The VIP Room(43)

I choked. “He is?”

“Yes. Do you want me to stay or go?”

“Stay!”

“No, actually, I think I’ll go see Kane.” She winked. “You’ll be fine. Just text me if you decide to go home with him.”

“Larene!” I hissed, standing up from the table so I could reach out and grab her arm. Panic swarmed my veins. I wasn’t ready for this.

She evaded my grip and gave me a small flit of a wave. “You’ll thank me for this later.”

And with that, my so-called best friend disappeared into the crowd, heading towards the back of the club where Kane’s office was.

I was just starting to imagine all the ways I could make her life a living hell when a deep, velvety voice washed over me. Goosebumps spread over my bare flesh, even in the heat of the club.

“I hope I didn’t scare her off.”

His voice sounded positively sinful, beautiful. It was both rough and smooth, like the warm caress of an experienced lover.

I didn’t look at him right away. Nor did I answer him immediately. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest that I feared if I tried to speak, I would sound like a stuttering, breathless idiot.

Breathe, Noelle, breathe.

When I finally regained some of my composure—although not nearly as much as I hoped—I turned my head to regard him. The most beautiful, piercing green eyes froze me into place. I noticed, with some disbelief, that the most handsome man I’d ever seen was even more handsome close-up. He was tall, too. Even in my high stripper heels, my head only came up to his chin. I took in his broad shoulders and the way he filled out his expensive looking suit.

My eyes found his lips and saw that they were still quirked up into that sensual smile. He has nice lips, I thought in a daze.

I may as well hand him my panties now. He probably had quite the collection.

Swallowing audibly, I said the first thing that came to mind. “I can call her back for you. If you’d like.”

I wanted to slap myself.

Amusement slid onto his features and he stepped closer. I could smell his cologne. His spicy scent was intoxicating, mouthwatering.

“Why would I want her when the most beautiful woman here is right in front of me?” he murmured in that sex voice of his.

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. It was a nervous, high-pitched shrill laugh that I’d probably think about later and cringe. But the line was so over the top that I couldn’t help it. “Does that work for you? Usually?”

His eyes glittered with amusement. “You’d be surprised.”

“In all fairness, I don’t think it’s your words, so much as your looks,” I blurted. Jesus, this night was getting better and better. I fidgeted with my fingers, an old habit, but forced myself to still when I saw his eyes flash down to my hands.

His expression shifted as he studied me. He hid his surprise well, but I couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted approaching me.

Stop it. I straightened my spine, remembering Larene’s words. I was a beautiful woman. I would take this man home. I would get laid and have hot, crazy sex tonight. I would end this dry spell and move on with my life. Finally.

“I’m Noelle,” I said, my chin lifting. I thrust my hand towards him. Did people generally shake hands on the cusp of a one-night stand? I wasn’t exactly aware of the protocol, but I didn’t know what else to do.

He grasped my palm and I barely stifled a gasp. His hands were warm and strong…unbelievably masculine. He didn’t shake my hand as I expected him to, but he used his grip to pull me closer, until I was only a breath away. If he were any other man, I’d think it was overbearing. But the heated look in his eyes made a part of me come alive that had been dormant for much too long.

“Tristan.” His voice was so deep that it seemed to emanate from deep within his chest. I swear I could feel the delicious rumble of it in my own body.

“Nice to meet you, Tristan,” I whispered, caught in the piercing green of his eyes. Despite the noise in the club, we were so close that I knew he heard me. He grinned and a rapid fluttering started up in my belly. I knew then that I had never been more attracted to a man in my entire life. It was such a strong awareness, one that both excited and frightened me with its potency.

He leaned forward until I felt his breath on the sensitive flesh of my ear. “What is it that you want tonight, Noelle?” he murmured.

My body warmed, my blood rushed. This was it. This was my opportunity, my opening.

I answered him, my voice strong. “Just one night.”

White teeth flashed and his green eyes gleamed with satisfaction and sensual promise.

“I can do that.”





Chapter 3





I was trembling as Tristan helped me into his car. I didn’t know much about cars, but judging by its sleek exterior and luxurious interior, I would bet that my mystery man was not only drop dead gorgeous but rather wealthy. It was a no-brainer why he was at Valoir.

We left the club shortly after I downed my drink. The alcohol gave me a pleasant buzz and calmed my nerves. I’d even remembered to text Larene and let her know that I’d found my Hot Stranger.

“This is nice,” I commented, admiring the inside of the car when Tristan came around to the driver’s side. I peered at him from the corner of my eye, still having a hard time believing that he was real. He was much too beautiful to be real and I kept expecting my alarm to blare at any moment, waking me from this dream. “Is it new?”