“Hey.” Brenna glided over in a figure-hugging red dress. She looked at them both and raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”
“Kat needs a distraction. Badly.” Eve snorted, squashing the used tissue into a ball. “Her mind’s in the gutters.”
“Aah…” Brenna smiled, then her quizzical blue eyes pinned Eve. “You didn’t say you and David were an item.”
“We aren’t, Bren. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
How could she, whenhisface haunted her now? Their first encounter had been disturbing enough. Then her dreams had taken over. No way she could ever forget those sensual lips set in that stunning face, taunting her as he trailed the dagger down her stomach—
“You go on with that mindset and the worms will be the only ones enjoying your virginity,” Kataya muttered. “I’m going for a smoke.”
Brenna took her arm. “Come. I want you to see something.
Eve frowned at Kataya’s cranky attitude. “What’s with her?” she asked, letting Brenna lead her. “Her editors giving her crap again?”
“Either that, or she’s missing Jake.” Brenna brushed her inky bangs from her eyes. “And she’s smoking like a junkie, too—ta-daaa!” She flashed her arms open as they stopped in front of a painting. “So, what do you think?”
Eve didn’t answer. How could she when her jaw had dropped to the floor?
There she was on canvas. Larger than life. The narrow strap of her top had dropped off one shoulder to expose the curve of her right breast. Thank God at least her nipple was covered! Dreamy green eyes stared back at her. Her mouth looked like she’d lip-locked a bee. At the seductive expression on her face, heat fused her cheeks. “I never posed forthat!”
The painting was done in a multitude of delicate brush strokes that made her look…sexy?
Sheesh, she had to be the least sexy person ever, when she practically lived in her sweats or threadbare jeans. Well, they were her work clothes. But, sexy? Her gaze veered to the title on the right. Eternity. Just as well he didn’t call it Seduction. Eve shuddered at the thought.
“Like my surprise? Must say, I’ve received several offers for you,” David said from behind her.
Eve whirled to him. “Why would you do this to me? Oh, Lord, now I understand the reason for the looks I’ve been getting,” she moaned, dropping her head into her palms. “And don’t say that! It sounds like you’re my pimp or something.”
David rubbed her back. “It’s beautiful. And that’s how you look.”
Her head snapped up to meet his grin. “No, it’s not. I know what I look like when I wake up. And when did you see me—” The memory surfaced in pixel clear clarity.
She’d been sick one evening several weeks ago, and had taken flu meds before attending a get-together with the gang at David’s loft. She had dozed off.
“When you awoke, you looked so…” David’s ears turned red. “Alluring. I had to capture you on canvas.”
So being sick made her sexy? Oh, God! Eve snagged another flute of bubbly. “I need to drink and forget I saw that. Or that all the women here probably hate me.”
“I wouldn’t worry. They’re just jealous that they can’t look as hot as you do, even when sick,” he teased, then turned when someone hailed him. He gave her another pat on the back and strolled off.
***
It was close to midnight, people showed no sign of leaving, and Eve was still sober. Her feet threw a tantrum in her torturous shoes. She wished she could sit down and pull off the stilettos. With work and now this party, heck, even the floor looked inviting after sixteen hours on her feet. Stifling a groan, she took another sip of her champagne.
Kataya joined her after another little excursion outside. A fresh wave of jasmine and mint came off her.
“You okay?” Eve asked, studying her friend’s pale face.
“Yeah, I’m good. Trying to give up ciggies is a damn pain-in-the-ass. I’m gonna call it a night. You want a ride home?”
Ah, now she understood Kat’s crankiness. “Please.”
“So, you dislike the painting, huh? Not happening with David, then?” Kat asked her as Brenna joined them.
Eve wrinkled her nose. “The painting’s okay, I suppose. It’s not like I’m naked or anything. I’m too tired for drinks or to think aboutthattonight, so home it is. Anyway, we have a date for Wednesday… What?” she asked when her friends didn’t respond but stared behind her.
The sudden silence was broken by startled gasps.
