Make Me Yours(60)

When his eyes finally land on mine, his expression melts into hot desire and a thrill surges through my stomach. This is so much better than meeting in my room.

His gaze is fixed on me as he closes the space between us. “You like playing games, Miss Banks.”

The tone in his voice has my body humming, and when he touches my back, I can’t help a shiver. “It’s not a game, Mr. Key. I wanted to have a glass of wine before we left for the gala.”

His eyes flicker to the glass of Pinot Gris on the bar in front of me. “No tequila tonight?”

“Maybe later. I figured we should start out a little more sophisticated.”

“Don’t get too formal on me.”

Slipping out of my chair, my heels bring me closer to his eye level. His hands are on my waist, his fingers toying with the bare skin of my back. I’m surrounded by his warmth, the earthy scent of his cologne. It’s heady and exhilarating.

I straighten his black bowtie, leaning closer to kiss his jaw. “Being formal can be a fun change.”

A naughty smile curls his lips, that sexy dimple teasing me. “I should have already told you you’re beautiful. I look forward to getting you out of this dress after the party.”

“Then let’s get the party started.”

A limo takes us to the gala… Actually, we abandon the car in a long line of limos when we arrive. Remi holds my hand, leading me up the carpeted stairs. He’s obviously distracted by what’s to come. His phone lights up several times as we walk, and while I’m not trying to look, I see Stephen’s name at the top of the screen.

My hand is in the crook of his arm as we enter the convention hall, and I feel like a queen. It’s an elaborate space. The floors are marble, and the windows soar to the roof, allowing breathtaking views of the city. Chandeliers like icicle waterfalls are dotted throughout, and music floats in the air. I can tell it’s a live jazz band, but I can’t see it through the throng of men and women in formal attire.

Everyone appears very important and focused. I do my best to keep my shoulders straight and my chin up… like Remington Key’s date should be. He’s as important and connected as all these people, and I don’t want to let him down.

Leaning against his shoulder, I whisper. “Are you nervous or excited? Personally, I’m scared to death.”

He chuckles softly. “You have nothing to be afraid of. I’m afraid of all the men who’ll try to steal you from me.”

“You don’t have to worry. I’m not going anywhere.” My stomach squeezes.

The words are out so fast, so automatic. I can’t believe I just said them out loud.

The smile in Remi’s profile eases my anxiety. “Stephen said he’s waiting at the east bar. If you don’t mind, I’ll take you to him while I track down Stellan and secure his business.”

“Why is Stephen here? Is he an investor or a developer?”

“Neither and both.” Remi stops to shake an older man’s hand.

I wait as they exchange brief small talk, then we’re moving again. I can tell Remi’s focused on finding this tech guy Stellan.

“So Stephen is both?” I pick up where we left off before Mr. Old Guy interrupted us.

“Stephen likes to be the idea guy, start with his own inspiration then decide whether he wants to create it all himself or hire someone else to do the work. Then he and I and a small group of investors fund the final product.”

“He sounds really smart.”

“He’s the smartest guy I know—and trust me, he’s the first to say it. Stephen’s got a big brain, a big ego, and a big bank account.”

Squinting my eye up at him, I tease. “I take it he doesn’t play well with others.”

Again, I get that partial laugh. “Not in the slightest.”

We’re finally through the hall, and I see Stephen leaning with one elbow on a high-top table. He’s also in a tux, and his blue eyes are intense.

He’s actually very handsome, and I wonder why he doesn’t have a plus one tonight. I think I can guess. No one tells Stephen Hastings what to do.

Reaching for my arm, he passes me a glass of white wine as he moves me from Remi’s side to his. “Stellan’s just across the room by the bar. If you go now, I think you’ll have him all to yourself.”

I’m impressed by how slick that handoff was. Remi seems less eager to ditch me, which smooths my ruffled feathers.

Turning to face me, he touches my arm. “I don’t expect this to take very long. Will you be okay hanging with this asshole for a few minutes? I promise to make it up to you.”

Pressing my lips into a smile, I step forward to kiss his cheek. “Break a leg.”

His hands catch my waist, holding me before I return to Stephen’s side. “Thank you for being here.”

He speaks into my ear before giving me a quick kiss that lights a fire all through my insides.

When he releases me, he grips Stephen’s arm. “Keep an eye on her.”

“She’ll be safe as the crown jewels.”

With that he’s gone, and I turn to face the piercing blue eyes of my guard. “I see you’ve graduated from assistant to… something more fun.”

Heat floods my cheeks, and I wish my face didn’t betray how flustered I get. “I was never his assistant.”