Chapter Fifteen
“Evenin’,” Bear said in a low rumble that brought an unexpected awareness to the pit of her stomach. His presence seemed to take the room hostage as women, single and taken, considered him with their keen gazes.
But he was with her and Aasia felt a sense of pride.
He leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering for a heartbeat before he leaned back and planted another kiss on her forehead, a subtle reminder of what they’d shared yesterday in the woods. His scent remained earthy and leather, titillating her nostrils.
“Good evening,” she replied, glad that her voice was steady, hiding the rush of emotions at her center. She brought her champagne flute to her lips and took a small sip, hoping it eased her nerves some.
“Sorry I couldn’t pick you up,” he said near her ear. “We had a problem that needed my attention.”
“No worries. Although, I was afraid you might have changed your mind.”
“Never.”
His smile sent fuzzy bombs through her body.
“Sir, would you like a drink?” the server wearing a crisp white button down and black slacks asked. Bear chose a glass of bourbon.
“I don’t think I’ve ever attended a party where they served bourbon,” he said.
“Welcome among the rich and glamorous.”
“How are you? Run into Fletcher yet?” Bear took a long sip.
“No.” She scanned the room. She would have been more enthused by the fancy chandeliers and beautiful marble flooring if it wasn’t for the expectation that eventually she’d have to face Bentley. He wouldn’t expect to see her there. Her name was on the guest list so she had every right to attend.
“Maybe he won’t show?”
“Not on your life. He’d never miss an opportunity to socialize with the wealthy.”
Laughter drifted through the air like floral perfume.
A bit sickly sweet. Aasia had little interest in the conversations about Aspen vacations and summers in France.
Or the upcoming election. The venue glittered brightly, making every guest appear youthful and handsome.
They needed to look their best when they asked financiers to empty their pockets.
“I’m surprised you’re not partaking in something stronger,” Bear teased.
Aasia raised an eyebrow. “I’ll stick with champagne. The bubbles are an instant high.” She laughed.
He took a long draw from his glass then a crooked grin spread across his handsome face. His beard was trimmed close. “You look beautiful,” he said, appraisal lighting his eyes.
“Thank you. So do you. You clean up well.” She winked. He wore a tailored tux and an expensive looking hat. The clothing didn’t take away from his powerful ruggedness.
He lifted his glass in salute. “I’d rather be in my usual attire.
” The grin didn’t leave his features, but his eyes were left without humor.
He ran his gaze down her, settling on the low-cut top of the dress she spent way too much on.
Tansy helped Aasia pick it out and convinced her that sometimes a woman needed to splurge when she wanted to send a message.
Now Aasia was glad she’d listened. The appreciation she saw in Bear’s eyes made her feel beautiful.
Her heart gave a little flutter. She liked that he had his hat on, slightly lowered to shadow his eyes.
She leaned forward and said in a lowered voice, “Apparently by all the attention you’re getting folks appreciate your attire tonight.
” She admired his crisp tuxedo that fit his broad shoulders magnificently, but his boots—scuffed and worn betrayed the look.
He proved he’d never fit into a mold and she liked his rebellion.
A genuine laugh floated off his lips. Kissable lips. “Tell me what you think.”
“I think I’m the most envied woman in the room,” she looked at him through the fringe of her false lashes—another Tansy contribution. “If they only knew I don’t belong. I’m surprised I haven’t been escorted out.”
“You belong here and they all know it,” he said smoothly. A twinkle of flirtation lingered in his gaze.
“Perfect time for me to ask, have you seen the art on the walls?”
He hesitated then said, “I’m looking at it right now.”
His comment made her toes curl in the uncomfortable heels she borrowed from Tansy. After clearing her throat, she cut her gaze through the growing crowd. “I’m seeing some familiar faces.”
“A man can learn a lot by standing back and watching.”
“See anything interesting?” She rolled her finger around the rim of her glass.
“I’m seeing absurdity,” he said. “I can practically smell the old money.”
Across the room, through the crowd, she saw Bentley arrive. As always, he was perfectly groomed and dressed, probably with his mother’s help. On a positive side note, she felt nothing seeing him. No residual feelings or emotions. No disappointment or regret. Just relief.
