“Oh.” My heart falls as I realize that of course I have to take off my wedding ring. Guilt spikes through me. I’ve never taken it off—not even in the shower. “Ok, here goes, I guess.” I slide the ring off my finger and tuck it into my bag. I shoot Aubrey a quick smile and then head off in the direction of law professor Matthew Ruehlman.
My steps falter when the professor seems to sense me coming, his gaze shifting over the shoulder of his companion to landon mine. One eyebrow arches with interest, and I realize then what all the glam and the fancy strapless dress were about. My outfit does the talking before I do. I suddenly feel a surge of power course through my veins. I’ve never been the type that commands a room, but suddenly, I can. A sense of feminine pride wells in me.
I continue in his direction, heart in my throat when I’m finally close enough to meet him. I pause at his shoulder as if I’m lost.
“Can I get you a drink?”
I cast my eyes up to his—pools of melted dark chocolate. I nearly lose my breath as I take him in, at a loss for words in the presence of a man like this. Jack is handsome and direct but too busy for things like charm; Matthew Ruehlman commands attention. He has the look of a predator: unrelenting, hungry. My stomach twists in anticipation of what might happen next. I suddenly realize why people do this—go out to the bar and meet new people and engage in hookups and one-night stands. I’m in a world that I’ve never felt like I belong in and somehow I now... belong.
“Is something on your mind, beautiful?” His grin lifts at one side and my heart flutters.
“Y-yeah—I’d like a glass of whatever you’re having.”
He chuckles, eyes drifting lazily up and down my curves. I have to control my body’s involuntary reaction to him.He’s a rapist,I remind myself.His actions took a young woman’s life.I will my beating heart to still as I keep this fact in mind while Matthew Ruehlman nods at the bartender.
“Two more,” he says, before finishing his tumbler and sliding it across the polished bartop. “So what brings you here?”
“I’m an alum. Department of Finance.”
“Oh, a numbers lady. I wouldn’t have expected that. Not many of you around.”
“Whatwouldyou expect?” I step into his space. I’m so close I can smell his cologne. A wave of revulsion washes through me as I think about what this man did to Savannah. I think about Jack sitting at his oval desk in the Financial District none the wiser that I am here, attempting to flirt with another man.
“Hmm, pre-law maybe. That’s my department. I wish I’d had you in one of my lectures—you’re a sight for sore eyes. What’s your name?”
I falter, wondering if I should tell the truth. “You owe me a few more drinks before I give up the details.”
“Is that so?” He grins, leaning in, seemingly even more intrigued as I play hard to get. Is this what flirting is about? Never revealing the full truth? Verbal innuendo and building mystery and tension? “Well, I guess I’m one drink closer to getting what I want from the prettiest lady in the room.”
He passes me an old fashioned, giving me a half-smile. The ease with which he goes into seduction mode makes me want to vomit all over him. Instead, I take the drink offered and smile demurely. This man has game, but I can play games too.
“I’m Matt Ruehlman.” He thrusts a hand out to shake mine. I accept, feeling the way his grip is purposefully firm and lasts a few beats longer than necessary.
“Nice to meet you.” I avert my eyes from his penetrating stare. He’s making me uncomfortable, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little turned on at the same time. I hate my body for betraying my mind. I tell myself that underneath all this charm is a monster who takes advantage of young students.
I take another sip of my drink, feeling the bite as it goes down my throat. I’m not used to drinking like this—anythingmore than a glass of champagne or red wine is a lot for me.
He seems to be clued in to my discomfort. “Do you like your drink?”
“Yes—it’s fine. It’s good, I’m just not a big drinker,” I admit.
“Babe!” Aubrey barges in at that moment, swiping my drink from my hand and downing it all in one swallow. “This party is lame, let’s go to that restaurant opening in the Meatpacking District I told you about—if we catch a cab we can make it just in time.”
“Let me call a car—I’ll go with you.” Matthew takes a step closer to me, as if to protect his prey from a threat.
Aubrey pauses, staring him down with a cold look all her own, before shaking her head and turning back to me. “Come on—girls’ night—remember?”
I don’t reply because I don’t know what she’s up to, but I’m thankful that she’s rescuing me.
“Wait! At least give me your number.” Matthew’s palm lands on my elbow. Goosebumps erupt across my skin.
Aubrey’s eyes lock on mine before she purses her lips and rolls her green eyes, gripping my elbow to pull me along with her.
“I want to get to know you—please—” Matthew’s palm on my back stops me. “Your number.”
I force a smile and then rattle off my cell number before allowing Aubrey to drag me out of the party.
“What was that about?” I ask once we reach the cool night air.
