Thank fuck for that.
I weaved my way back through the dark ballroom, scanning each guest and looking for a tall brunette. It was quite crowded now, the cocktail hour in full swing as colleagues mingled and one-upped each other with their most recent accomplishments. Gross.
With a sigh, I made the decision to find Coen again and stay by his side. Despite my teasing, he would probably appreciate having a buffer so he didn’t have to talk to so many people.
Moments later, my feet froze, as if they stoppedworking the second my eyes caught on the most stunning sight I had ever beheld.
Time stood still, the entire world narrowing to the space Cerise occupied. I saw no one else but her, the other attendees melting into the background. Sounds faded into a dull hum, leaving only the rhythm of my heart pounding against my ribs.
She stood on the other side of the ballroom, in the middle of a conversation with a short, voluptuous blonde woman I didn’t recognize.
My eyes studied her, taking in every detail.
A strapless deep blue gown hugged her tall, willowy figure, revealing those perfect collarbones I suddenly wanted to lick again. The tight bodice led to a looser skirt, a slit beginning mid thigh. She had just a touch of makeup on, enough to give her cheeks a rosy glow and accentuate her eyes and lips.
And her hair. It was unbound, curled, and swished along her back as she let out a small laugh.
Enticing me. Tempting me. Breaking me.
Now all I wanted to do was corner her in a dark hallway and make her come until she could barely walk. Kiss her until she was breathless. Make her laugh so hard her eyes filled with tears. Steal her away from this ridiculous charade of a gala and go on an adventure.
I took a swig of beer.
It was going to be a long night.
Chapter 30
Devious Dalliances
Cerise
Inodded along as the woman, Doctor Fiona Thatcher, continued her story. She was incredibly kind, her bubbly voice filled with enthusiasm as she explained some of her past work.
I tried to focus, but with everything going on I could hardly deign to listen. The pieces I was able to gather from the conversation hinted at work in botany, but she had taken time off and was currently in between jobs.
I took another sip of my mother’s abysmal drink and tried to hide my wince. Horrid. She actually liked this?
My heart hadn’t slowed since the moment I stepped into the ballroom. With the combination of mentally preparing for my mother’s quips, having to sit next to Ambrose at dinner, and seeing Liam, I was an absolute wreck inside. A tempestuous storm of emotion and worry that I tried—and failed—to tame.
My companion finished her story and was pulled in a different direction by another colleague. I said my goodbyes and inhaled a deep breath.
Looking around for Emberly, I scanned the ballroom, but I froze, every muscle in my body going taut.
There he was. Staring at me as if in his own trance.
Liam.
You’re friends, Cerise. Don’t forget that. Just. Friends.
Right. Except for the fact that the last time I saw this ‘friend’ I’d had the best sex of my entire life.
Oh gods, he’s coming this way.
His expression was intense as he strode forward with purpose, not breaking eye contact for a second. My breath caught. He was devastatingly handsome in his three piece suit and deep green vest.
It had to be a sin to be that sexy.
I brushed a hand down my waist, smoothing my dress as he stopped a mere two feet from me.
