He takes a visible breath before turning his eyes back to me, and I’m stunned like a deer in the headlights. Sense finally works its way up, and I turn away from his menacing glare.
Embarrassed that I played out a completely different scenario in my head, I rush over to the bar in the opposite direction and order a dirty martini. I need something much stronger than champagne.
That look wasn’t flirty like at the restaurant; it was something I’d never seen before.
The second the bartender places the drink in front of me, it’s in my hands and quickly to my lips.
My nose wrinkles, and I place the drink down as swiftly as I picked it up.
Ugh. This is like drinking the freaking ocean.
“Too strong?” a dark voice asks from beside me.
I look up at the man towering over me in a fox mask. “No, too much brine. They were my dad’s favorite, but he made them different.”
“Ah, I see. You need to ask for it slightly dirty. Though I like it very dirty.”
Surprised at his directness, I choke on my drink and raise my eyebrows, causing him to laugh.
“Why a fox?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I like what you did there. Why not a fox? They’re sneaky and agile. Sounds fun to me.”
“Ah, sly like a fox, are you?”
His dark eyes sparkle. “Exactly.” He clinks my glass. “Can I buy you another drink?”
“You mean, can you buy me one of the free drinks?”
His lips twist into a smirk, letting his dimples peek out from his mask. I like this guy. “Touché. Let me be a gentleman and order for you, then.”
“Hmm. I believe a gentleman would have at least introduced himself first.”
He places his drink down and takes my hand, kissing it as he bows. “My apologies. Let me introduce myself…I’m Leo Morales, pleased to make your acquaintance.”
I giggle and open my mouth to say my name but stop myself when a tall shadow hovers over me. How my body is reacting; I know exactly who stands behind me.
Slowly, I turn and look up, coming face to face with piercing blue eyes. My breath catches, and my heart races at a warped speed. I open my mouth to say something, but I’m completely mute.
This is your chance…introduce yourself, you idiot.
Harrison lifts his head to look past me, giving Leo a death stare.
Leo laughs hysterically, punching Harrison on the arm. “See you later, big bro, and you.” He looks at me. “Were the highlight of my night. Nice to meet you?”
“Jules,” I whisper.
“Goodbye, Jules.” He blows me a playful kiss and walks away.
Harrison’s eyes slowly drag down to mine, holding me imprisoned by his attention. He takes a deep breath, his nostril flaring slightly, both of us completely dazed. It’s then I realize his baby blues that have had me enamored and dreaming about them all week are actually more of an electric turquoise and are heart-stoppingly perfect; I could stare into them all night.
Without breaking our gaze, he lifts his arm to get the bartender’s attention, and the scent of his woodsy cologne rolls over me. “Two slightly dirty martinis,” his deep, velvety voice commands.
Slight dirty…how long was he standing there?
He extends his hand. “Harrison,” he purrs.
He doesn’t remember.