“I think I’ve changed my mind, Bear. I could use something stronger.”
He held up his empty glass. “Whiskey?” he said in an unmistakable Texas drawl. “How about we go to the bar.”
Had he seen Bentley too?
“I agree.”
Bear laid his large hand on her back, exposed in the low cut of the elegant dress. The skin-to-skin contact set her on fire, and the flames spread like a fire through her limbs. “You don’t need to mingle, do you?” He set his empty glass on the polished mahogany bar and ordered them a drink.
“I’m not into hearing about stocks and the future of crude oil.” She leaned back and snorted. “If they wanted to talk science and how to improve getting our resources into poorer communities then I’d be game. Or studying rivers and skies and figure out how we can make them all clear again.”
He pressed his elbows into the edge of the bar. “Now I’m even more curious why we’re here. If you’re not willing to rub elbows with them, how will you make sure you make them aware of these issues?”
“Maybe I just wanted you to see me in this dress,” she said saucily.
“That’s fine by me.” He winked. The bartender brought their drinks and Bear took a sip. “The dress is mighty nice, don’t get me wrong, but you could be wearing a potato sack and I’d still think you’re the prettiest woman in Texas.”
Every cell in her body waved a surrender flag. “Are you flirting with me, cowboy?”
“We’re away from Fin’s Creek. We can do and be anything we want to be,” he said with a grin.
“Because we can’t at home?” She lifted a brow, noticing a flash of something in his expression.
“That’s not what I’m saying. Guess I meant that while we’re all dressed up and fancy, we should enjoy it and the free drinks.”
“I guess you have a point considering this will probably be the last lavish event I attend.”
“I don’t see you crying.”
“And you won’t. Bentley dragged me to these events.
There was little he enjoyed more than attending elegant functions where everyone was in awe of him.
” She took a sip and felt the burn all the way into the pit of her stomach.
“I’d rather be sitting on a picnic blanket along the water right now.
I’ve wanted to try my hand at fly fishing. Is fly fishing even a thing in Texas?”
“It’s definitely a thing in Texas. The coast is popular for redfish and speckled trout. If you bring the picnic, I’ll bring the rods.” His eyes twinkled as he studied her.
“A picnic as the sun lowers. A bottle of whiskey, a couple of mason jars, and a blanket in the bed of your truck with a view of the stars.”
“Would that impress you?”
“I do enjoy stargazing.” She hid her smile behind her glass.
Bear leaned against the edge of the bar as he took in the crowd.
“These people are about as fictional as the paintings on the walls. All framed and perfect. I’m more of an outdoorsy man.
I like messy things. The wind blowing. The last dregs of sunlight turning the sky orange and pink, reminding us that God owns a paintbrush and He shows us beauty every day.
Meat roasting over the fire. I can’t speak for all of Texas, but anytime we have a shindig at Creed’s Creek everyone shows up and everyone is more than willing to show their support.
That shows that all this isn’t always necessary. ”
“You don’t like these people much, do you?”
He laughed, loud enough that a couple sitting at the other end of the bar glanced over with raised brows. “They’re here to line their pockets in some shape, way, or form. None of them have ever earned something by hard work.”
“As opposed to a rancher with callused hands and a knack for branding cattle?”
“The way you put it makes it sound pretty sexy.”
She felt a force like a branding iron that he would use on the cattle.
“Let’s not mince words. It is sexy.”
“Now who’s flirting?”
“Me. I am,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the piano tunes and the chatter.
He cleared his throat and stood to his full height. “I need to use the little boy’s room. Will you be okay?”
“I don’t know. Are these people as dangerous as they look?” she teased.
“Use those heels as weapons if anything breaks out.” He winked. “I’ll be right back.”
~*~
Bear tugged at his tie in discomfort as he stepped through the crowd, keeping his head down in case someone might recognize him. Although, he didn’t think they would, not with the lowered hat, beard, and the mess dress uniform.
When there was enough distance between him and Aasia, he checked over his shoulder to make sure she wasn’t watching and he ducked down a quiet corridor. He’d watched Fletcher disappear down the hall a few minutes ago.