Chapter 6
As I toldPaige and Javi, I wasn’t looking for a relationship or even a fling. My career was my top priority. Jasper may have been pretty to look at, and had certainly made this event interesting, but that’s all it was. I couldn’t forget that.
What about that kiss?
Yes. The man sure knew how to kiss. The moment his lips touched mine, I felt like a flambeed Bananas Foster with fiery passion about to burn me to a crisp. I’m surprised my hair didn’t catch fire. Phew!
It was probably just because I was so caught off guard. That had to be why it was so powerful.
Yeah right. If that’s the case, kiss him again to test your theory. No big deal.
I snuck a glance at the gorgeous man sitting next to me. His sandy light brown hair had fallen in his eyes. It was tempting to reach up and push it back from his face so I could see his eyes again. They were the color of my creamy bourbon caramel sauce, and just as addicting. He brought a spoonful of soup to his mouth, and as lips closed around it, I swallowed hard. I’d love more than anything to kiss those lips again.
No, that couldn’t happen. If I wouldn’t look crazy, I’d slap myself across the face to snap out of this. As much as I enjoyed that kiss, I would not allow any man to use or control me like that. There was nothing I hated more.
Then take control. Show him who’s boss.
And what? Just plant one on him? Not my style. Not at all.
Paige’s advice and Javi’s challenge flashed through my mind. Maybe I could have fun with this Prince Charming during the ball. As long as I made the rules. It’s not like I’d ever see him again.
An idea sparked in my head.
Jasper was so charismatic and charming. Not someone I would ever consider for a relationship, even if I was open to the idea. Which I wasn’t. But for a fun evening out, with no attachment or expectation—he’d be perfect.
What if I went along with his charade, but on my terms?
It was time for me to take control of this situation. I stomped on his foot under the table.
He flinched, but bit back a response, not wanting to draw more attention from those around us, and still trying to sell the happy couple image.
“Sweetheart, why don’t we go see what’s on the silent auction table?” I plastered on my best fake smile and stood. He wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin and pushed away from the table, then placed a hand on my low back and led me to the back of the room, away from prying eyes and ears.
When we were safely out of range, I hissed. “What was that all about?”
“I’m so sorry. I’m sure I deserved the broken foot you just inflicted. But let me explain.” He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and leaned in. “I met that woman at a charity event like this a year ago, and she has it in her head that we belong together. We’ve never gone on a single date. I swear I’ve never shown her a bit of attention to encourage her. But for some reason she is obsessed with me, approaching stalker territory. If I had been planning to attend this event, I would have brought a date as a buffer. But this ticket was gifted to me at the last minute, so I had to take my chances.”
What? Someone gave him a ticket, too? That was either an interesting coincidence, or I was being played.
His eyes seemed sincere and apologetic, though. “Thanks for your help. And I’m sorry again for taking liberties I had no right to take. But I was desperate. If I hadn’t kissed you, she would have glued herself to my side for the rest of the evening and might have even tried to follow me home.”
As charismatic as he was, it was easy to see how anyone he talked to would assume he really cared and was interested. He may believe he’d done nothing to encourage her, but one flash of his smile is all it would take.
I placed my arms across my chest and leaned back, giving him the stink-eye. “So now that we’re engaged, your problem should be solved. Right?”
He cringed. “Yeah, sorry about that, too. It just kind of slipped out. Hopefully, it’s sunk into her head that I’m not available, and she can move on to some other poor schmuck.”
The opportunity to spend an evening on the arm of the best looking man I’d ever seen was in front of me. He was clearly a flirt, and probably a player. Definitely not relationship material. Not that it mattered, because I wasn’t either. But I’d bet he could show a girl a good time. My friends said I didn’t remember how to have fun anymore. Maybe he could remind me.
Did I have the guts to go for it?
Paige and Javi would never let me hear the end of it if I let this pass me by. Not that they’d have to know. But maybe if I pretended I was someone else, just for a few hours, I would have an impressive story to tell them tomorrow.
