I barely have time to sit on the stool in front of me before Andy is back.
“Enjoy.” He smiles and hands me my drink.
I lift my glass at him. “Thanks, mate.”
I take a few sips of my whisky drink when suddenly I feel a tap on my shoulder.
“Oh, my God, you’re him, aren’t you?” The question is followed by a series of giggles. I detect there’s more than one of them. I drop my glass on the bar, slowly turn around and smile at the two women batting their eyelashes at me. The brunette grabs her friend by the arm and pulls her closer to her before speaking again. “Jesus Christ, Sandra, I told you it was him.”
The blonde I now know as Sandra is nearly hyperventilating. She’s fanning herself with her left hand at such speed you’d think she’s about to take flight. “Mother of God, Ella, you’re so right. It’s him. It really is.” Although they’re talking about me, the two friends are facing each other. Sandra pulls her eyes away from Ella’s and focuses on me. “Are you who we think you are?”
Our fame may have faded and our adoring fans are now grown women—many with kids—but we still get accosted. I’m not annoyed or upset by it. On the contrary, I’m flattered. Without our fan base, we would never have been able to enjoy the successful career we did. Most times when fans approach me, I oblige. I’ll gladly sign autographs and take selfies. So will Ethan. Tonight, I have other plans. Sandra and Ella aren’t part of them. Not to mention it’s one thing being recognized on the streets where you can get away. It’s quite different when you’re trapped in an enclosed space. I make the decision to go incognito. “I’m sorry, ladies. You must have mistaken me for someone else.” I hope I’m convincing enough. After all, people change a lot in eight years. “I’m just a lowly pencil-pusher hoping to put another long and boring week behind him.” I smile just before pivoting my body to grab my drink. I stop dead in my tracks.
“Are you sure?” Ella is feisty.
The crowd behind Sandra and Ella parts and my eyes land on cascading red hair and luscious curves filling a sexy black dress. From this vantage point, I can only see the sultry woman sitting at the other bar from the side, but so far I like what I see. A lot. Those are some serious hips. Sandra and Ella are still chatting away, something about me having a twin brother or something. I don’t hear half of it. My attention is elsewhere. My eyes are too busy feasting on the curves of the woman sitting across from me.
The mysterious seductress pivots on her stool to face me and I’m able to take in all her glory. Her long hair is magnificent and frames her face beautifully. Those red lips could make a grown man weep. The V of her black dress is a provocative invitation. I just want to dive between her ample breasts and lose myself. She’s the kind of voluptuous beauty Ethan and I would take turns worshiping. Her blue eyes scan the room and when they zoom my way, I’m mesmerized. Jesus. I don’t think she sees me yet, but I’m sure she will.
Lucky for me, one of the spotlights is shining bright right on top of her head. I can make out all of her features. She radiates. Even at this distance I catch a hit of flirtatious defiance in her gaze. Oh, yes. She’s begging for me to tame her. My gaze travels down to her creamy legs—miles of satin skin just begging for my touch. Fuck, my cock is so hard. Her feet are dangling and moving with the rhythm of the beat. When my eyes drop to her silver high-heeled sandals, my heart nearly stops. Red toenails to match her pout and her nails? Damn. That’s it. There’s no way I’ll allow another minute to go by without strutting across the room and introducing myself to her. She’s stunning. Scratch that. She’s fucking hot.
I’m half-lost in my reverie admiring the stranger when I realize the two girls still standing near me haven’t stopped debating on how much I look like this celebrity they know. It’s time for me to say goodbye to Sandra and Ella.
“I’m terribly sorry, ladies, but I’m going to have to excuse myself. Enjoy the rest of your evening,” I say, getting up. “Who knows, there might be a few real celebrities popping in later.” I wink. That does it. The two women smile and wave goodbye. They cheerfully skip toward the rear of the room.
Now that the coast is clear, I turn around and pick up my half-empty drink. I round the crowd to the left, heading decisively toward the smaller bar, gulping down another sip on my way there. Fuck that blonde with the red fitted dress. I’m on a new mission now—seduce the redheaded temptress I can’t take my eyes off of.
