“You’re ridiculous is what you are.But welove you anyway,” Ryker muttered, shaking his head.
Mac ushered them through the door and intohis modern foyer.Ryker watched as his two closest friendsembraced, big grins on both their faces.
“Mac, you didn’t tell me it would bethatkind of party,” a deep voice boomed from behind them,and they all turned to look at the man who had spoken.
Fuck me,Ryker thought as he got agood look at the tall, gorgeous man who stood casually at the endof the hallway with his hands in the pockets of his dark grey dresspants.In the dim light of the chandelier, Ryker could make out theman’s thick blond hair, styled in an undercut, sharp cheekbones,and light eyes.
Fucking hell, this was Wes Stewart.Rykerrecognized him from his social media.Ryker couldn’t control thelook of surprise on his face or the jolt of anger that rippledthrough his body at this unwelcome surprise.He hadn’t known he’dbe meeting Wes tonight, and he wasn’t prepared.And the pretentiousprick had a smug grin on his face that meant he was all too awarethat he had the advantage.Yeah, we’ll see about that.Rykerclenched his fists.Mac had a lot of explaining to do.
“Sorry, those parties take place on Thursdaynights,” Mac replied sardonically as he ushered Cal and Ryker downthe hallway to make introductions.“Wes, I’d like you to meet mytwo best friends.”He paused, glanced at Cal’s chest, and shook hishead.“The half-dressed one is Callum Pattison, one of New York’smost successful artists and illustrators.”He turned to his left.“And the man in black here is Ryker Desoumas.”
Now that he was getting a good look upclose, Ryker could see that Wes’s eyes were a luminous hazel, aunique combination of green and gold, surrounded by thick, darkblond lashes and fine laugh lines that crinkled when he smiled.Freckles dotted his nose and cheekbones.A square jawline anddimples drew Ryker’s eye directly to Wes’s heart-shaped lips—a sexycontrast to his masculine profile.He also smelled amazing, freshand warm, like a sun-kissed afternoon by the sea.
After greeting Cal, Wes turned his attentionto Ryker and extended his hand, those amazing eyes boring rightinto him.Ryker’s palm met Wes’s strong, warm grip and the touchsparked off a chain reaction; his whole body flushed and his cocktwitched.He’d never been so affected by a simple handshake.Snap out of it,he admonished himself.
“Ryker is otherwise known as R.D.Smith, theoften grumpy but much loved and very talented author.”
Mac’s mention of his pen name edged Rykerout of his hormonal trance.He glared at Wes, who returned the lookwith a huge smile, including a big dimple in his left cheek.Smug,handsome bastard.What was so amusing, and what exactly had Mactold Wes?
Before Ryker could issue a sarcasticcomment, a tall, slim man with curly brown hair stepped into thefoyer beside Wes and reached out his hand.Ryker recognized himfrom his online research.
“Greyson Ineja.I’m Wes’s oldest friend andhis long-suffering PR lackey,” he said with a warm, genuinesmile.
Ryker noticed that Cal was suddenly quiet,standing there staring at Greyson’s face, which was totally unlikehis friend.He nudged Cal with his elbow, and finally, Cal awakenedfrom whatever daydream he was lost in and was back to his usualflirty self.
“It’s so very nice to meet you, Wes andGreyson.”Cal gave his biggest smile to Grey, along with a thoroughonce-over.“Greyson.Mmm, your name is so sexy.It really suitsyou.”
Greyson’s face reddened at the compliment.“It’s nice to meet you all.I need to get back to the party andmingle with the other guests.”And with that, Greyson abruptlyturned and headed back into Mac’s living room.
The hallway was silent for a few momentsbefore Wes explained, “Grey lost his wife just over a year ago.He’s a bit out of practice when it comes to flirting.”
“Shit, I’m sorry, Wes.”Cal’s face flushed,and he ran his hands through his hair.“I hope I didn’t offend him.I’ll go apologize.”
“No worries, he’ll be okay.Grey dated menand women before he got married, so getting hit on is nothing new.Go and have a chat with him.You’ll see, he’s fine.”
“Good idea.Come on, Cal, I’m neglecting myother guests.”Mac grabbed Cal’s arm as they headed off, andsuddenly, Ryker found himself alone in the hallway with Wes.
Shit.
Chapter Five
Wes
Shit.
Wes hadn’t known what to expect when he metR.D.Smith—Ryker—but it certainly wasn’t the man standing in frontof him.Arousal had coursed through his blood as soon as their eyesmet, and when their hands touched, holy shit, it felt like his palmhad been scorched by fire.
Ryker.He loved that name.It suited thisdark angel.
Angel?What the fuck?Am I a poet all of asudden?
But for some reason, those words seemed tofit.Then again, the incredibly hot and seemingly irritated manbefore him could be mistaken for a moody rockstar with long blackhair, facial scruff, and sleek black clothing that clung to hislean body.The provocative eyeliner was the icing on the cake,drawing Wes into the most beautiful deep blue eyes he’d ever seen.Unfortunately, those eyes were swirling with anger.At him.Rykerwas absently rubbing the bracelets on his wrist and glaring at Weslike he was the devil himself.Well, maybe Wes would need to be ifhe wanted this book deal to happen.If Ryker was a dark angel inthis scenario, then Wes was a cheeky devil, light and playful butdetermined to get what he wanted.Too bad Wes’s body had reacted soviscerally to Ryker when they had to stick to being professionals.For the time being.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you in person atlast, Ryker.I’ve read and enjoyed your books, and I hope we canhave a chat about Mac’s idea and see where it takes us.Why don’twe join the others and get to know each other?”Wes said smoothly,gesturing to the living room.
Before Ryker could reply, Wes turned, andRyker followed closely behind.Wes slowed his steps deliberately,allowing him to feel Ryker’s body heat as they walked through thedoorway, and a warm, spicy scent surrounded him.Fuck, Rykersmelled amazing, like leather and cinnamon.
Stop.Focus on the deal, not yourdick,he reminded himself.
