Buying Love

We’re at a light when I see a limo pull up next to us. It’s nothing new here. Thousands of limos ride along the strip, bringing people to the casinos, clubs, and chapels, but there’s something different about this one. I don’t know who’s in it, but I feel a shift in me. Energy rushes through me as I stare at the vehicle.

Suddenly the window lowers slightly, and I see the most beautiful chocolate eyes staring through me. My heart thumps in my chest, aching in a whole new way, then the light changes and the magic is gone and so is he. The vehicle moves ahead as we make a stop. There are four limos together, and I have no idea which is his. Not that it matters. We were just two people passing in the wind.

Three stops later, I’m at work. I do my best to rid my mind of those sensuous eyes and change into my uniform. His sexy eyes are all I can think about. I will myself to get my act under control because I can’t afford to get fired.

“Jenna, what’s up with you?” Angie says, handing me a pitcher of ice water to put on the cart. I take it from her a little startled and then set it next to the others we’re filling.

“What do you mean?” I take another from her and set it on the counter.

“I mean you’ve been working on auto-pilot. You’re here but clearly not. Does this have to do with your shitty landlord?” She knows all about him. She’s the closest friend I have even though we don’t get together often.

“I didn’t realize I was acting differently. I’m just swamped,” I explain or at least try to act like it.

She presses her hand to mine, giving it a squeeze. “Sure. It sounds like something’s wrong. If you need to get out of there, you can move in with me. I’ve got a sofa, but it’s better than being on the streets.”

“Thanks. You’re super awesome, but I can’t take advantage of you.” As much as I’d appreciate her help, but I have to stand on my own.

“Then maybe you need to find yourself a sugar daddy. I’m sure there are hundreds of men here tonight. There’s got to be at least five that want a hot young girl to keep them company.”

“Are you telling me to be someone’s paid whore?” I screech. Not that I haven’t considered the option, but I don’t think I can do that. Well, unless it’s the guy with the beautiful eyes. I’d do anything he asked if I ran into him again.

She shrugs, continuing to fill the next pitcher with ice. “Hey, when you’re married, you give it away for free. Might as well get paid for it.”

“So what are you waiting for?” I ask, knowing damn well she doesn’t need a job like that.

“I’m a trust fund baby. I don’t have to spread my legs, but I’m just tossing ideas out there since you won’t let me help you.” Angie has some crazy stipulation in the trust that she has to work for an entire year before she can claim the money, so she took one of the easiest jobs to do while in college.

“Let’s just get to work,” I mutter, taking the next one from her only to accidentally drop it onto the others.

Rushing to pick up the mess, I apologize, “Sorry.”

“See that’s what I’m talking about. Good luck.” She pats my hand and shakes off my blatant denial. Angie and I go back to work without another word about my attitude, but she watches me several times with concern on her face.

The event is just getting started, and the hall begins to fill with guests. Suddenly, I feel that overwhelming sensation that took hold of me on the bus. My body heats up all, tingling from head to toe. Could he be here?

I have to stay back and wait until we’re supposed to serve the food, but my soul demands that I peek through the door and see if the man with the dark eyes is in there. It’s stupid because he’s obviously out of my league. I barely have a dime to my name and riding the bus while he’s riding in limos. Different worlds. No way could he be interested in me and probably has a girlfriend.

Just as I enter the ballroom, his eyes meet mine and widen. He’s in a dark gray suit with a blue dress shirt and matching tie. He grabs the ends of his sleeves, tugging on them, highlighting his sexy hands. Lust roars through me as he stalks my way. I freeze as I try to understand what my body is doing, but he keeps moving toward me. He doesn’t stop until he’s nearly on top of me. His dark hair falls slightly onto his forehead as he looks down at me.