CHAPTER 10
Delilah
Piper was right. You can spot Jeremy in a crowded room with your eyes closed. With his blond hair and his height, he looks like a Viking. He’s definitely striking. I’m standing in front of the bar he’s working at and we’ve spent the last fifteen minutes or so getting to know each other. Although the number of people seems to grow with every passing minute and the DJ is spinning tune after tune, it’s still possible for me to hear Jeremy without having to strain my neck. My four-inch heels are sexy and they give me much needed height. Nonetheless, Jeremy must be a solid six-four.
After a few friendly minutes, he turns into bartender mode again. “What’s your poison for tonight, love? The first one is on me. The others for the night are on Piper.” I open my mouth to protest, but Jeremy precedes me. “It’s never a good idea to argue with Piper. She always gets her way. Not to mention that I was wrong.”
I frown. “How so?”
“You look even hotter than I could have ever imagined.” His grin is so huge I can’t help but return it.
I swat his arm. “Mister, if you keep that up, your words will go straight to my head.” I fan myself.
“Good. That’s the plan. For now, what should I get you?”
“Gin and tonic with a twist of lime, please,” I say decisively.
I only discovered this British classic a few weeks ago, but now I’m hooked.
“You’re beautiful, smart and you have great taste? I might have to ask your hand in marriage before the end of the evening.”
“How many girls have been on the receiving end of that line so far tonight?” I ask, trying not to show how flattered I am by his compliment.
“None. No one looks nearly as breathtaking as you do.” He winks. “I’ll be right back with your drink.”
“Thanks.”
I guess it’s easier for me to flirt on British soil than it is at home.
This night is going so well so far. I must admit that when I first walked in, I was as nervous as a whore in church, but Jeremy has done an amazing job at distracting me. Other than the movie theater, I don’t think I’ve ever gone out on my own. I don’t even think I’ve gone out to a restaurant alone. This is a huge accomplishment for me.
I pull my body on the bar stool in front of me. If I stand too long in these shoes, my feet will hurt in no time. Once my butt is comfortably seated, I exhale, relieved.
“Here you go, Delilah,” Jeremy says, tapping me on the shoulder. I turn on my seat and grab the tumbler the tall blond is handing me with a smile.
“Thanks,” I cheer.
“As much as I’d like to spend the rest of this evening chatting you up, I need to pay for my overpriced flat. Things are only going to get busier from here on end. If you need me, wave and I’ll come running,”
“I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me so far,” I say.
“It’s nothing. One last thing, our male clientele is usually well behaved, especially in the VIP room. If anyone gives you a hard time and I’m not around, you can always go to Matt. There are three other bouncers working the room who can also be backups. You can’t miss them. They’re all beefy and all wearing an earpiece.”
“Thank you so much, Jeremy.” Not that I intend on getting in any sort of trouble, but it’s good to know I can relax and enjoy the rest of this evening.
“You can stick around here for the rest of the evening, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You want to make sure you go out there in the crowd and mingle. That’s where the fun is. Don’t play it too safe.” He winks.
“Right after I’m done with this,” I say, lifting my untouched drink. I buy myself a little more time. It’s one thing for me to step out alone, it’s a whole other ball game to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
When Jeremy shifts his focus to a group of women waiting to order, I finally take a sip of my drink. “Dee. Licious,” I let out as the spirit flows down my throat. I enjoy a few more sips before dropping the tumbler on the counter.
I pivot to take in the stylish crowd. I know enough about fashion to pinpoint that the people surrounding me are clad in designer wear from head to toe. No thrift-shop bargains here. Suddenly I notice a tall, clean-shaven and meticulously well-coiffed hunk staring at me. His dark brown eyes take me in from head to toe. He stares at my feet for a few long seconds before meeting my gaze again. For once in your life, dare. I return the favor and let my eyes slide down his tailored pinstripe navy blue suit. I lick my lips when I notice his incredible cognac shoes. God, London men surely know how to dress. I lock my eyes with his again and nearly die when his lips form, “Wow.” I feel quite pretty tonight, but I never imagined I could elicit this type of reaction from a man.
