My One And Only (Very Irresistible Bachelors)

by Layla Hagen

  I loved the endless opportunities New York offered, especially when it came to fashion events, and especially Fashion Week—which was more like fashion months, really, with events spread throughout September and October. I felt so fancy in my cocktail dress and light coat. I was shivering a little, because though it was mid-September, it was pretty chilly, but I wasn’t going to spend much time outside.

  The crowd was thick in front of the entrance. It was a great opportunity to meet important people, but this wasn’t the best time for striking up a conversation. After the show, everyone was more relaxed and open. Magazine and industry heavy hitters were all here, but I was leaving the socializing for later. Right now, I was a little starstruck as I spotted Gisele Bündchen and her husband walk in. A few seconds later, I noticed two actors from my favorite superhero movies.

  I was so busy trying to spot other celebrities that I didn’t notice Liam until he was standing right in front of me.

  He was wearing a dark-blue suit and bow tie paired with a white shirt. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He always dripped masculinity and sex appeal, but right then, he was just off-the-charts sexy. The man could easily be the cover model for GQ. I wanted to kiss every inch of his skin.

  Holy shit, if my thoughts darted down that dirty road so early in the evening, how much dirtier could they get at the end of it?

  “Hey! Here’s your ticket.” Our fingers brushed when he took it from my hand, and I swear I felt that touch in all my intimate places. How was that even possible? I quickly lowered my hand. It wasn’t the first time my body reacted to him like that. Every time I saw him, I seemed to become even more susceptible to his touch.

  “This is my first time at a fashion show,” Liam said.

  “Really? It’ll be fun. And no talking about the contract, okay?”

  “Great. When does the networking start? Now or after the event?”

  “After.”

  “Okay.” Abruptly, he looked over my shoulder. “Is that Tom Brady over there?”

  I chuckled. “I like that you noticed him first. Most men would see Gisele before him.”

  He returned his focus to me. “I’m only interested in one woman tonight.”

  Holy. Shit.

  I cleared my throat. “Anyway, Proenza Schouler is very talented. I’m hoping to pick up some inspiration from the theme for my brother’s wedding too.”

  He smiled broadly. “I haven’t met anyone who thinks about their family as much as you do.”

  “I just want to make them happy. So anyway, that’s one of my goals. The other is to add any new trends to our customization options.”

  “I believe I made my goals clear,” he said. His eyes smoldered.

  I swallowed hard, licking my lips. Oh, I remembered his goals.

  Making me blush. Kissing me. Learning me.

  Yeah, I read that message until the words were etched in my brain.

  “Which one would you like to start with?” I teased. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was enjoying this too much.

  His eyes flashed. “Which would you prefer?”

  “I get to choose?”

  “Of course.”

  I fidgeted in my spot, biting my lower lip.

  “You’re nervous,” Liam said. “Why?”

  He leaned into me, as if inviting me to whisper in his ear.

  On impulse, I tilted forward and confessed, “I’m not sure what I’m doing.”

  Laughing softly, he straightened up. “How about we just figure it out as we go?”

  “Hmmm...sounds risky.”

  Liam was silent for a beat, just pinning me with his gaze. “I like you, Tess. I mean it. I like that you’re strong and know what you want. I like that you’d do anything for your family even though you have zero time. I like that you asked all sorts of inappropriate questions during the get-together evening and wouldn’t let me off the hook until I answered.”

  Oh wow. If I thought my pulse was quick before, now it escalated to another level. It pounded in my ears, reverberating through my whole body.

  Just then, the crowd started to move toward the entrance.

  “Let’s go inside,” I whispered.

  “Whatever you wish.” His tone was still playful, but his eyes didn’t lie. They were still as smoldering as ever.

  As we stood in line, he placed a hand at the small of my back. Even through my jacket and dress, I felt that touch as if it was skin-on-skin contact.

  After taking off my jacket and leaving it in the designated spot at the entrance, I tried to focus on my surroundings, on anything but the sexy man next to me.

  Spring Studios was a glamorous location, perfect for a fashion show. There was a green marble bar to one side with round high seats along the counter. On the opposite side was a huge glass window overlooking Tribeca.

  The string of spotlights above cast a pleasant glow in the room. There were five rows of seats on each side of the runway. Liam and I were sitting in the fourth.

  Even after we sat and the chatter died away, I was still very much aware of the handsome man next to me.

  Focus on the runway, Tess. Focus.

  Just a few rows in front were the representatives of giant industry magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Every aspiring designer wanted a chance to talk to them, pitch their ideas. But I wasn’t one of them. Those publications weren’t really our targets. I approached this differently. We contacted fashion and lifestyle bloggers, YouTubers, Instagrammers. Some of the more influential ones scored invitations to these shows, and I was trying to see where they were seated. Some sported at least a tote that showed off their brand, but some were incognito. I did note a few in the crowd though, and I made a mental note to approach them later.

  Once the first model strutted out on the runway, I was completely fascinated.

  I loved Proenza Schouler. They had a perfect blend of urbanism and feminine delicacy in their collections, sometimes in the same outfit. They paired jeans with silk or even lace. A tiny clutch could completely elevate even the most laid-back outfit.

