“Really?” The guy’s brow crinkled in disbelief. His golden hair was slicked back, and he had bright blue eyes, and a chiseled jaw. Any other night, she’d think him handsome.
He motioned with his flute of champagne, a smile playing on the corners of his lips. “Well, if you were my date, I wouldn’t leave you out of my sight.” He took a sip of his drink as his gaze lingered on her chest.
Subtle.
Marti shot him a bored look.
“What did you say you did for a living? Do you work for the hospital?” he asked.
“No. I’m a writer.”
“A writer, huh?” He rocked back on his heels. “Cool. What do you write?”
“I’m Marti McBride,” she said and offered him her hand.
He clasped it in his own as recognition lit his eyes, his whole face brightening with the revelation. “Single In the City.”
Marti nodded.
“Well, I’m happy to be the subject of your next article,” he said, in a way Marti guessed was supposed to be suggestive but only made him sound constipated. Then he flashed her a lecherous smile.
“Oh, I think I have plenty of material.” She tugged at her hand, but he held it tight and pulled it closer to his chest, forcing her to step forward.
“Well, then maybe we can fix this single situation.” He winked, and she caught the sour scent of booze on his breath, something stronger than the champagne in his other hand.
Her stomach lurched, but he continued, oblivious of her disgust, “Something tells me you just haven’t gone out with a real man—”
“Ah, there you are.” Logan wrapped his arm around Marti’s waist, pulling her into his side and away from the grabby stranger.
The man’s expression turned annoyed before he glanced at Logan and his scowl melted into nerves. “Dr. Love.”
Logan’s gaze remained cool on the man’s face, his eyes shimmering emeralds under the blue light. Quiet tension flickered in the muscle of his jaw as he acknowledged the man in front of him. “Ben.”
“I, uh . . . I didn’t realize she was your date.”
“Easy mistake.” Logan forced a smile and turned to Marti. “If you’re done socializing, I’d like to have a word.”
It was an admonishment. Anger spiked her blood. “You have some nerve,” she hissed as he pulled her away, hand clasped securely above her elbow.
If she hadn’t wanted to get away from the loser so bad, she would have ignored Logan.
“You could have come over when you arrived.”
“I’m here as your guest. Remember?”
He moved them deeper into the ballroom, his quick stride eating up the room. Only when she planted her feet, did he pause. “If you were intent on ignoring me, may I ask what purpose my presence here serves? It certainly doesn’t seem like you need, nor want a date.”
“You’re upset.” He rubbed a hand over his mouth like this surprised him.
Maybe it surprised her too.
Once the evening was over, she was done with him. Who cared if he ignored her?
“You seemed to be handling yourself quite well, but I apologize,” he said, amusement dancing in his tone. “It was rude of me. I got caught up in talking to benefactors.” He waved a hand and the corners of his eyes creased while one side of his mouth quirked.
Marti sniffed as she lifted her chin. “I accept your apology, even though you don’t look sorry.”
“I may not have come to get you immediately, but don’t think I didn’t notice you walk in.”