Chapter 1
He wears the tuxedo with the uncomplicated grace of a man who is comfortable in a suit. I stare at him as I walk slowly down the staircase. He's talking to Maria, his hands waving through the air as the words pour from his moist, full lips. The lips that I imagine would glide across the most intimate parts of a woman and bring her pleasure that is difficult to match. They complement his vibrant blue eyes and rich black hair. He is striking. I stop to watch the way his broad shoulders dip as he leans in close to her. He knows how to use his body even if it is during something as seemingly insignificant as a conversation about the weather. He understands the impact he has on others. He owns it.
"Ms. Lockwood." Maria rushes over as I put the last step behind me. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but Mr. Reynolds forgot his overcoat."
I smile at her and run my hand down her shoulder. "It's fine."
"Thank you." She bows slightly and I instantly feel a pang of awkwardness. She works for my parents. I don't want her to think that she has to submit to me. "I'll finish cleaning up."
"No." I point towards the kitchen. "You'll gather your things and you'll go home for the night."
"You're sure?" she asks, her face brightening at the suggestion.
"Go," I say insistently.
"Thank you, Ma'am." A wide grin covers her face pulling on the wrinkles that are beginning to form around her eyes. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"You'll see me the day after tomorrow and it's Sadie." I correct her. "Take tomorrow to play with your grandson."
"Thank you." She turns to leave but stops herself. "Have a nice evening, Mr. Reynolds," she says. I catch her expression and I swear she's swooning over him. I can't blame her. I did it earlier for hours from afar during the benefit dinner. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him, even though he arrived on the arm of one of the most stunning and generous benefactors of my mother's charity.
"It's been a pleasure and it's Hunter." He nods as she pads off down the hallway.
"Your overcoat?" I question as I walk towards the coatroom. I wish I hadn't taken off my heels or pulled my hair into a ponytail. I had no idea he would be waltzing back into my life or my home mere moments after the party ended.
"I don't normally do this." His voice resonates. It feels as though it rushes through me. The tone is deep. It pulls desire from within me with each syllable he speaks.
"Forget your coat?" I stop in place holding the handle of the door in my grasp.
"Pretend to forget my coat so I can seduce a beautiful woman," he says smoothly.
I take in the words, repeating each in my mind. He didn't just say what I think he said, did he?
"Excuse me?" My hand drops from the handle and bounces against the silk of my dress.
"How old are you, Ms. Lockwood?" he asks assuredly.
"I'm twenty-one." My face flushes.
He's standing next to me now. There's energy moving between us. I can feel it and sense it. It's bouncing off my body, tearing my inhibitions away from me. "Old enough then." His lips brush against my ear.