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This ravishing, exquisite woman.

“I’ve never heard of the Jade Sanctum,” she continues. “The façade is beautiful, though. I’ve never seen a building so green. I can’t believe I’ve never noticed it before.”

“Sometimes we don’t recognize true beauty until it’s staring us in the face,” I say.

And I’m not talking about the building.

She offers a small smile, looks me directly in the eyes. “I suppose we’re all guilty of that.”

I don’t think she’s talking about the building, either. My heart races.

We don’t say anything for a few seconds. It’s awkward, but there’s a warmth to it. I’m enjoying it. I think she is, too.

Finally I break the silence. “I’d be happy to show you around.”

“That would be kind of you.” She checks her watch. “I’m not meeting my companion for the evening for another ten minutes.”

I narrow my eyes. Her companion. She went out of her way to avoid saying she’s on a date, even though we both know that’s what the Twistr app is for.

She’s interested in me. I feel it in my bones.

I feel it in between my legs as well. I’d give up this whole damned club just to see what this woman looks like naked.

Ugh. Just my fucking luck. I’ve been working at the Jade Sanctum for over six years, met tons of beautiful women. None of them caught my interest. Sure, they were hot, were fun in bed, but I didn’t get the it feeling from any of them.

The waves of heat pulsating between Thea and me nearly knock me off my feet.

And I can’t do a fucking thing about it.

She’s here to meet another man.

All I can do is be a gentleman and pray it doesn’t work out.

I choose my words carefully. “Welcome to the Jade Sanctum, Ms. Storm.”

“Thea, please,” she says. “And thank you, Aus. I’d love a tour of the place.”

She wants to spend more time with me, too. Even though she’s meeting a man soon.

That has to mean something, right?

I gesture toward the revolving door. I wish it were a real door so I could hold it open for her. “After you, beautiful. Welcome to the Jade Sanctum.”

5

THEA

After you, beautiful?

If any other man said that to me, my first instinct would be to slap him across the face.

But the way Aus said it was so charming, so authentic. I don’t feel like it’s a line to get me into bed.

Not that I’d say no if he asked. He’s gorgeous with his huge chest and granite jaw. Dirty-blond hair that covers his ears and skims the back of his neck and twinkling green eyes that match both the club he owns and the sequined vest he’s wearing. Chest hair peeks out from the button-down under the vest, and his dark jeans do little to hide a shapely butt. On top of all that, he’s got a full beard trimmed to a tight length slightly longer than stubble. I love how beards feel everywhere. Everywhere.

I take a deep breath in. I’m meeting someone else tonight. Someone just as good-looking as Aus. I don’t want to ruin it. I could meet the love of my life tonight.

Though part of me can’t help but wonder if I already have.