Darkly (Follow Me 4)

“Interesting. What do you have on your mind tonight, Braden?”

I can’t help a slight smile. “Not a contract.”

Damn, no lie there. All I can think about is getting Skye back in bed. Yeah, I’m acting like a territorial ass, when I know damned well she’s not mine. Not yet, anyway.

I should apologize. I even open my mouth to do so, but before I can—

“I’m going back in,” she says.

“Fine. I’m going with you.”

“Suit yourself.”

I follow her back to the ballroom. She struts in and heads for a table.

The gorgeous brunette in the red dress runs toward her, n

early knocking over a server and her tray full of drinks. “Skye, are you all right? Peter said—” Her eyes morph to circles when she sees me behind Skye. “It is you.”

She clears her throat. “I’m fine.”

Bestie regains her composure and lifts her lips in a dazzling smile. “Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

I hold out my hand. “Braden Black.”

“Braden, this is Tessa Logan, my best friend.”

“It’s an honor, Mr. Black.” Tessa flutters her ridiculously long eyelashes as she shakes my hand. She’s a flirt. I’m used to it. She is a bombshell, but not what I’m after at the moment.

“Call me Braden. Any friend of Skye’s.” I turn to her. “Drink?”

“I’ve had enough, thanks.”

“You?” I nod to Tessa.

“I’d love another banana daiquiri,” she says coyly.

“Done. I’ll be back.” I head to the bar.

“Two Wild Turkeys, one ice cube, and a banana daiquiri,” I say to the young woman tending bar.

She drops her jaw. “You’re Braden Black.”

“Guilty.”

“Wow. Sure. Give me just a minute.” She fumbles with the stainless steel shaker for the daiquiri.

Lila Marquez pushes her way toward me. “Braden!” she gasps out. “A table opened up for you.”

“Lila, I don’t need—”

“Oh, I insist. It’s right up front.”

“A table right up front opened up?”

“Yes. Isn’t that lucky?”

Lucky, indeed. More likely one of the bigger donors just went home. It’s nearing eleven.