Chapter 3 Lucy
LUCY
“You look beautiful.”
I tighten my grip on the edge of my front door as I stare at Michael Martin. He asked me to be his date for the Zoobilation gala multiple times, and I finally gave in and accepted when he wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
“You’re early,” I say, and it’s all I can do to keep my tone from coming out accusatory.
He hitches a thumb over his shoulder. “Blame the driver.”
Glancing past him, I spot a limo with a man in a black suit standing by the driver’s door.
“Isn’t that a little much?” I ask, arching a brow.
Michael grins, and his dimples appear. He’s a handsome man, no doubt about it, and after a few drinks, I might even let myself act on that attraction. But I’m not there yet.
“Not for you,” he replies smoothly.
“Especially for me. What will potential donors think when they see the woman who’s schmoozing for money pulling up in a limo?”
“I think they’ll be jealous.”
“Of that?”
“Of me because I’m arriving with you.”
I chuckle at his audacity. Yeah, get a little liquor in me, and I’ll be doing the horizontal tango with the man.
“Give me a minute to grab my purse,” I say, turning away from him and walking toward my bedroom.
Looking at my reflection in the full-length mirror, I smooth my hands down my emerald-green satin dress.
The material hugs my hourglass figure, and the crisscrossed strappy neckline lies perfectly over my cleavage.
I’m wearing silver high heels that wrap around my ankles, and the jewel detail is easy to see thanks to the dress’s high slit.
After one last once-over, I grab my silver clutch off the dresser and head back to the entryway. Michael is standing just inside the door, and when he spots me, his eyes brighten with interest.
“Ready?” he asks.
Nodding, I slip my arm through his before grabbing my keys off the hook on the wall. He leads me outside, and I lock up.
“Glass of wine?” Michael asks once we’re settled into the back of the limo.
“No, thank you,” I reply, shaking my head. “I should probably hold off on the alcohol until after my speech tonight.”
I expect him to argue as he doesn’t seem to take ‘no’ very well, but he surprises me when he sits back and says nothing more.
We arrive at the zoo a few minutes later, and Michael helps me out of the vehicle. The valet parking service hired for the evening is hard at work, and the lights strung up to illuminate the entrance are beautiful against the dark night.
Michael keeps his hand on my lower back, and I’m torn between wanting to demand he remove it and wanting to lean into his touch. It’s been too long since I’ve had sex, and what better time to indulge than on a night that I’m with a man who will no doubt jump at the chance to get in my panties?
“Can I get you a drink?” Michael asks when we reach one of the tables reserved for staff.
“Please,” I reply with a smile, ignoring the sense God gave me.
He disappears through the growing crowd toward the cash bar that’s set up for the event. Scanning the large outdoor space, I recognize several donors, but my eyes land on one man who’s not familiar.
The second my gaze collides with his, a shiver skitters down my spine. Michael is attractive, but this guy… he’s sex personified.
“Here you go.”
I turn to smile at Michael as he hands me a glass of wine. “Thanks,” I mumble after downing most of the glass.
He quirks a brow at me. “Uh, you okay?”
“Fine, why?”
“You’re flushed, and you gulped that Dom Perignon like it’s water.”
I wave my hand dismissively. “Just a little nervous,” I lie.
He stares at me for a moment, almost as if he’s searching for the lie in my words, and then he nods. “Would you like to practice your speech with me?”
At the reminder of my speech, all thought of the other man flees, and my lie becomes truth. I absolutely hate public speaking, and my system practically vibrates with nerves.
“No,” I reply, knowing that practicing will only make things worse.
“Is there anything I can do?”
One thought enters my mind, and without allowing myself to second-guess my decision, I grab Michael’s hand and lead him away from the crowd. As we walk, I down the rest of my wine before glancing at him.
“I hope you like big cats.”