“How are you? Run into Fletcher yet?” Bear took a long sip.
“No.” She scanned the room. She would have been more enthused by the fancy chandeliers and beautiful marble flooring if it wasn’t for the expectation that eventually she’d have to face Bentley. He wouldn’t expect to see her there. Her name was on the guest list so she had every right to attend.
“Maybe he won’t show?”
“Not on your life. He’d never miss an opportunity to socialize with the wealthy.”
Laughter drifted through the air like floral perfume. A bit sickly sweet. Aasia had little interest in the conversations about Aspen vacations and summers in France. Or the upcoming election. The venue glittered brightly, making every guest appear youthful and handsome. They needed to look their best when they asked financiers to empty their pockets.
“I’m surprised you’re not partaking in something stronger,” Bear teased.
Aasia raised an eyebrow. “I’ll stick with champagne. The bubbles are an instant high.” She laughed.
He took a long draw from his glass then a crooked grin spread across his handsome face. His beard was trimmed close. “You look beautiful,” he said, appraisal lighting his eyes.
“Thank you. So do you. You clean up well.” She winked. He wore a tailored tux and an expensive looking hat. The clothing didn’t take away from his powerful ruggedness.
He lifted his glass in salute. “I’d rather be in my usual attire.” The grin didn’t leave his features, but his eyes were left without humor. He ran his gaze down her, settling on the low-cut top of the dress she spent way too much on. Tansy helped Aasia pick it out and convinced her that sometimes a woman needed to splurge when she wanted to send a message. NowAasia was glad she’d listened. The appreciation she saw in Bear’s eyes made her feel beautiful.
Her heart gave a little flutter. She liked that he had his hat on, slightly lowered to shadow his eyes. She leaned forward and said in a lowered voice, “Apparently by all the attention you’re getting folks appreciate your attire tonight.” She admired his crisp tuxedo that fit his broad shoulders magnificently, but his boots—scuffed and worn betrayed the look. He proved he’d never fit into a mold and she liked his rebellion.
A genuine laugh floated off his lips. Kissable lips. “Tell me whatyouthink.”
“I think I’m the most envied woman in the room,” she looked at him through the fringe of her false lashes—another Tansy contribution. “If they only knew I don’t belong. I’m surprised I haven’t been escorted out.”
“You belong here and they all know it,” he said smoothly. A twinkle of flirtation lingered in his gaze.
“Perfect time for me to ask, have you seen the art on the walls?”
He hesitated then said, “I’m looking at it right now.”
His comment made her toes curl in the uncomfortable heels she borrowed from Tansy. After clearing her throat, she cut her gaze through the growing crowd. “I’m seeing some familiar faces.”
“A man can learn a lot by standing back and watching.”
“See anything interesting?” She rolled her finger around the rim of her glass.
“I’m seeing absurdity,” he said. “I can practically smell the old money.”
Across the room, through the crowd, she saw Bentley arrive. As always, he was perfectly groomed and dressed, probably with his mother’s help. On a positive side note, shefelt nothing seeing him. No residual feelings or emotions. No disappointment or regret. Just relief.
“I think I’ve changed my mind, Bear. I could use something stronger.”
He held up his empty glass. “Whiskey?” he said in an unmistakable Texas drawl. “How about we go to the bar.”
Had he seen Bentley too?
“I agree.”
Bear laid his large hand on her back, exposed in the low cut of the elegant dress. The skin-to-skin contact set her on fire, and the flames spread like a fire through her limbs. “You don’t need to mingle, do you?” He set his empty glass on the polished mahogany bar and ordered them a drink.
“I’m not into hearing about stocks and the future of crude oil.” She leaned back and snorted. “If they wanted to talk science and how to improve getting our resources into poorer communities then I’d be game. Or studying rivers and skies and figure out how we can make them all clear again.”
He pressed his elbows into the edge of the bar. “Now I’m even more curious why we’re here. If you’re not willing to rub elbows with them, how will you make sure you make them aware of these issues?”
“Maybe I just wanted you to see me in this dress,” she said saucily.
“That’s fine by me.” He winked. The bartender brought their drinks and Bear took a sip. “The dress is mighty nice, don’t get me wrong, but you could be wearing a potato sack and I’d still think you’re the prettiest woman in Texas.”
