“Perfect.”
Without another glance at him, I made my way toward Monica, who was still in the same spot, now all alone.
“Hi, Piper,” she said as I approached.
“Hi, Monica. Thought I might see you here tonight.”
We spoke a bit about how her company had been performing since we’d collaborated. I always loved checking in with previous clients and seeing if our work truly made a difference.
Throughout the rest of the evening, I meticulously sought out others I knew, and they introduced me to a few potential opportunities.
All the while, I was making sure my path didn’t cross Beckett’s. But I was constantly aware of where he was in the room, as well as the fact that he was looking at me very, very often. At first, I thought I caught him looking by accident. Then I realized my body was giving me cues. The first time I felt my skin prickle all over, I wasn’t sure what was happening. Then I glanced around and noticed Beckett was intently watching me.
The second time it happened, he was unabashedly drinking me in.
I was on pins and needles the whole evening. It was a good thing I had so many clients to speak with; otherwise, I’d end up next to Beckett again because he had some kind of magnetism I couldn’t resist. But the event didn’t last very long, and three hours later, the guests were already filtering out.
I hadn’t even really paid attention to the food, and now I was a bit hungry. As the room emptied, I headed to the buffet. I filleda plate with what looked like meatballs and cheese croquettes, then gobbled them down quickly.
I was so focused on what I was eating that I almost didn’t realize my body had started to simmer again until I noticed Beckett looking at me from the other end of the table. He was smiling broadly. I walked straight to him because I was running out of excuses not to. Besides, I was supposed to go and get my pralines, right?
“I can feel you laughing at me,” I said as I shoved the last cheese croquette in my mouth. It was delicious.
“I watched you all evening. I figured you’d make your way to the buffet at some point, but you didn’t until now.”
“Thank God they still had something left. I’m thinking about getting some sweets, too, but then again, you’ve got pralines for me, so why ruin my appetite?”
“Why indeed?” His eyes flashed. “Want me to bring the box here for you?”
“No, no. I’ll come with you to the car. Is it parked far away?”
“No. The lot is just behind a building. I’ll drive you home.”
Oh, that was a dangerous idea.
“I can Uber,” I replied, but deep down I wanted to spend time with him. “But if you don’t mind…”
His eyes flashed again. “I so fucking don’t, Piper, I promise. Are you done here for the evening?”
“Yes. I just stayed behind to grab a little something to eat.”
He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to. Let’s go to the car.”
Just walking next to Beckett was enough to make my body simmer. And I thought it was a good idea to spend an entire car ride with this man? But I’d already agreed to it. Besides, I could use the opportunity to discuss our project a bit more.
It was slightly chilly outside. I shivered and rubbed my arms, hoping to warm myself up a bit. Next thing I knew, Beckett was taking off his suit jacket.
“You’re warm?” I asked.
He looked at me strangely. “No.” And then he held the jacket for me. “Put this on.”
“Thanks. That’s very thoughtful of you.”
I immediately draped it over my shoulders. It was huge, but it did the trick. I instantly felt warmer, and I loved being surrounded by his scent.
