“Then yes, I am Téa Carlisle.”
Téa and Jessie exchanged glances. So far, Mr. Wright was starting out on the right foot.
They followed the assistants through the throngs of people. It wasn’t lost on Jessie that this was a party of beautiful people. Everyone looked like a model or actress…probably aspiring. Jessie could have also sworn she’d just passed a couple of rock stars in the hallway. While still making their way through the crowd, the sea of people automatically parted as the women made their way closer to their host.
The assistants led them to what seemed like a private VIP area, which was slightly less packed with people. There was a group of men whose backs were turned toward them; however, Téa could still identify Michael.
“Excuse me…Mr. Wright? Ms. Carlisle and her guest have arrived.”
Not bothering to turn around, Michael nodded almost imperceptibly before finishing some joke he was telling his friends. He then took a sip of whatever he was drinking before slowly turning around to greet them. Téa thought he was over doing it just a bit but at this point she was just going to let it slide. If he wasn’t one of the most scrumptious men she’d ever seen, she may have tossed her silky, golden hair over her shoulders and left. But, she remembered those piercing baby blue eyes from their first meeting at Frank’s. They had an instant physical attraction. Her feet were rooted right where she stood.
Michael’s eyes finally connected with Téa’s. Something about him drew her to him like a moth to a flame. Jessie just sort of stood back and watched as the whole scene unfolded. It was actually a little interesting seeing the tables being turned on Téa. Usually, she had the men eating out of her hands. Mr. Wright was laying it on pretty thick, and for an unguarded minute it brought out a look in Téa’s eyes that Jessie hadn’t seen in a very long time.
Not taking his eyes away from hers, Michael greeted them, “I’m so glad that you guys were able to make it. I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
Jessie saw the moment Téa put her game face back on as she purred, “That’s why you gave the gatekeeper my name and had your personal assistants escort me over to you?”
He smiled slyly and flashed a smile that almost made Téa’s knees go weak. “I hoped you’d make it.”
Téa grabbed a hold of Jessie’s arm as if to introduce her to Michael, but it was merely a ruse to catch her balance from her weak knees.
“And…Mr. Wright, you hoped I’d be impressed.”
“Are you?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to let you know.”
The chemistry between Téa and Michael was off the charts. Jessie wondered if they even knew anyone else was in the room. Jessie coughed to remind Téa that she was still there. Without missing a beat, Téa began the introductions.
“I’m sorry. I never introduced you to my best friend. Jessica Ramsey this is Michael Wright.”
Michael finally dragged his eyes away from Téa long enough to give Jessie a firm handshake and a warm smile.
Jessie could see why Téa was attracted to Michael. He definitely stood out amongst the crowd. His baby blues were mesmerizing, the dirty blond hair was perfectly sculpted, and the after-five stubble on his jaw was shaped to perfection. Michael looked as if he’d just come from a GQ magazine photo shoot. Yes, he was an extremely attractive man almost to a fault. He wasn’t Jessie’s type but he was definitely Téa’s.
She smiled back at him, “Please call me Jessie.”
“Okay...Jessie. I’m glad that you ladies were able to make it to the party and be my special guests.”
One of the burly assistants came out of nowhere to whisper into Michael’s ear. He nodded, “There is plenty of food and drinks. But, I’ve just been informed the guest of honor has arrived so I’ve got to get back to my hosting duties.” He then turned to Téa. “I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can. Until then, please enjoy yourself…but not too much without me.”
Téa watched Michael walk off into the crowd of people. Jessie waved her hands up and down in front of Téa’s eyes. It took a second for Téa to realize it.
Jessie laughed out loud, “Wow…Téa Carlisle. You look like you are going to eat him up.”
“If he play his cards right…I just might. You need to stop worrying about me and see if you can find someone in this sea of beautiful people.”
Téa tilted her head to the side. “Doesn’t Michael remind you of someone? I can’t put my finger on who though.”
Jessie shook her head, “Not anyone that I know. And, I’m not interested in a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am.”
A waiter came over with champagne flutes interrupting their conversation. Téa took two and gave one to Jessie.
Téa took a sip, “Mmmm…this is so good. I’m not either, but I don’t know why you wouldn’t be since you won’t make time for anything else. You’ve forgotten how to have fun and probably about sex, too. I mean how many rabbits have you purchased in the last year? I’m guessing that you’ve gotten at least two.”
Jessie was mid-sip when Téa added that last part and almost choked on her drink. “I know how to have fun. I have fun all the time! By the way…I never interfere in anyone else’s love life. What is it lately with you guys having a problem with MY love life? I’m happy, isn’t that enough?”
Téa took another sip of her drink and over the rim of the glass looked deeply into her friends eyes. She knew that Jessie was content, but she wasn’t happy. And decided to let it pass for now.
Jessie tossed the rest of her drink back in one gulp just as a gentleman walked up and asked her to dance. She glared at Téa and decided to take the man
