“The cat got your tongue?”
I ignore Evelyn’s question. Everything––and everyone––in the room disappears as my gaze travels up and down the length of herbody.
Wow.
Michaela stops traffic in a jaw-dropping hot pink sequined short-sleeved dress. It’s short enough to reveal her shapely legs—a lot of leg, in fact—but it’s still elegant and chic. The seductive neckline that shows a tasteful hint of cleavage draws my attention to her tempting breasts. The close fitted design of the dress hugs her in all the right places. And those strappy high heels in the same pink shade accentuate her calves so perfectly. Her short dark hair is styled in an edgy, yet sophisticated way. The glint in her ears indicates she’s wearing the same small diamond studs she was wearing earlier today.
She’s mouthwatering.
Scratch that.
She. Looks. Banging.
My cock strains against my pants as I take her in. It’s a struggle to remember this is a business arrangement and not a real date. Everything about her is an open invitation… one I’ll be forced to ignore.
Dammit.
“That’s one hell of a dress,” Evelyn says. “I guess Mindy isn’t pregnant.”
My annoyance flares. “Get it in your head, Evelyn. Her name isMichaela. Not Mindy.Not Michelle. Not Miley. And not Marielle.”
She shrugs. “I forgot.”
Idiot.“If you’ll excuse me.” I stand from the barstool. “My girl is here.” The moment I’m on my feet, Michaela spots me. Her eyes cut to Evelyn before meeting mine.
I read judgment in her gaze.
It’s like her eyes are shooting ice pellets at me.
I purse my lips and offer a subtle headshake, so she knows this isn’t what she thinks it is.
Her face is impassable, but there’s a storm brewing in those gorgeous green eyes.
Shit.
“I guess a leopard can change its spots.” Evelyn is still running her mouth. “Who knew?”
I stare her down. “It’s a question of finding the right one. It can happen like that.” I snap my fingers.
Evelyn makes a face.
“Michaela is the right one for me.” If I’m going to play a role, it should be an Oscar performance.
“Good for you.” Evelyn lifts her glass in a mock non-celebratory cheer, a tight, fake smile plastered on her face. “I wish it could’ve been me.”
I’m so glad it’s not.“Enjoy your new man and the allowance,” I say. “My fiancée is waiting.”
At the mention, my eyes drop to Michaela’s left hand.
We need to fix that.
Chapter 14
Michaela
Who the hell is that blonde?
And why is she standing so close to Phoenix?
