“I’m Chase. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Demi.” It took supreme effort, but he stared at her face, even though he wanted to continue admiring her body. He hadn’t had sex since he’d broken up with his college sweetheart three months earlier and being in close proximity to such a titillating woman gave Chase a hard-on inside his boxer briefs. He’d been playing the field since his relationship ended and Demi was exactly his type—fun, energetic and witty—and he wanted to know more about her.
Her sweet perfume tickled his nostrils, sending his pulse into overdrive. His attraction to her was intense, and if Chase wasn’t worried about Demi slapping him, he’d kiss her—and more. His parents had raised him to be a gentleman and, even though he wanted her back in his arms, he kept his hands to himself and off her mouth-watering curves. “Thank God you showed up when you did, because I didn’t know what to do.”
“Yeah, I noticed. Five more minutes and they probably would have turned on you.”
Chase exhaled a deep breath. He shuddered to think what would have happened if Demi hadn’t showed up, and inwardly chastised himself for ending up in such a ridiculous predicament. This kind of thing happened to his twin brother, Jonas, not him. Chase still didn’t know what he’d done wrong. He’d bought the women drinks at the rooftop bar, not professed his undying love, so he didn’t understand why they’d picked a fight with each other outside the VIP lounge. Even though he was thirty-two-years old, he still didn’t understand the opposite sex and feared he never would, but he wasn’t going to lose sleep over it. He was in Ibiza with his family to celebrate his birthday and life was good. He had a successful company, an impressive stock portfolio, a tight-knit family and great friends.
“Can I give you a piece of friendly advice?” Demi asked, batting her thick, extra-long eyelashes at him. “Next time you’re at a party, flirt with one woman, not two. Capiche?”
Chase chuckled. “Got it. Thanks for the tip and for saving my life.”
“No worries. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a bachelor in distress.”
“Brains, wit and beauty?” he praised. “Your boyfriend is a very lucky man—”
The smile faded from her lips. “What makes you think I have a boyfriend?”
“Because you’re gorgeous and vivacious and guys go crazy over women like you.”
“Look at you getting all up in my business.” Demi giggled. “You’re fine but nosy.”
Chase chuckled long and hard. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for beautiful women.”
“If you must know, I’m happily single and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Fervently nodding her head, her teardrop earrings swung wildly back and forth, grazing her bare shoulders.
“Care to elaborate?” he asked, curious to know her story.
“Relationships are a lot of work and I can’t be bothered. Most men aren’t honest, let alone faithful, and I don’t have the time or the energy to play games.”
“It sounds like you’ve been dating the wrong guys.”
Demi scoffed. “Are there any good ones left?”
“You’re looking at one. I’m trustworthy, loyal and sincere.”
“You sound like a politician.” Her features softened and her voice lost its warmth. “I don’t want you to think I’m bitter. I’m not. I’m just tired of meeting boys masquerading as men.”
“I understand, but don’t worry. By the end of the night you’ll be singing my praises.”
Demi wagged a finger at him. “Yeah, right!” she argued, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You’re trouble, and I don’t want any drama tonight, so goodbye, lover boy.”
The elevator pinged then stopped on the first floor of the nightclub.
“Adiós señor!” Smiling, and waving, Demi sashayed out the elevator doors. “See ya!”
Desperate to reach her, he elbowed his way through the crowd and slid in front of her, forcing her to stop abruptly. She stared up at him with wide eyes and a coy expression on her face. Slowly and seductively, her gaze slid down his body, exciting him. To be heard over the music, he lowered his mouth to her ear. “Not so fast, Demi. I didn’t get your number.”
A grin dimpled her cheek. “That’s because I didn’t give it to you. And I don’t plan to.”
“No worries. The night’s still young.” Chase winked. “Let’s go to the bar. I’m buying you a drink and I won’t take no for an answer.”
“No, thanks. I’ve had plenty and, if I want another cocktail, I’ll buy it myself.”
“It’s the least I can do. You saved my life and I want to show my gratitude.”
Before Demi could respond, Chase stepped forward and took her hand in his. It was warm and soft, and fit perfectly in his palm. Escorting her through the club, his chest swelled with pride. Demi was a stunner, with an effervescent personality and a captivating presence. She was the type of woman who men desired and other females envied, and she was with him.
Adjusting his eyeglasses, Chase peered into the lounge area. Not wanting to compete with his brothers and cousins for Demi’s attention, he found an empty booth on the other side of the room and increased his pace. All night they’d been cracking on him and Chase was tired of their jokes. Thankfully they were too busy on their iPhones to notice him walk by with the sexiest woman in the club, and that suited him just fine.