I lower my eyes, unsure how to respond to such overt admiration. Keep it casual. Just say hello, I coax myself silently. When I lift my eyes up again, I’m stunned. The well-dressed hunk is hugging another man with one arm. They both stand there staring at my shoes with such envy. When they face each other and kiss passionately, it becomes clear that I don’t have a hope in hell of being of any interest to him unless I miraculously grow a cock in the next twenty seconds.
Oh, well, easy come, easy go. I turn back to the bar and finish my drink in one gulp. At least there’s booze. I giggle internally. I jump when a voice right behind me talks.
“Can I buy you another drink?” For a second I think that the gay couple might feel sorry for me and they’re offering me a drink as a consolation prize, but when I turn around I almost fall off the stool I’m sitting on.
“I’m sorry?” I ask, blinking up at the tall, gorgeous man standing in front of me. Surely I misheard him.
As the stranger smiles down at me, his sharp ebony eyes hold both humor and something daringly devastating. Meeting his intense gaze is like being sucked into an ocean’s whirlpool… and willingly drowning.
He breaks the spell I’m under when his eyes drop to the bar. “You seem to have enjoyed your drink. I’d love to buy you another one… if you’ll let me.” He motions at my empty glass. His British accent broadens his deep and rich baritone voice.
“I’m not in the habit of accepting drinks from strangers.” Really? Is that the first thing that comes out of my mouth when a tall, drop-dead-gorgeous hunk makes conversation with me? I really need to get out more.
“You’re right. Where are my manners? Please forgive me.” With your good looks, I’d be willing to let anything slide. “I guess I got blindsided by your beauty.” Jesus. Had I known that becoming a redhead would get me this much attention, I would’ve done it a long time ago. “My name is Xander.” The stranger extends his hand. I’m nearly blinded by a row of perfect white teeth.
“Pleased to meet you, Xander, I’m Dee.” I tend to use my full name when I first meet people. That said, my nickname is fun and flirty. It’s a reflection of how I feel right now. Since this is a night of firsts, why not?
“So, Dee, will you take me up on my offer? Gin and tonic?” How did he know? His wide grin is devastating. “I’d hate to drink alone.” His eyes drop to the empty glass he’s holding.
“Oh, um, yes, please. Thank you.” My words come out in a tangled mess. For someone with a masters degree, I don’t really sound all that eloquent.
“May I?” Xander points to the bar stool to my right.
I swear to God, a girl can lose her head in a city like London. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no shortage of elegantly dressed and handsome black men in New York. I know that firsthand. If I had a dollar for the number of times I almost tripped over myself walking the streets of Manhattan because a black hunk crossed my path, I’d be a very rich woman by now. When you combine dangerous sex appeal, beautiful black skin you want to lick inch by inch and that sexy-as-hell British accent, a girl doesn’t stand a chance.
“Of course,” I mumble. “Please be my guest,” I add. He sits next to me. His dark brown eyes are still glued on me as he waves to catch a waiter’s attention. I haven’t been able to unlock my gaze with his since he accosted me. How can I not? The man is delicious. I expect to hear Jeremy’s voice and I’m surprised when it’s a woman who speaks. I shift my eyes from Xander’s to the little brunette standing behind the bar.
“Xander, how are you? Jeremy is tied up so he sent me over.”
“Natalie, where have you been, my love?”
The waitress shrugs. “Cramming for exams. My dream is still to become a nurse. It’s taking me longer than I expected, but I can’t give up my two waitressing jobs. If I do, I won’t be able to afford my London flat and save for the month-long trip to Australia and New Zealand I’m taking with my three best friends in December. Rents aren’t cheap in the city and neither is a flight to Aussie Land,” she laughs.
“I know you’ll get there,” Xander encourages.
“Enough about me. I don’t need to bore you with my mundane day-to-day life.” She waves her hand in front of her as if to sweep her story aside. “You guys want a refill?” she asks, bouncing her eyes from my empty glass to Xander’s.
“Yes. My friend wants another gin and tonic? Did I guess it right?”
“You did.” I nod, impressed.