  I was bursting with ideas. As discreetly as possible, I took out my phone. I typed as quickly as I could, hoping my notes would make sense.

  After putting my phone away, I focused on the runway again. Liam trailed his fingers up my forearm before placing his arm on my shoulder. Oh Lord. I was hyperaware of every spot where we touched.

  “What’s next?” he asked after the last model came out. “Already know who you want to approach?”

  “I’ve noticed two influential Instagrammers and a blogger I’d like to meet.”

  “I’ve seen an advertising exec I’ve worked with before. And also the director of A La Mode. It’s not as big as Vogue, but in my opinion, it’s a better place for you to advertise. I can introduce you to him.”

  “That would be great. Thanks.”

  “Want to go around together? That way we can let them know we might work together. It could help you out if they know you have additional backing.”

  “We haven’t even signed yet and you want me to brag about it?” He was right; that would make a huge difference, but it didn’t feel right, since we hadn’t sealed the deal.

  “I think it’ll make some people pay more attention. Besides, I don’t want to risk losing you. I have plans for you and me later.”

  “Oh?”

  “Rounds first.”

  “Then let’s win this crowd over, Mr. Harrington.”

  Almost everyone stayed huddled around the bar. The chatter was so loud it sounded like background music. While we walked around, I was extremely aware of my body, as if it suddenly operated at another level. Everything was heightened. He held his hand at my lower back, touched my shoulder or my arm at every turn. The result was that I was on edge the entire time.

  I approached my favorite Instagrammer, LorelaiInLingerie, and we spoke a bit about how we could collaborate.

  “You’re very natural at this,” Liam remarked once Lorelai moved to someone el
se.

  “I like socializing. And I like Lorelai’s account a lot.”

  “I could tell. Everyone likes honest praise. And liking to socialize is an important quality in a business owner.”

  “Am I still on probation?” I asked, batting my eyelashes.

  He leaned in, whispering, “Am I?”

  I shrugged a shoulder playfully. “Maybe.”

  “Then let me show you how good a partner I’d make as an investor.”

  We headed straight toward the owner of the advertising company he mentioned earlier. After introducing us, Liam talked about Soho Lingerie.

  “They’ve got passion in spades, and you can see it everywhere from their products to their customer relationship,” he finished.

  “Well, that sounds like someone who can take the industry by storm. Drop me an email, Tess. I’ll be happy to help you any way I can,” Jerry, the head of Eastside Advertising, said.

  “Thank you.”

  We actually emailed Eastside Advertising last year, asking for a proposal, and they replied that they don’t work with small shops. I shook my head, smiling to myself. It’s all in who you know. Now, because an investor was interested in us, they didn’t view us as the new kid on the block.

  As Liam introduced me to several people he knew, I realized he wasn’t trying to sell me on his abilities as an investor—he genuinely believed in our business. We needed him on our team. I swear, I swooned a little every time he spoke about us, and therein lay my problem: Could we collaborate and act on this crazy attraction?

  “You’re tense,” Liam whispered.

  How could he read my body so well?

  I nodded.

  “Let’s see if my plan will help with that.”

  A flirty smile played on his lips. His eyes were trained on me, hot and demanding, and my thoughts spun out of control with all the things that plan could involve. He brought a hand to the small of my back before skimming it all the way up to my neck. My whole body was on edge, as if he just trailed his mouth at the back of my neck, first giving me his lips and then his tongue.

  “I’ll buy you a drink and convince you to give up all your secrets,” he teased.

  There was that confidence again. I loved it.

  I licked my lower lip, trying to steel myself against the charm that was just oozing out of him. Spending more time with Liam heightened the odds of slipping into risky territory. As it stood, I was already having risky thoughts (How long would it take me to yank the shirt off him and lick all those delicious muscles?) and risky body reactions (My pulse was definitely quickening every time he touched me).

  “Sure, why not? I’d like a glass of white wine.”

  “Sit here. I’ll take care of it.” He pointed to two empty bar chairs.

  “I like the sound of that.”

  I climbed on one of the chairs, taking out my phone. I reviewed my notes quickly, correcting the words I mistyped while I still remembered what I wrote.

  “White wine for the lady,” Liam said.

  “Thanks. That was fast.”

  Our hands brushed when I took the glass from him, and I swear I felt that touch all over my body. Damn, I was in trouble.

  “So, why are you tense?” he asked, sitting in the chair next to mine. Was I imagining it, or did the chair and Liam seem closer than before? I licked my lips, then sipped from my glass.

  “First, let’s talk a bit about you,” I said. “We always talk about me.”

  “Let’s make a deal. I answer any question you want. And then you answer any of mine.”

  He was looking at me so intently that there was no way I could say no. I didn’t want to, either. I shrugged a shoulder playfully. “Okay. Tell me about you, David, and Becca. Are you just partners or also friends?”

  “They’re my best friends. We all started working on Wall Street together after college, and we became very close. We created the InvestMe app more for fun, even though I think we would have left Wall Street anyway. It wasn’t our scene. Too many rules and too many standardized processes.”

  “But you like that. Didn’t you have the same list of questions for all applicants?” I teased.

