Hot guy’s voice is deep. “She said she wasn’t interested.”
The man who was bothering me melts away.
I can’t break eye contact. My chest is a little tight as I gaze into those golden-brown eyes. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. Would you like to dance or have a drink with me?”
My heart skips a beat. “Are those my only two choices? I’ll take the drink, thank you.”
My cheeks flush as his gaze lingers on me. His eyes are intense, and I find myself unable to break contact.
He inclines his head towards one of the private, raised booths on the side of the floor. I walk ahead of him, making sure to sway my hips slightly more than necessary and release my tight bun so my hair cascades down my back.
Why shouldn't I let myself enjoy tonight? It’s unlikely that I'd ever meet someone as alluring as this again – especially not while juggling searching for a new apartment and interviewing for jobs.
I sit down, leaning back against the black velvet of the booth. It’s a world away from the heaving dance floor. Serenity spots me from across the room and her eyebrows shoot up. She winks, inclining her head and blowing me a kiss.
“Champagne?” He takes a seat next to me.
“Lovely, thank you.” I can’t break eye contact again and my cheeks heat up. A server rushes up and the hot guy makes the order, then turns back to me.
“What’s your name?” I lean a little closer. He smells like amber mixed with something like bergamot. Captivating, definitely. Maybe a little dangerous.
His lips curl into a half-smile that stirs something in my core. “Duncan. And you?”
“Margot. Brennan.” My cheeks flush hotter. “I don’t know why I told you my last name.”
He hands me a glass of champagne. “A beautiful name. It suits you. My last name is Marchetti.”
“Like Zeus Marchetti? I saw him on the news the other day. Big shot. One of those shady billionaires.”
His smile fades. “He’s my cousin.”
I grit my teeth. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to insult your family. I’m sure even billionaires can be perfectly nice. And completely non-shady.”
He smiles again. “I forgive you, Margot Brennan. Tell me why you’re in this god-awful place tonight?”
“Oh, I had a terrible day. Needed to let off some steam, I guess. How about you?” I take a sip of my champagne. Not that I know anything about wine, but it tastes expensive.
“My day wasn’t great. A lot of boring business deals.” He shrugs. “Tell me why your day was terrible.”
“I lost my job. And I have to move out of my apartment in eight weeks. And this was the first nice apartment I’ve ever had.” I shut my mouth with a snap. I sound like a whiny kid. Probably the opposite of every sophisticated, glossy woman this guy picks up every day.
“That’s a shame. But there are plenty of good apartments in the city.” He pours me some more champagne.
“I guess.”
“You don’t agree?” A line appears between his eyebrows as he leans closer to hear my reply.
“My budget means apartment-hunting is a little…challenging. But I’m sure I’ll manage. Do you live in the city?” His scent is so delicious I have to stop from leaning in to take great lungfuls of it. It’s ridiculous. I’m a red-blooded woman but no man has ever had this crazy effect on me. It’s like I’m hypnotized by his presence.
“I do.” His gaze drops to my lips and then back to my eyes. I’m having an effect on him too. I squeeze my thighs together, trying not to squirm on my seat. Every inch of me wants to press closer to him.
It’s like the air between is charged. As if something about him is pulling me closer. But he’s a stranger. I know barely anything about him, apart from the fact that he’s a cousin to the notorious Zeus Marchetti. Somehow, the idea is exciting. One wild night with a guy I know nothing about. Now that reallywouldmake me forget my problems.
I look up at him. Destiny’s words about letting go and seizing the day ring in my head. “Where’s your apartment?”
“Uptown. I’ve just had it remodeled. Where do you live?” He’s so close I could touch him.
