A Calculated Seduction(32)

“He didn’t.” He decided not to argue with her because he really couldn’t think. That crooked little smile she gave him warmed his blood.

“You just don’t pay attention to men, Dulcy.” Her eyes widened and her full lips parted.

“I do, too.”

“No, you don’t. Men are always looking at you. They check you out.”

She snorted and he laughed.

“Yeah, what men?” She crossed her arms beneath her breasts, plumping them further. Sweat gathered on his back and he drew in a deep breath, trying to calm the impulse to reach out and run his fingers over her creamy honeyed skin.

“Well, how about Anderson?”

“Pete?” He shook his head. “Believe me, he’s not interested in me and he doesn’t count.”

“Okay, how about that copier guy that came in yesterday? He kept trying to get you to talk to him.”

“Hmm. Of course, you did notice the ring.” No he hadn’t. “Yeah, he was married.”

“Didn’t mean he wasn’t interested.” She rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Why do I get the impression you haven’t dated much since you broke it off with your fiancé?”

“I date,” she said defensively. “I’m just selective.”

“Ah, so you think someone like Anderson is good for you.”

“I’ve told you before, we’re just friends.”

Were they or was she covering up for him? If she thought he was on to her, she might lie about their involvement.

She shifted in her seat, and he heard the creak of leather, the sliding of silk against silk. He repositioned himself so he wouldn’t embarrass himself. His tux pants drew tighter over his erection and he had to do something before they reached the hotel.

Walking in with a massive boner wasn’t something he wanted to do.

* * * *

By the time they reached the hotel, Dulcy’s nerves were worn. If things continued on the same path, she’d be nothing but a puddle of anxiety by the end of the evening.

When Dulcy had opened the door and seen Ethan standing on her balcony, she’d been momentarily stunned. The man filled out a business suit well, but he was devastating in a tux. The cut was expensive, but the color, charcoal gray, was what mesmerized her. It was the exact color of his eyes. Her nipples grew hard and her sex pulsed at the memory.

She glanced in his direction as they walked down the hall. The combination of his spicy cologne and his own personal scent drifted toward her. With every whiff, her head swam. It was either that, or the fact she hadn’t eaten since lunch. She’d been too nervous and being the muncher she was, Dulcy knew she would eat too much tonight.

The function didn’t start for another thirty minutes, but both of them had wanted to get there early to make sure everything was set up properly. They walked through the door and Ethan whistled.

Decorated in red, black and silver, the MacMillan Boots company colors, the large ballroom had been transformed into a cowboy wonderland. Imitation miniature mesquite trees, strewn with sparkling white lights, dotted the room. Giant-sized posters of Gerry Dillon, hung from the ceiling. One was a close-up of him, while the rest were scenes from each of his four bull-riding championships.

A small balding man, his belly almost as wide as his height, rushed forward, his forehead dotted with sweat.

“Miss Menendez, so wonderful to see you again,” he said, glancing pointedly towards Ethan.

“Thank you, Mr. Brown. Mr. MacMillan, I’d like to introduce Mr. Dirk Brown. He’s the catering manager here.”

Ethan smiled and extended his hand. “You did a wonderful job here, Mr. Brown.”

All of his muscles visibly relaxed with Ethan’s approval.

“You don’t have a problem with the trees?”

Ethan wandered away while Dulcy made the final checks with Mr. Brown. After answering some questions, she walked over to Ethan, who was prowling the room. There was no other way to describe it, the man moved with the lethal grace of a leopard.

He stood with his back to her, looking out the oversized windows that led to the patio. His shoulders filled out his coat. Her eyes traveled down his back and she wondered about it. Was it lean and muscular, where she could watch every muscle move?

Before she reached him, Bill’s voice rang out through the room.

“Dulcy, Ethan! This is fantastic!” Dulcy turned and smiled at him. Dressed all in white from his ten-gallon hat to his cowboy boots, Bill strode forward and hugged her.