  “You sound like David. He always gives me shit about being too...stiff.”

  “And liking rules? Or breaking them? I’m very confused on that topic.” I meant to sound serious, but I was grinning.

  He leaned in, bringing his mouth to my ear. “I only like rules when I’m the one making them, Tess. And the only rules I’m breaking are the ones involving you.”

  I felt every breath of his on my skin, and it seemed almost as intimate as kissing. For a brief second, it seemed we were the only ones in this crazy busy room. Then the chatter ramped up, as if someone had poked the bubble surrounding us.

  I cleared my throat, and Liam pulled back. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Everything from the cut of his shirt and suit jacket to the determination in his gaze was dripping with sex appeal. I clasped one hand tighter around my glass and the other around the edge of my chair to keep from touching him.

  It was so tempting to find an excuse to just open that top button of his shirt. I mean, wasn’t he the least bit warm?

  “Why work on Wall Street at all, then?” I asked, pulling myself together. I wanted to know everything about him.

  “Growing up, I always wanted to be like my grandfather. He worked on Wall Street almost his whole life.”

  “Almost?” Something in the way he said that word made me think there was a story behind that.

  “Right until he unexpectedly got laid off. He saved enough money, so that wasn’t an issue, but he just wasn’t the same. He became depressed and just didn’t seem like his old self. Then I asked a therapist how Gran and I could help, and he suggested we have strict routines and schedules, like he was used to at the bank. It actually worked. He got better and eventually did start liking his early retirement, but I got used to that sort of strict routine in the process.”

  I was stunned, to be honest. He’d done all that for his grandfather? I think I fell for him a little right there and then.

  “My turn.” His eyes flashed. He leaned forward, placing a hand on my knee. Holy shit! My body instantly lit up. My nipples perked up. Heat shot between my thighs.

  What is happening to me?

  “That’s not fair. I have more questions.” I pouted, blinking slowly.

  “Fuck, Tess, stop with that cute pout or I’ll kiss you right here in this bar.”

  My breath caught. I had no doubt he’d do it.

  “Tell me why you were tense earlier.” His voice was so demanding that I had no choice but to give in.

  “Because I like you so much, and...”

  “Talk to me, Tess. Tell me what you’re afraid of.”

  “I’m not even sure.”

  “You mentioned the collaboration a few times. I promise I’m a professional. No matter what happens, it will not affect my work ethic. If it makes you feel better, David or Becca could even become your primary mentor. You’d only see me in a professional capacity during strategy meetings.”

  Wow, he really thought about this? Just to put me at ease?

  “What else is worrying you?” he asked.

  Getting my heart broken. I couldn’t say that out loud, though. We hadn’t even gone out on a date. I didn’t want to scare him away with all my romantic ideas. I’d always been a dreamer and an optimist, but fifteen years of dating taught me it wasn’t easy.

  “Lots of things, but I really like your suggestions.” I couldn’t believe he was so considerate.

  I started playing with my glass of wine to give my hands something to do. His gaze dropped to my lips, and I could swear he tilted forward a fraction of an inch.

  Before he could say anything else, someone knocked into me from behind.

  I spilled the glass of wine on my dress, soaking it. I jumped from the chair, smoothing my palms over the fabric out of instinct. It didn’t help. Glancing at the woman who knocked into me,
I saw her apologetic face along with her grimace.

  “I’m so sorry. I’ll pay for dry cleaning.”

  “No need. It could happen to anyone.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  We chatted a bit more before she went on her way, and after she left, I turned to Liam. “I’m feeling cold already. It’s soaked all the way through. I need to go home.”

  “I’ll walk out with you.”

  Putting his hand on the small of my back, he led me out to the entrance where the coat room was. There was a short line, but I received my coat in a few minutes. Thank God, because I was shivering from the cold wind coming in every time someone opened the entrance door.

  Liam held my coat, and I tried not to react as his fingers brushed my shoulders while I put it on.

  “Not how I pictured our evening ending,” he whispered in my ear from behind while I fastened the belt around my middle. “Seems I’ll have to put the rest of my plan into motion another time.”

  My stomach flipped as I turned around, facing him. “It seems so.”

  Damn wineglass. It was keeping me from a very promising night. But maybe it was for the best.

  “Come on. There are cabs outside.”

  He walked one step behind me, and I swear I could feel his presence even though he wasn’t touching me. Once outside, we saw the last two cabs leaving right before our eyes. The concierge of the event assured us a new one would arrive in a few minutes.

  “Are you cold?” he asked.

  I nodded. I was rubbing my hands because they felt icy. He took them in his, which were warm and felt amazing. I liked this far too much. My breath hitched when I caught him looking at my lips. Holy shit, I suddenly felt warm all over, not just where our hands were touching. I couldn’t look away, couldn’t do anything to break this spell between us. And the man was warming my hands, for God’s sake. Was he trying to make me swoon on purpose?

  I had no idea who leaned forward first, but the second his mouth was on mine, I couldn’t think about anything else except him. His lips were firm and soft at the same time. He was exploring me slowly, as if there wasn’t anything else he’d rather do right then than kiss me. As if that was all he wanted to do for the rest of the evening.