“Why is that so shocking? I like my privacy, and my place is small. There’s never been anyone worth packing my books for.”
“Just how many books do you have?”
“I don’t flip and tell.”
Evan laughed again, nearly hitting a chunky palm in the process, and caught the upturn of Lennox’s lips in the twilight. It was close enough to count as a smile.
“Okay, then you make up a story.”
Silence followed until Evan thought for sure Lennox wouldn’t respond. “No, I like the charity auction. It’s very posh, and I’m sure these people know all about that.”
“But you don’t?”
“High school teacher, Westin. The only auction I’ve been to was in Texas and involved farm animals.”
“I need to hear that story.”
“No, you do not. No one does. Just… what sort of charity is it?”
“Cancer research. Specifically uterine.”
“That is very specific.”
“It’s the only good thing my father does with his money. Of course, he only does it for the tax write-off.”
Well acquainted with the sort of people who might own an island, Evan was prepared for stilted conversations regardingstock prices andthat nastinessin whatever place the upper crust was currently pretending to be concerned about.
The roaring party they walked into took him completely by surprise.
The resort boasted about its exclusivity, claiming accommodation for only up to twenty people, but they had clearly stretched the rules for the ones signing the checks. There were at least fifty guests milling about the main building and adjacent patio, with its unobstructed view of the blazing sunset.
“We have party crashers!” someone yelled from amidst the din, and he could see Lennox’s feathers ruffle.
“Ihada reservation,” he muttered, jumping slightly when Evan dropped a hand onto his shoulder.
“Let it go, man. We’re here, they’re here, and it looks like they know how to have a good time. Just go with it.”
He received a glare for his trouble, but the eyes stayed blue, even as they glanced at his hand and shrugged it away. Score one for chilling out the schoolmarm.
A willowy and graceful woman with greying hair pulled into a low bun materialized from within the crowd. Her smile was warm, and her light green eyes held the shimmer of at least two prior glasses of the white wine she was holding.
“There you are! Allow me to apologize for upending your plans. I’m sure this is hardly how you envisioned the first night of your honeymoon.”
Evan took it in stride. “Nonsense! We appreciate being invited. I think this is exactly the way to celebrate. Right, pooks?”
He gave Lennox a nudge and watched the brow lift in response. Was he about to be punched in the mouth, or would Lennox run in fear of the rich people? Evan couldn’t quite decide.
Another woman appeared, slinking her way over to steal his breath. Wearing a flowing jumpsuit in a deep, sultry red that setoff her long, black braid, she flashed a gorgeous smile as dark brown eyes rimmed with thick lashes flickered between them.
Well, hello.
He could feel Lennox’s eyes latch onto him, and the judgement was so thick he could taste it. He gave the beauty his best smile while muttering, “Fuck off,” out of the corner of his mouth.
“Are these the poor souls whose vacation we ruined?” she asked in a voice like velvet.
Goddamn. His dick was still complaining about the abrupt and abrasive end of his airplane interlude. Even getting himself off in the shower hadn’t appeased it. He needed a wild night with a willing and enthusiastic participant. Someone who stirred up that lusty fire of infatuation. The feeling you couldn’t get enough, but would eagerly die trying.
Actually, make it a weekend. Hell, he’d take a sabbatical if the right person came along. Anything to feel like more than the sum of his parts. Sex with Lucy had become robotic. Get in, get off, get out. He wanted someone who wanted him back.
