“I never said it would have been a successful one.”
He throws back his head and laughs. “God, I love your smart mouth.” His greys meet mine, and I fight the urge to grin. He’s too charismatic for his own good, and it’s hard not to fall forhis charm. “I was a musician. Our band has been touring for the past decade.”
And there it is. The bomb I was waiting to be dropped. Of all the scenarios I’ve gone through in my head, he had to be a musician. Sighing, I adjust my bag on my shoulder.
“We should probably get to the meeting.”
He toys with his lip rings as he studies me. “Not a fan of music?”
“Not a fan of musicians.” I eye him warily when he breaks out into a grin. “Why does that make you so happy?”
“Because it’s going to be so much fun changing your mind.”
“Won’t happen,” I shake my head even though I’m already doubting my capability of standing my ground.
He steps closer, invading my space, and the energy between us amplifies into millions of sparks. His hand comes out, and he lightly touches my hair as the ends rub between his fingers.
“You really are going to stand there and deny that there is something between us? I know you feel it too. It’s too strong to ignore. Hell, the whole damn town is probably feeling this energy stirring.”
I know what he’s saying is right. I feel it…I feel it too much, which is why I have to stop before I get pulled in again.
“Just because you feel something doesn’t mean you should have it.” I swallow down the tightness in my throat as his eyes pierce mine. He’s so close that I can make out blue specks swirling with the grey.
“Life’s too short not to have what you want,” he says in a low voice.
“Yeah, well, sometimes going after what you want isn’t always what’s best for you.” I take a step back, putting space between us. My heart beats rapidly in my chest, and I force myself to break eye contact. “I brought the wine list,” I say,clearing my throat. “Based on our texts, I have some ideas for you if you would like to hear them.”
I catch his eye, and I can tell he wants to say more, but he smiles instead, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
“We can talk in my office. It’s this way.” He starts walking past the bar, and I follow. I notice the mirrors behind the bar and the beautiful wooden shelves that will hold all the liquor. The bar top is beautifully crafted from driftwood, and I can’t help but touch the smooth surface as I walk by.
“It’s beautiful,” I say, feeling the soft wood beneath my fingers.
Looking back, he smiles. “Thank you. It’s one of my favorite pieces.”
He leads me down a short hall and opens the door, motioning me in. “After you.”
I step in and hear the door close behind me, suddenly feeling like the room isn’t big enough for the energy he brings. I clutch my bag tightly by the strap and walk to the chair in front of his desk, bypassing the leather couch because it looks too intimate and dangerous.
I ignore the soft chuckle behind me as I take a seat, putting distance between us with the desk as he sits across from me. Leaning back on his leather office chair, he looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world as he watches my every movement.
I busy myself with pulling out my folders and brochures before finally giving him an annoyed look.
“Can you please put a shirt on for our meeting?” I can’t get in business mode if I’m looking at those abs. I can barely focus as it is with him next to me, let alone having him stretched out half-naked. He looks like he just stepped off the cover of a men’s fitness magazine with a side of danger and a whole lot ofsex appeal.
“Only if you tell me why?” His tongue swipes his ring as he holds back a smile.
“Because it’s not professional,” I half-lie.
“We could make this meeting extra fun, and you could take yours off as well.” His eyes shine with playfulness as he tries to get a rise out of me.
“I’m half tempted to do it just to see your reaction.” I turn the tables back on him, and his eyes suddenly get stormy as the greys darken.
“I dare you,” he says, looking right into my soul. A soul that’s probably headed straight to hell for the things I want to do right now and let be done to me.
CHAPTER FIVE
MILES
