“Eve!” I call out, but it’s no use. The music is too loud, the crowd is too thick, and I can’t get away from Grabby McGrabs-a-lot.
I may have just ruined everything.
Eleven
EVE
“Are you okay?” Rich asks me as he follows me out of the room.
I need air. There are too many people, and when my eyes first locked with Dasher’s I was sure I was imagining him here. He hadn't said one word about being at this party tonight, and he knew where I was going. I’m guessing he thought with so many people attending I might miss him on his date. Jerk.
“I’m feeling lightheaded,” I say, walking faster to make my escape. I think I feel Rich’s hand on my back but I’m too numb to pay attention. All I want to do is get away as quickly as possible.
“Here.” Rich opens a door and ushers me into a private room.
I let out a long breath as I sit down in a chair. Why does this hurt so much? Twenty-four hours ago I was telling myself Dasher wasn't for me and that we couldn't date and that he didn't want to date me either. Now my heart is shattering inside my chest. Maybe I read everything wrong, and maybe I’m overreacting. What if this is how people date these days? He didn’t say anything, but what if people see a few people at a time? I know Dasher and I haven't had a chance to talk about what is happening between us, but I think I made it pretty clear that first day in his kitchen that I wasn't the fling type of girl. I told him about my parents.
“Can I get you anything?” Rich drops down in front of me. He’s being pretty dang nice even after telling him I couldn't be his date tonight. Not after the kiss I’d shared with Dasher. It felt wrong, and I told him when I got here that it couldn’t be more than a work relationship. Plus I was hoping to dip out as soon as I could because I was trying to get back to Dasher.
“I just need a second.”
He nods and stands up. “So you know Dasher Sleigh?” Rich asks.
“Yes, he has a party tomorrow night,” I say, not wanting to go into more details than that. Though I think Rich caught us staring at each other right before I all but fled the room. Why else would he be asking?
“Ahh.” Rich walks over to a small bar and pours himself a drink. I hadn't noticed which way we turned when I fled the front entry of the house, but we’re in a small office now.
“Ahh?” I ask, making the same sound as him.
I should really leave instead of hiding in here. How easy will it be to make an escape? What if Dasher chased after me? Is he looking for me right now and does he actually think I’m going to go back to his house when I leave here after he’s been out with another woman all night?
“You really have no idea how alluring you are, which only adds to the appeal.”
I sit up a little straighter because Rich is staring at me now. His eyes roam over my body, making me feel naked as his nice-guy act fades fast.
“I should go.” I stand. “The party is in full swing right now, and I’ve left Chel to handle everything. I really am sorry about canceling as your date tonight. Thank you for being so understanding.”
“How sorry?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.
“What?”
“How sorry are you, Eve?” He shoots back the rest of his drink and sets the glass down with a loud thud. “And I never said I was understanding.” He pulls at the bow tie he has on and tosses it down next to his empty glass.
“Again, I’m sorry. I wasn't trying to lead you on. I just—”
Rich tilts his head, laughing. “No, I don’t think you know that you’re a cock tease. Which is another thing that makes men want to fuck you so bad. Even Dasher wants to, but you’ve got to tell me what it is all of you see in him.” My mouth falls open. “Is it because he never dates? That’s a bunch of fucking bullshit, if you ask me. All men need their dicks wet.”
I stand there in shock, not sure what to say. When I realize what he means, my mind goes straight to Dasher doing that with the beautiful woman that was on his arm tonight. Has he been kissing her tonight the same way he kissed me?
She was elegant in a tight-fitting black dress, and if someone told me she’s a movie star I wouldn't be shocked. Would it have killed her to put on a little holiday flair? It’s a Christmas party, but maybe I’m being petty.