what she was doing to him? Maybe he was too late and she’d gone back inside her armor.
“Was it?” he replied in a slightly rough voice. Because he could certainly oblige and assist her with the debauchery. “Well, I think it’s a perfect chance meeting to celebrate our partnership.”
“By dancing together at a nightclub? Besides, we already celebrated our partnership at the awards ceremony.” Her dismissive laugh did something to him, and he pulled her flush against him. Her aloof demeanor changed to one of surprise...and awareness. Colin’s lips curled in triumph. Her voice was a husky whisper when she said, “This is not exactly how I usually conduct business.”
His shoulders tensed at the thought of her dancing with other men, looking the way she did tonight. He blew out a breath through his nose and deliberately drew his shoulder back down. It was none of his goddamn business whom she danced with.
“Like I said, sometimes impulsivity leads to the best sort of fun.” Taking on a life of its own, his thumb drew soft circles on her lower back. “How else would we have had this great opportunity to build rapport?”
“Now it’s rapport-building?” She held his eyes and her lips lifted into a Mona Lisa smile. “This keeps getting better and better.”
With their heads bent close to hear each other, the sexy-as-hell hint of whiskey on her breath was driving him wild. He lowered his head imperceptibly to breathe in her scent, and she shivered in his arms. She felt the magnetic pull, too, and it was damn hot. When her eyes searched his, he slowly angled his head until their lips were mere inches apart.
Both of them drew back as though lightning had struck them. They were dancing in the middle of a crowd. They couldn’t do this. Breathing roughly, they gazed at each other in wonder and panic, not quite knowing what to do next. Then a look of stubborn determination filled her face, and Jihae slowly rose to her toes, shocking the hell out of him. She was so bold and true to her feelings. He respected her and wanted her exponentially more. And he wanted to kiss her full, red lips. So badly.
But he jerked himself back at the last second and eased her into a spin. When they faced each other again, he held himself stiffly apart from her. No matter what happened, he wouldn’t seduce her. What had compelled him to nearly kiss her had nothing to do with his plans to earn her trust, but the end result would be the same. He couldn’t use her that way.
“Yes, rapport-building,” he continued as though there hadn’t been a sizable lapse in their conversation. “This is definitely more effective than a company retreat.”
“I trust you’re as discreet as you are professional.” Her determined expression was replaced by a hint of mortification. Damn it. He hated making her feel rejected, but it was the honorable thing to do. “Jumping around and dancing like a crazy woman doesn’t meld with my business image. Neither does dancing in the arms of my partner. I don’t intend to repeat either of these activities.”
“I’m not the gossiping sort if that’s what you’re asking,” he said, hoping to ease her concern. “But this is hardly a matter that requires discretion. We’re two adults sharing a dance. Not exactly top gossip material. Besides, I don’t think anyone here recognizes you, and my presence here is expected.”
“So you’re a regular here?” She leaned back in his arms to look at him. “Should I assume you’re something of a party animal by night and a businessman by day?”
“I’m a businessman day and night.” He allowed himself a small smile, anticipating her surprise. “I own Pendulum.”
She didn’t disappoint. She gasped sharply, her eyes becoming wide saucers. Nightclub Jihae was the perfect amalgam of sexy and adorable. “What do you mean you own Pendulum? Wait, forget I just said that. That was a silly question. Of course I understand what you’re saying.”
“You’re right to be surprised. Not everyone runs nightclubs on the side while growing a production company. It’s not a well-known fact, especially in the film industry. I’m just known as the new kid on the block.”
“Did you say ‘nightclubs’?”
“Yes, I own three others, but I started with Pendulum.” To his regret, the song came to an end, and he let his arms drop to his sides, sadly bereft of her warmth. “She’s something special.”
“Well, then.” Curiosity saturated her face, as they arrived at her table to find June’s rapt attention on them. “It was nice running in to you, Colin.”
“Yes. It was very nice,” he said, extending his hand to her. The jolt of electricity made his body hum again. His body was even more aware of her after having held her in his arms. He quickly withdrew his hand, breaking contact. He had to walk away this minute because he was barely holding it together. “Good seeing you, June.”
“Mmm-hmm.” June didn’t exactly roll her eyes, but he sensed her attitude nonetheless. He must have looked like an eager pup, panting after Jihae. He had to stop being so obvious, so he furrowed his brow to look more serious. Because, well, he was an idiot. He probably looked like a ridiculous caricature.
“Well, then. I hope you ladies enjoy the rest of the night, and your drinks are on the house.”
“You don’t need to—”
“Thank you, Colin,” June said cheerily, cutting off her friend’s protest.
He smiled his approval at her, then inclined his head to both of them. “Good night.”
Jihae bit her bottom lip as though she wanted to say something but simply said, “Good night.”
Colin sighed in relief. He didn’t think he could handle her company much longer without doing things that could jeopardize their partnership as well as his personal objective. The woman was sinfully alluring and he was no saint.
He went back to the bar, walked behind it and grabbed himself a half-empty bottle of cognac and a glass. Tim acknowledged Colin’s little indulgence with a wave of his hand and shooed him out of his space. After throwing a smirk over his shoulder, Colin went inside his office and closed the door.
