“They haven’t yet.” I lean into him and whisper, noticing the angry glare from the woman sitting at the table across from us. I really want to give her the finger, but I know this isn’t the place and I am working. Getting a bad review or a complaint call to Foxy for embarrassing Jefferson isn’t worth it. Not when I still have to save Nana’s house.
“Fingers crossed I’m the highest bid.” He takes my hand in his, holding it on the table as his thumb moves back and forth across my skin. Butterflies erupt in my stomach over the simple act. It’s been so long since I’ve been in a relationship, and it was more physical than emotional.
The announcer continues to go through the items, but Jefferson doesn’t let go of my hand. My eyes skip between where they lay conjoined on the table to his face that’s focused on the announcer.
“Our next item is an all-inclusive five-day trip to Turks and Caicos Islands. And our winning bid is from.” The man pauses for dramatic effect as he opens the envelope. “Jefferson Silverfox, with a bid of thirty-eight thousand dollars. Thank you for your generous donation.”
“Holy shit, you won it.” I all but shout as I pull my hand away and wrap my arms around his neck, slamming my lips down on his. He stiffens at first, almost shocked at my actions, before opening up and kissing me back.
“Go pay for your trip. There’s time for fooling around later,” Annabelle snorts from across the table. She lowers her voice slightly, but I still hear it. “Not that I don’t mind watching. It’s getting my motor running.”
“Annabelle. For God’s sake. Can you put a filter on your mouth?” her husband asks harshly.
“You’re not going to have any complaints when we get home, so you should be thanking them.”
Jefferson and I pull apart. I gently wipe my lips with my fingers, as if that could remove the tingling, while he adjusts his suit and inhales deeply before blowing it out.
“Guess I should go pay. I’ll be right back, and then we can get out of here.” He stands and hurries away, leaving me to obsess over his words.
“Get out of here.”Well, his time is up. It’s practically eleven as it is. He made an appearance, made his donation, and now it’s over. A true Cinderella story in the making. Only instead of me running away, it’s him.
“This is just a job. Nothing more,” I mumble.
“What’s that, Sweetheart?” Annabelle asks, her face drawn in concern.
“Nothing. Just thinking out loud.” I laugh. Forced, but it’s there.
My eyes track over to where Jefferson headed. I can see him barely, just slightly in view as he stands at a table. His shoulders are bouncing up and down as if he’s laughing.
I’m still staring when I see him turn and make his way back across the room. He moves with a kind of quiet confidence—and I feel like every eye is on him, appreciating him. The low light casts soft shadows along the jawline and the curve of his shoulders beneath the fabric of his jacket.
His stride is deliberate, slow and smooth. His hands slide casually into his pockets as he weaves through the tables filled with guests, nodding once to someone who greets him, barely slowing his pace.
I can’t help but follow the motion of his shoulders, the faint sway of his hips, the length of his legs with each step. As hard as I try, I can’t pull my eyes away from him. Heat burns within me, and for the first time I’m wishing for more than just being a paid companion for a night. I want a relationship, and Jefferson ticks off every box.
His eyes lock on me and his face softens, the corners of his lips turning up, his eyes sparkling. Does he feel the same?
Jefferson reaches the table, but he doesn’t sit. Instead, he moves behind me, bending over so his face is nestled in the crook of my neck. His hot breath dances along my skin as he whispers huskily. “Ready to get out of here?”
And the metaphorical cold shower begins. The doomsday of dates. The night is over, and all my worries are confirmed.
“Yeah. Sure thing,” I mutter, trying not to show my embarrassment over my ridiculous thoughts that he could possibly be attracted to me as well.
He steps back, allowing me to move my chair enough to stand, and takes my hand in his, leading me out of the room. Others are exiting the event as well, while others move to the dance floor now that the announcer has finished and the music has restarted.
Jefferson’s grip tightens on my hand and his steps quicken, causing me to have to reciprocate to keep up with him. He’s really trying to get away from me. Did I come on too strong with the kissing, the jokes with Annabelle?
We leave the ballroom and head toward the hotel lobby, but after a few steps, he halts. Not noticing, I slam into his body, almost knocking both of us over. He smiles, pulling me to the side, turning my body so I’m flush against the wall.
“I don’t want to be presumptuous. But I’m really having a great time with you tonight. It’s been a while since I’ve felt like this. That I’ve been able to show the affection like I have with you in public.” He stops, and I bite nervously on my lip. Jefferson raises his hand, rubbing the pad of his thumb across the ridge of my jaw.
“Okay.” God, that sounded lame. Not exactly the smoothest response to a heartfelt confession. But I’m not used to this—being wanted like this. My brain short-circuited, and that’s whatcame out. “I know Foxy’s has rules. I had to read and agree to them all. It’s after eleven, so our official paid time is up. But Bradley, I don’t want the night to end. I lied earlier when I told you why it took me so long to get the drinks.”
I raise my eyebrow in confusion. He lied. Okay. But what is he trying to say?
“Tonight with you has been amazing and I want to explore more, so I went and got a room. One that I hope you will come to with me. What I want is for you to stay the night with me and we can take this further? No pressure. If the answer is no, I can take you home right now.”
My heart slams against my ribs, drowning everything else out.
