We both scanned the art auction behind us, and sure enough, men in tailored black moved like shadows along the perimeter. Their masks covered half their faces, blending with the costumed crowd if needed.
“Impressive,” I admitted. “So, where do you live now, Westley?”
“Vegas,” he said, like it was both fact and dare. “My company is headquartered there. I travel often, but it’s home.”
Vegas. The word hung in the air. I knew what it meant for Brier if this thing between them became something more. Possibly a new life and a move out west?
She’d been my lifeline here for the past few years—job and home. What would I do without her? I’d half-heartedly sent out a few resumes since seeing Archer, using him as a reference. Now with even more resolve, I vowed to keep going, setting my sights on a career that didn’t involve dogs—one making use of the education I paid for in monthly financial aid installments.
“Can I buy you a drink? I hear they have pumpkin-tinis, and if memory serves, a good martini is your favorite.” He winked at Brier.
“It is but…” She let her eyes wander down his body, at least to about his navel, then back up. “I think I’ll keep my wits about me tonight.”
“Good idea.” His gaze smoldered at her. Before I could analyze their innuendos, the band struck up a new tune. Westley extended his hands. “Shall we dance, ladies?”
Brier blinked. “Right now? You dance?”
“More like I stand in place and sway. And yes, right now,” he confirmed, unwavering. We took his hands, and the Red Sea of people parted ways for him again, as if he had the innate ability to command everyone around him by his sheer size alone.
On the floor, I hung off to the side a little, letting them have the dance they deserved after all these years. Couples circled around us, gowns swishing, masks bobbing. It became rather awkward for me. I wasn’t so sure if I wanted to be the third wheel tonight after all.
One look at Brier and I knew her heart had been swept away. Literally. Westley lifted her clean off her feet, his large hands spanning her waist as if she was made to fit there. She laughed, clung to his shoulders, and he swayed her gently, whispering something in her ear that made her eyes shine. Watching them was like destiny taking a bow with a very deserving big boost to its ol’ ego.
Drowning myself in a pumpkin-tini sounded like a great idea, when a short and creepy vampire danced near me, smiling with fake fangs on display.
I grinned politely and we continued to dance until a shadow came between us, blocking out the disco ball light. I jumped at the sight of Archer.
Was this him finally making an effort or simply saving me from an awkward dance with a scary-looking bloodsucker?
“This is the last place I thought I’d run into you,” Archer yelled above the music, glaring at the other guy.
“I’m here for a good cause,” I quipped, glancing over at Brier. She arched her brows, realizing who I was with and mouthed something that looked likeGo, go, go!If I read lips.
Archer didn’t move a muscle, but his eyes danced on my hips.
“If you’re not going to move, mind letting me finish this song with the neck biter behind you?” I pointed.
“You’re not dancing with him.”
“Why not?”
He took my hand, and brought me close, his other landing at the small of my back, annoyingly possessive for a man who’d ghosted me. My body betrayed me and kicked into action, moving in time with him. Who did he think he was, shooting a bolt of electricity through my body at every touch point—Dr. Frankenstein?
I couldn’t keep my eyes off him, with his dance moves that should be illegal for a CEO. Whatever his costume was, dressed in all black, distressed tee, holes in black jeans, it didn’t matter, given his nice ass. His gyrating hips moved to an old punk rock Buzzcocks song about falling for someone you shouldn’t.
Talk about the perfect anthem for my life.
When the tune melted into a slower beat, he drew me nearer, my chest brushing his, nipples flaring. Heat simmered low in my belly. Against his shoulders, my fingers tingled. For one dizzying moment, I let myself imagine Archer was mine.
“Did you manage to remove all the traces of dog hair from your clothes?” I referenced our last meeting as we swayed, in case so much time had elapsed he had forgotten about it.
“Had my dry cleaner deal with it.” Of course the rich man would. “Did you put my letter of recommendation to good use yet?”
I chewed my cheek. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my future lately.”
“Penny, get on that. Go for it.” Mm. I definitely would like to go for him and get onsomething.“What’s holding you back?”
I glanced across the floor at Brier and Westley. She seemed in good—and big—hands with him now. Nothing should stand in my way of doing something more with my life, reaching formy dreams, having it all. A career, staying in the city versus moving back home, and… a man.
