Chapter 1 #2
“Ha-ha, funny. My people skills are just fine. And if I hadn’t been doing all that drawing, we wouldn’t be here now.
” Ian’s architectural skills and keen business sense had helped to move their family company from a small real estate business to a full-service firm—owning their own equipment, taking care of all construction from breaking ground to the final walk-through and having dependable contractors.
He had done some of the smaller jobs alone but up to now had worked with one of the more experienced architects on bigger projects.
It had taken close to a year to convince his father to let him design this latest project solo—one of the company’s largest undertakings to date.
This would be his first major project and he had no intention of messing it up, hence the reason he was sitting in this hotel ballroom.
“True, that,” Chris said. “I don’t know how you do it, but you can get the devil to buy air-conditioning.”
“It’s those people skills,” Ian said sarcastically.
“Damn, somebody’s in a foul mood. Lighten up. It’s the holiday season. You know...being thankful...the season to be jolly.”
“I’m not in a foul mood,” he grumbled, glancing down at his watch again. “I’d just rather be somewhere else.”
“Hot date?”
“No.”
“Maybe that’s your problem. When was the last time you had a little release? You know how you get when you haven’t gotten any in a while.”
“None of your business. And I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“We’re in a room full of beautiful women. I’m sure at least one of them wouldn’t mind putting you out of your misery.”
Ian frowned and tried to remember his last liaison.
He mentally counted and realized it had been almost six months.
He had been so busy working to get this latest project off the ground that he’d put his social life on hold.
And he needed some distance from women. His scowl deepened as he recalled how the woman he thought loved him only wanted to use him.
He shook off the memories. Maybe he did need a little female company to take the edge off.
He surveyed the room. As his brother pointed out, the ballroom was full of beautiful women, a few of whom were staring his way with sultry smiles. Yet none of them held his attention.
“It is the start of the holiday season—a perfect time to wind down. Or...you can always settle down with one woman. There’s nothing better than going home to the love of my life.”
“No, thanks. I like a little variety.” Marriage wasn’t on his radar for the foreseeable future.
He was only thirty-two, so what was the big rush?
Besides, he had already tried the relationship thing and it had almost ruined his family’s company and him in the process.
Ian had promised himself that it wouldn’t happen again.
“That’s only because you haven’t found that one special woman.”
“Because she doesn’t exist,” Ian countered. He smiled at a woman staring at him as she moved her body on the dance floor.
“How do you know? You’re not looking.”
“You’re right,” he answered, still checking out the women in the room. “Anyway, what took you so long to get here?”
Chris leaned back in his chair and smiled. “My beautiful wife and I have decided to start a family. I’m doing my part to make it happen and...let’s just say I lost track of time.”
“Congratulations. Shellie is going to make a terrific mom.”
“Yes, she is. And because this will be our first Christmas together since we got married, I’m leaving her a little gift every day for the month of December. I’m going to get a kick out of watching her open each one.”
“I’m sure she’ll love that.” Ian continued to scan the room until his gaze landed on a woman standing at a dessert table.
Unlike other women in the room who were decked out in gowns and jewels, she wore a simple white long-sleeved blouse and black skirt that caressed the sweet curve of her hips and ended just below the knee, robbing him of a complete view of her shapely legs.
Her hair was piled on top of her head in some kind of bun.
“Now, that’s one gift I wouldn’t mind opening,” he murmured.
Ian couldn’t take his eyes off her. She leaned forward to reach for something, and her skirt pulled tighter across her apple-round bottom.
His breath caught and his groin tightened.
Yeah, he’d been on lockdown way too long.
After several minutes, she hadn’t moved.
He stared curiously. Was she having that much difficulty choosing a dessert?
Another minute passed and he stood. “I’ll be back. ”
“Where are you going?” Chris asked.
“I think I’ll check out the desserts.”
Chris followed Ian’s gaze to the table and chuckled. “The desserts on the table or the one standing in front of the table? I guess the drought will be over soon.” He lifted his glass in a mock toast. “Here’s to hoping she’ll improve your disposition. Can’t have you ruining the holidays, Scrooge.”
“Shut up, Chris,” Ian said as he walked away.
When he got closer to the table, he finally caught a glimpse of her face.
The woman had an understated beauty—a girl-next-door kind of look—that piqued his interest. His gaze was drawn to her mouth as she bit on her gloss-slicked lips and he imagined nibbling on their lush fullness.
Ian stood next to her for a full minute, inhaling her intoxicating fragrance, and she never noticed him. “Is it that hard to decide on a dessert?”
She startled slightly and whipped her head in his direction. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?” Her dark eyes mirrored confusion.
He smiled. “I asked if you were having a difficult time choosing a dessert. You’ve been standing here for a while.
” He surveyed the vast assortment covering the table—individually proportioned cheesecakes, tortes, truffles, mousses and more.
“Although I can see why you’d be having a hard time.
Everything looks exquisite.” Ian had had a sweet tooth for as long as he could remember, and chocolate was his favorite.
..food and women. And the brown-sugar beauty standing next to him topped his favorites list at the moment.
“No. I was just making sure everything was laid out the way I want.”
His brow lifted. “You’re working? You made these?”
“Yes. What do you think?”
“It looks amazing. What do you suggest?”
“Depends on what you like.”
A slow grin spread across his lips. “Chocolate. Rich, decadent, sinful...” His gaze traveled slowly down her body and back up to her face. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Chocolate.” He heard her sharp intake of breath.
“Um... I...you can try the chocolate raspberry truffle bars, chocolate torte with a ganache, triple chocolate mocha truffles or the black-and-white pudding parfait.” She pointed to each one with a trembling finger.
“What’s the black-and-white pudding parfait?”
“It’s chocolate pudding topped with white-chocolate whipped cream.”
“Hmm, I may have to try that one later.” He could think of a few ways to eat that pudding and none of them involved using a spoon.
“And there’s always the chocolate fountain for dipping.”
“Yes, there is.” Another image flashed in his mind. “I think for now I’ll take one of these triple chocolate mocha truffles and a dance.”
“Dance?”
He nodded slowly and bit into the truffle. “This is amazing.”
“I can’t dance with you.”
“Why not?”
“I’m supposed to be working.”
He grasped her hand and gently led her out to the dance floor.
“Everything on that table is perfect. I’m sure one dance won’t get you into trouble.
” Ian pulled her into his arms and started moving to the slow tune playing.
Feeling her soft curves pressed against his and being engulfed in her scent robbed him of all rational thought.
The only thing on his mind was finding out how that chocolate would taste on her skin.