You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(50)

She looked up at me with bright eyes and full lips. “It’s important to Deana…”

“That you be hit on when you don’t want to be?” I asked incredulously.

“She needs as many people as she can at these things…and she’s always pestering me about loosening up.”

“If I were you, I would just tell her no. End of story.”

“Really?” she asked.

“You obviously hate being the center of attention. Your beauty is a curse, not a gift.”

She gave me a look I’d never seen before. Her eyes searched my face and she seemed thoughtful. She didn’t move away from me but she didn’t speak. Her mind was racing, her thoughts unknown. “I’m glad someone finally understands…”

“I noticed it a long time ago.” I kept my hand on her hip, loving to pretend she was mine.

“The only guys I attract are the ones who are looking for a beautiful woman, and it’s usually because they only want something…physical. No one takes the time to see what’s underneath or get to know me. I hate it…”

My eyes fell in sadness at her words. Silence hung in the air while I studied her beautiful face. When I first saw her, all I could think about was taking her on my sheets. I didn’t care what her interests or hobbies were.

I was such a dick.

“What’s wrong?” she whispered.

I pushed the thought away. “Nothing. Would you like a drink?”

“Just a water, please.”

I turned my back on her and walked away, wanting a moment alone. She was such a nice person who was beautiful and wonderful. If I’d just taken a moment to look past her appearance, I would have seen something more beautiful underneath.

I was grateful I settled on her friendship months ago and didn’t try to get anything more from her. Her friendship was more than she gave any other person on this earth and I felt special. I felt the need to apologize to her even though she had no idea what my original intentions were.

After I took a deep breath, I came back to her. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” She took a long drink and released a sigh.

I drank my scotch, wanting to take the edge off.

“Why aren’t you mingling?” Deana snapped.

Beatrice opened her mouth to respond but Deana already walked away.

I chuckled. “She’s…interesting.”

“I love her to death but she’s…annoying sometimes. She’s so focused on finding Mr. Right that she hosts these ridiculous parties.”

“It seems like a lot of girls are looking for Mr. Right.”

She shrugged. “I’m not sure why.”

What did that mean? She never wanted to find someone to settle down with? I guess it wouldn’t be surprising. I finished my scotch and left it aside.

“Conrad, right?” A blonde came up to me. She had crystal blue eyes and she was tall, almost as tall as I was.

“Yeah…” Did I know her from somewhere?

“Casey. We met a few weeks ago at a bar.”

Still wasn’t ringing a bell. “Oh yeah. How are you?”

“Good. You?”

“Great.” She flashed me a smile. “I’m so glad I ran into you. Would you like to dance?”

A few couples were moving across the dance floor to the romantic music playing overhead. When I glanced at Beatrice, her face was averted. She seemed particularly interested in her drink. I wasn’t sure what Beatrice and I were, but I had a feeling she wouldn’t appreciate me dancing with anyone but her. If I had any chance with her, I shouldn’t ruin it. “Actually, I already promised my next dance to this beautiful woman.” I put my arm around Beatrice’s waist and pulled her close to me.

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Casey stepped away. “My mistake.”

“It’s okay,” I said.

She walked away and headed to the bar.

I looked at Beatrice, my arm still around her. “Would you like to dance?”

“You can hang out with her if you want…you don’t have to stay with me.”

“But I want to stay with you.”

“Really?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yeah.” I put her drink down then pulled her to the dance floor with me. I pulled her closer and anchored my hand around her waist. I held her hand in mine and moved slowly.

“I don’t dance much…”

“I’ll lead.” I stared into her beautiful face, seeing her eyes reflect the dim lighting of the room.

She loosened up slightly, her face close to my chest.

“Thanks for taking me to this,” I said.

“I should be thanking you.”

I smiled. “I feel like a bug repellent.”

“Well, it works. I know guys are intimidated by your size and your money.”

“My size?” I asked.

“Yeah…you aren’t exactly skinny.”

I was pleased she mentioned my appearance. I knew she was attracted to me but sometimes I wondered if she was immune to my charms. When she saw me shirtless, she liked what she saw. But I didn’t know how much. “I’m glad you noticed.”

Not having a response, she looked away.

I stared into her face while I danced with her, willing her to meet my gaze. She kept it averted, like she was afraid of the intimacy. Feeling a surge of courage, I pressed my forehead against hers. She took a deep breath but didn’t react in any other way. She didn’t pull away either. Desperate for her, I pulled her closer to me and relished the moment. I’d never danced with a girl like this before. I never held them close like I was afraid they might slip away. Her waist was so petite in my hands, and her signature smell came into my nose. I wanted to hit the pause button on life just to savor the moment. She used to be so sketchy around me, not trusting a single word I said. But now she did.