He winks at me before returning his gaze to Natalie. “I’ll have another Rusty Nail,” Xander orders. Look at that. I’m already his friend.
“I’ll be right back,” Natalie says.
She’s barely taken a step before Xander focuses on me again. “I know it’s a little forward of me, but I hope that by the end of this evening, we’ll be friends.” It’s like he read my mind.
“You’re right. It’s very forward.” Honestly, I don’t know who this woman who responds with such brazen edge is. Since when am I able to speak so confidently to men?
Xander opens his mouth to respond, but stops when Natalie returns with our drinks. Wow. That was really fast. “Thanks,” I say when she hands me mine.
“My pleasure.” Her eyes shift to Xander. “And this is yours,” she says, dropping his tumbler in front of him.
“Thank you so much, Natalie. I already have a tab open with Andy. Could you add these two to it?”
“Certainly. Well, I’ll leave you to enjoy your evening. Wave if you need another refill.” With that, Natalie moves on to the next set of thirsty patrons.
“Thank you so much for the drink, Xander.”
“Thank you for allowing me to keep you company,” he says with a wicked glee in his eyes. He lifts his glass at me and tilts his head slightly to the side. “Here’s to new friends.” I clink my glass with his, laughing at how he conveniently dismissed my earlier comment. “To justify my impertinence”—I guess he wasn’t ignoring me—“something tells me you don’t mind the fact that I’m a straight shooter.” He curls up his lips in a smile—the kind that makes you feel like you can tell him your deepest, darkest desires without ever being judged. In fact, I bet he’d push you to explore every single one of them.
He’s right. There’s something about him that’s incredibly captivating. Although we’ve only exchanged a few words so far, his intense eyes flash a mischievous glance that’s hypnotizing. Although Jeremy told me to flag him if I receive unwanted attention, I must say I’m intrigued to know Xander a little better.
I lower my gaze for a beat. “Maybe,” I say from under my lashes.
“I’ll take that as a no.” All righty then. His playful expression turns serious. “How is it even possible that a traffic-stoppingly gorgeous American such as yourself is sitting here alone?” He gets brownie points for guessing where I come from. I ready myself to an
swer, but he doesn’t give me a chance. He keeps talking. “Are you waiting for a very large and menacing boyfriend who will break my jaw once he sees me flirting with his girl?”
I drop my head back and roar. “You’re hilarious.”
“I’ve been called worse.” His smile flashes white, transforming his already handsome face into sheer sexiness. There’s a charisma about him you can’t quite put your finger on. “Seriously, are you waiting for someone or is this my lucky day? A woman like you must be spoken for.” A woman like me? Wow. Xander holds my gaze and what emanates from his eyes is raising my temperature to unbearable levels.
I thought I was holding my own in the flirting department with Jeremy, but this guy holds a double PhD in seduction.
“I really don’t know how to answer that question.” I blush.
“It’s simple, sweetheart. You’re either waiting for someone or you’re not,” he states.
I decide to lay my cards on the table. “I’m not. I’m here on my own. I was supposed to come with a girlfriend, but she’s dealing with some personal matter,” I confess.
“I’m sorry about your friend. I’m glad that didn’t deter you from coming out tonight. Should I assume you’re single or did the boyfriend choose not to come out tonight? I like my face just the way it is and I’m fairly fond of my teeth. It’s good to double-check these things,” he mocks.
If this guy was creepy, I’d lie to protect myself, but he’s oozing so much sensuality, I’m willing to play along. “I’m one hundred percent single.”
“So. Am. I.” He punctuates every word. Damn. We stare at each other in silence for a few seconds. Unable to withstand the suggestive nuances I read in his eyes, I avert my gaze and take another sip of my drink. Whoa. It’s getting hot in here. If this continues, Piper is right. I’ll definitely have to thank her on Monday morning. “Which American state are you from?” Xander pivots on his stool. He’s now facing the crowd, but his head is turned towards me. I’m still facing the wall lined up with bottles of alcohol. In this position I get to see his attractive face every time I speak to him without having to turn my head too much.
Delightful Temptation Page 12
