I wave her off, trying to mouth that I’m busy, hoping she gets the hint and leaves me alone, just for a moment longer. I turn back to Violet and smile. “They’ll survive without me.”
“I’m not so sure. I think you were practically holding her up at one point,” she retorts hotly, and if I’m not mistaken, a hint of jealousy peeks through her rather quiet demeanor. “Not that I care. I mean, I’m just saying.”
I laugh out loud, taking in her flustering lips and those bright-red cheeks. Even in the dim light, I can tell she’s shy, embarrassed by her comments.
“If you can’t make the shoot, then let me take you out?” My question has the opposite effect on her, though. I thought she’d be excited by the prospect of a date, but instead, she shoots me a glare.
“Look, Colton, your flirtatious behavior may work with those girls,” she snaps, gesturing once more to the dance floor, “but I’m not them. I’m not someone’s notch on a bedpost.”
“I never said you were.”
“No, but a date, or dinner, or anything like that will only lead to something that will put my job at risk.” She folds her arms across her chest, which only makes the soft silk shift, and her cleavage peeks at me, taunting me.
“I didn’t mean to offend you,” I tell her earnestly. “I’m rather taken with you.” I don’t know why I’m being so honest with her, or why I am taken with her, but something about the fire in her eyes has me wanting to delve deeper.
“Taken with me?” she snarks. “This would never work, whatever this is because I’m not the girl you take out on dates.” When she notices my furrowed brows, she continues, “You take girls like them on dates, or whatever it is. And your reputation precedes you, Colton King—you’re a one-night type of man, and that’s not what I’m prepared to allow myself to fall into.”
She finally stops her tirade, which only makes her more attractive to me. Violet may think she’s getting away from me, but there’s something she doesn’t realize—I always get the girl I want. Whether it’s on the night, or a week, or month later.
“Listen.” I step another inch closer to her, feeling her heat and inhaling her fragrance. This close, the music in the background melts away, the voices and chattering of people disappear, and I’m left with just her. Nothing else matters but tasting her lips, right the fuck now.
I lean into her, my lips nearing hers, and I’m so close I can almost taste her. What I’m not expecting is her hand landing harshly across my face. This girl has fire, I’ll give her that. Granted, I have been slapped a few times before, but that was the morning after, not the night before.
“If you ever try to kiss me again,” Violet whispers, low and feral, and I’m so tempted to see if this kitty scratches. “I’ll knee you right in the junk you like to use so often.”
Her words have me laughing out loud. I’ve never in my life been turned down by a woman, and I’ve also never met someone with so much fire it blazes through her.
I’m about to respond when she turns on her heel and makes to leave the VIP balcony, but before she disappears, she glances over her shoulder to inform me, “I’ll set up a meeting with Blythe for Monday morning. I’d like to get the interview over and done with.”
And then she’s gone.
But she doesn’t realize I’m not giving up that easily.
I will have a taste of Violet, and she’ll be begging me for it.
6
Violet
By the time I reach the bar, I’m shaking and need a drink. The bartender glances my way and smiles. I order a shot of tequila, and when he brings it, I swallow it in one gulp and ask for one more.
Blythe finds me on my second shot and watches me through narrowed eyes. “You’re different from what I thought.” Her voice is almost drowned out by the music, but I hear her.
“Why?”
“You’re not a fangirl,” she attests. “I like it. No woman has ever refused Colton, and I think his ego has taken a hit.”
“His ego can be shoved up his ass. I’m here to do my job,” I bite out, the alcohol having it’s intended effect, and I’m warm all over. I glance at Blythe, her cool blue eyes burning right through me as she regards me with a smile.
“I like it. Stay, have a few more drinks. Don’t let him chase you off.” She taps me on the shoulder. “You’re welcome to sit in VIP with us. Drinks are delivered.”
She leaves me at the bar to consider her offer. Even though I wanted to leave, I decide she’s right. He can’t chase me off, though that’s not exactly what he did. Instead, he wanted to take me out.