When I spotted her at the table, I was sure I was going to be sick, my worst fears realized.
I could have run out the door, and she would never know the difference, but I would.
I had no clue where it would end up, but I could handle it. What could be so wrong about grabbing dinner with a beautiful woman? I wasn't fucking her. It was harmless, and I’d keep it that way.
But with every glance, I felt my willpower melting. She was as dangerous as I initially thought; I was a fool to think otherwise.
Regardless of my gut instinct to bolt before things really caught fire, I stayed. The heat was there, a burning connection that pulled at my core. I needed to bask in its warmth for as long as I could.
I started plotting how to extend the night after my second whiskey sour, and by the time the check came, I was desperate, kicking myself for not planning beyond dinner. I was expecting a pretty face, sure, but nothing like what Elena brought to the table.
I remembered the carnival near the hotel. The last weekend of its run was in full swing, swamping the streets with face-painted kids and exhausted parents.
“Let's live a little, Jewels.” I tacked on her nickname for good measure. “How about we go to Sixth Street Carnival?”
She eyed me, brows arching in surprise. “What time is it?”
I glanced at my Rolex. “Nine-thirty.”
Her lips twisted, making my cock twitch. “That's late to head over. They'll be closing soon.”
“They're open till two,” I replied, knowing the lights and shrill voices went well into the night.
“Wow, really?” she breathed, taking a sip of wine. In the dim light, her eyes caught the glow, twinkling like dancing orbs, lips slick.
“My room is right across the way. I hear it every weekend.”
“Explains why you've been such a grouch...” she teased.
“Oh, you're so funny.” I signed the receipt, tipping our server forty percent. He hadn't been spectacular, but I was feeling generous with how lucky I was.
“We'll be awfully fancy...” she noted, gesturing at our outfits.
“Want to stop home and change?” I asked, forgetting all about our attire. She was likely wearing heels too. Shit.
“I'll be fine,” she assured, a gentle smile touching those slick, seductive lips.
I pushed my chair back, and she followed suit, forcing me to hurry over to help her to her feet. If I found the marble slick in my Canali oxfords, I couldn't imagine how precarious it was in heels.
As she stood, I got my first full view, her body draped in a slinky navy number that hugged each glorious curve. If it’d had a plunging neckline, it would have been the exact dress from my dream.
“Let's go, Keebler,” I teased, attempting to wheel in my lust.
Elves in trees. Elves in trees.
“Really?” She shot me a hard look, but her mouth curved in a smile. “Didn't my people tie one of yours down once in your travels?”
“I escaped unscathed.”
I took her arm in mine, weaving through the crowd toward the exit. As we made our way through the foyer, I felt prying eyes our way, the old bastards stealing free glances at what was mine. I met each appreciative look with a murderous glare.
We hit the exit and stepped into the soft glow of the night lanterns.
I hailed my driver with a flick of the wrist, the black Mercedes creeping towards the carport entrance.
“A driver?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Didn't want to fuss with parking,” I explained, shrugging. “Did you drive?”
“No. But I took a cab like a normal person.”
I grinned, leading her towards the waiting vehicle as the driver popped out and opened the rear door. I helped her settle in, rattling off the address and we were off.
We rode in relative silence, the fifteen-minute ride punctuated by a few nervous jokes.
We left Bear and Jewels at Colby's and were stepping out as Jason and Elena. The reality was there, clinging to every inch of the car.
This was more than dinner. We made a choice beyond that meeting, and I wasn't sure where it'd take us. I made a lot of brash decisions for women, whether it was flying a booty call in or dropping thousands on a shopping spree. They were impulsive, ridiculous, and stupid, but never risked my career.
My palms were clammy, and I fidgeted until we reached the carnival grounds. I waved off the driver as we departed, and he left us there dressed in formal wear among a sea of casual carnival-goers, sticking out like a sore thumb.
“Maybe not the best choice?” I joked, trying to shake the awkwardness hanging in the air.
“It's great,” she reassured, staring at the thousands of lights in awe.
The place was as incredible as it was annoying, bringing the area to life with rides, games, and vendors. The streets were packed; children replaced with moody teenagers given the time.
We made our way into the heart of things, the sights and sounds of the night in full swing. Laughing, singing, and carousel music echoed, the sickeningly sweet scent of cotton candy in the air.
I wanted her to take my arm to give me some sort of physical connection, but her manicured hands remained at her sides. Those sexy lips wore a frisky smirk, the same ones I wanted to turn agape in ecstasy. She was a blank slate, a chameleon of emotion. I thought she wore it all on her face in the past, but she fooled me.
In my position, I prided myself on my ability to read people, to sense their immediate wants and needs to close a deal. With Elena, I was lost.
I couldn't fathom why that shaggy-haired idiot had given her up. Any sane man would give his right nut to have her.
We stopped at a worn wooden bench, sitting to scan the area. It was better than wandering around aimlessly.
“I like you, Elena. Not Jewels. Elena.”
She smiled, thawing my
