Something New

I folded my arms across my chest. “Why would you say that? I’m not letting him ruin anything.”

“Relax. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry, babe. I just want to spend some alone time with you. The longer we stay, the longer work comes between us.”

“Alright, you win. Do whatever you have to do for your job, and then you’re all mine for the rest of the night,” he said, putting his lips on mine.

I smiled. “Okay.”

Once we got inside, we made our way through the sea of patrons and over to the bar. After a few minutes of looking around, Axel spoke up.

“Is that him?”

“Where?”

“Over there,” he said, lifting his finger.

“Oh my God, don’t point!” I reprimanded him before swatting his hand down. “And yeah, that’s him,” I said, following his eyes across the room.

Elijah was wearing a gold chef coat with his name embroidered on it and crisp black slacks and shoes. With his expression lifted in a smile, he went from table to table, greeting his patrons, taking photos, and thanking them for coming.

“Everything okay?” Axel inquired.

I snapped my neck in his direction. “Yeah, why?”

“I saw you staring a hole into his forehead just now. I wasn't sure if it was sexual tension or murderous rage.”

My forehead creased. “What? No. I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yes! I’m just busy, and you being here is distracting me from my work right now,” I snapped.

“Damn, I’m sorry. Do your thing. I’ll be at the bar,” he declared before stalking off.

I sighed before mumbling, Nice going, Isa.

The second Eli’s warm brown orbs landed on mine; he started to make his way to me. The closer he got, the more I could feel the hair on the back of my arms standing on end.

“Wow. You look stunning,” he complimented me before pulling me into a hug.

“Stop. You’re hugging me too tight. My fiancé is here.”

“So, he’d be pretty mad if I kissed those beautiful ass lips of yours right now, huh?” he whispered in my ear before pulling away.

“Seriously. You have to stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Everything. Talking to me. Looking at me. Even thinking about looking at me. Stop it all,” I declared. I really couldn't stand his eyes on me.

“Fine. Do I get to meet the lucky guy?”

I frowned. “Absolutely not. I’m here because I need to grab a couple of quotes from some of the attendees and you, and that’s it. After that, you and I don’t need to speak anymore.”

“You truly are breathtaking.”

“Stop it!”