Do it. Be bold. Go after what you want for once.
But what about my career? That’s why I’m here.
Who says you can’t network while on Jasper’s arm? And have fun while you’re at it.
Fine. I’ll do it. At least I made a few good contacts before I met Jasper, so the evening wouldn’t be a complete bust. But if this all went in the toilet, I’d only have my bossy self to blame.
Channeling my inner Swiftie, I leaned in as if sharing a secret with Jasper. “I have a feeling it’s going to take more than that to convince her.”
Another couple approached the table where we stood.
Jasper pointed to an item on the other end of the table and, with his hand imprinting on my back, guided me toward it. “Oh look, season tickets for the Minnesota Wild.” When we were out of earshot, he whispered, “So you don’t think we were convincing enough?”
“For that moment, yes. But she probably hasn’t given up, and if you’re going to get her and everyone else to believe that we’re engaged, we’ll have to keep it going all evening. Don’t you think?”
A wide grin spread across his face. “I like how you think. And you’re exactly right. It can’t be a one and done. She’s going to be watching and if we’re not acting like a couple, she’s going to know right away that it was an act.”
“Right. Now that this has been set in motion, we have to keep it up.”
“We’ll have to really sell it for this to work.” His eyes smoldered as they met mine and he gently caressed my upper arm. “Are you sure you’re up for that, Aurora?”
A quick elbow to his side redirected his attention. “We’ll need to set some ground rules. Are you capable of following rules, Casanova? Or was it Romeo Rhodes?”
He flinched, but then a bemused smile adorned his face. “Of course, we need rules. I can’t have you taking advantage of me, now can I?”
I ignored his jest. “This is just for tonight. And just for fun.” I pointed a finger at him to accentuate each point. “No personal questions. This isn’t a date and we’re not in a relationship.”
He studied me for a moment, giving me the impression he was going to object. Then he nodded once. “Agreed. And no falling in love with me.”
“Pfft. Do you need a rule for something that’s not going to happen?” I flicked my hand and continued. “And once this event is over, we’ll have no contact with each other. What happens in this ballroom, stays in this ballroom.”
“But what if you have so much fun that you’re dying to see me again?”
I shook my head. “Not a chance. I have no time or interest in a relationship. If that’s not acceptable, I’ll leave you to your psycho admirer over there. I’m sure she’d be happy to have you all to herself.” I walked back to our table, sat down, and took a sip of wine.
Jasper followed right behind me and reclaimed his seat. Under his breath, he muttered, “Jeez. Remind me to never get on your bad side.” He turned toward me, our eyes met, and an understanding passed between us. “I accept your terms. But if you change your mind later on, I reserve the right to amend the agreement.”
“We’d both have to agree. And I can tell you right now, that’s not going to happen.” I reached out my hand to shake his.
The moment his skin touched mine, a zing of awareness shot through my body. Apparently, it wasn’t just his kiss that was combustible. He looked down at our joined hands and lifted my knuckles to his lips while holding my gaze. “If this one evening is all we have, Aurora, I intend to make the most of it.” He winked and held my hand for what felt like minutes.
I yanked it back as if I’d been burned then rubbed it on my lap to get the normal sensation back. It took all my energy to focus on the food in front of me. Or at least I tried to. Nothing had EVER taken my attention away from food, but now I knew the scent of him better than the scent of this Chicken Roulade on my plate. I took a bite and instead of enjoying the savory flavors, I couldn”t help reliving the taste of our kiss—better than the finest crème br?lée .
Apparently, a simple touch from this man had not only flooded my senses, but fried my brain, too. I couldn’t even form a coherent thought.
What had I done?
I had a sinking feeling I’d just made a deal with the devil himself. One with the most irresistible eyes and charming smiles known to man.
If a handshake and a smoldering gaze sent me over the edge, what would happen if he held me in his arms or kissed me again?
This was going to be trouble.