“And her dress. My goodness. Are we at a brothel where she has to have a slit showing her leg?” She gave a half cackle that shot annoyance up my spine.
I spoke up since I actually adored her dress. “Actually, Mom I think her dress looks beautiful and is completely different than anything I’ve ever seen. The peek-a-boo split is really tasteful,” I swallowed, “…I think.”
My mom glared at me and let out that irritating huff letting me know she completely disagreed and I should never have said anything. “No, Vanessa. I hope you realize that’s unacceptable in our class. The other women at the country club would be throwing her out at the sight of that dress.”
Aubrey leaned over me to add in her two cents, “Then they’re just outright bitches that shouldn’t talk.”
Mom sneered at Aubrey. Again, I was in between yet another one of their fights. They hated each other and I was always caught in the middle. “You will never be allowed back to our club. I still can’t believe you called Marjorie a…ugh, I can’t even say it.”
Aubrey had no trouble repeating her words. “Frigid bitch. I would say it again to her snotty face too.” She gave that attitude head twist to drive her point across that she meant what she said.
Nervously, I tried to change the subject to avoid a full blow up between them. “The food was excellent I thought.” I swallowed and glanced my mother’s way hoping she for once would agree with me.
Mom scoffed, “Really? Chicken and steak. You might as well have brought us to a chain restaurant to feed us.” She touched my hand as if she cared. “No, your wedding will have lobster tail and the finest mignon. Maybe even a choice of fresh sea bass. Oh, I meant to tell you that they also offer a sushi table that we could provide your guests.” Talking about my wedding seemed to pick up her mood. For Aubrey it had the opposite effect. She slumped back into her chair and rolled her eyes.
After listening to my mother carry on about my wedding, Aubrey sat up suddenly as if a burst of energy rushed through her. “Come on, everyone is dancing,” She bluntly said as she grabbed my wrist and stood. My mom grabbed my other wrist and pulled me toward her, making me the real life rope in their tug of war game.
“Don’t make a fool of yourself and do that young dance you girls do at the bars. There are too many guests here that are also club members. I can’t have them see that.” I nodded, giving her the response she wanted, more so just to get away from her.
“What took you so long?” I huffed at Aubrey as soon as we were out of earshot from my mom.
“I thought I would let your mother have her time with you so I could have the rest of the night with you.” She smiled at me and shimmied her shoulder slightly as I giggled at her thought process. We arrived at the dance floor and proceeded to dance our “young girl dance” just to let loose and have some fun. I decided I would deal with mom on this matter at another time. I released all the stress I felt from having to sit through the wedding and dinner with my mother and tried to forget that Charles and I were actually on a break. Or broken up. Or...I don’t even know what to call it anymore.
My eyes wandered while Aubrey and I danced. I spotted Matt Williams up at the bar with the other groomsmen and several bridesmaids. All of the groomsmen now had their jackets off and shirt sleeves rolled up. Some still wore their cummerbunds, others had already taken theirs off. Most had their bow ties undone and hanging down from their collars. Mom made sure to point out how real men keep their clothes on. I had the completely opposite thought –– each one of them looked even more sexy and alluring with everything ‘undone.’
While I was completely surprised to see Matt Williams here, I also had the oddest flutter in my heart. The same I felt when he first walked into my office, but I still want to count that as nervous jealousy. I still have this hidden fear that he has so much more pull at the office and so much more respect. Respect that I was trying so hard to gain from all the other officers.
Earlier during the ceremony, I nudged Aubrey and pointed out Mr. Williams to her. I whispered to her who he was and of course she smiled brightly. Since he’s already a very attractive guy, he looked even more handsome in his tuxedo. I had watched him scan over the crowd, obviously looking to catch a woman’s eye. He continually nudged the groomsman on each side of him and whispered to each of them. The best man looked like a slightly younger version of him. They looked so much alike, except the cocky self-assured look Mr. Williams has at all times.
Watching him sweat throughout the ceremony was priceless. As much as I tried to look away, I have to admit that my eyes continually wandered back to him. I almost wanted our eyes to meet. Towards the end of the ceremony, I noticed he became more serious, but I couldn’t understand why.
I observed him up at the bar after the dinner plates were being cleared off the tables. I watched as a beautiful petite blonde woman casually walked up to him. They exchanged some words and then they walked out the side door. I couldn’t help but wonder who that woman was and what she meant to him. I tried to watch their interaction through the huge glass windows, but my mother continually competed for my attention. He seemed quite upset while talking to her from what I was able to gather from my glances.
Aubrey and I continued to dance and have fun. After several songs and ignoring my mother’s glare, we decided to cool off with a drink. We casually started our walk to the bar.
“Holy shit, Vanessa. All those guys up at the bar are…wow.” She sighed as we both observed the sea of people gathered around the long bar area. Her eyes grew wide and excited at the amount of good looking men at the bar. She wore a lot more makeup than usual, especially around her eyes. They were smoky and sexy complementing her navy blue cocktail dress. It was a simple spaghetti strap dress, which wrapped around her extremely ample cleavage. The slit on the side of the dress was just enough to give you a peek at her beautiful legs. She was ready to find someone tonight and watching her always intrigued me. She could always pick up a guy just by giving them a “look.”
I had to agree with her assessment of the people up at the bar and even the guests attending this wedding. Even the older ones were incredibly attractive.
I started walking towards the corner of the bar and out of the way, but Aubrey grabbed my elbow and guided me towards Mr. Williams and the other groomsmen. She always went straight into the heart of the action, while I always wanted to head to the corner and just observe.
“So you’re telling me that gorgeous man standing right there is the annoying new sales VP you were telling me about? How can you stand so close to him and not have your pussy melt for him?”
If I had taken a drink, I would have spit it out through my nose as I gave her an incredulous stare while laughing at her comment. “Pussy melt for him? You seriously did not say that, did you?” I smiled with wide eyes.
“I did and I will. Mind if I take him for a ride?” She asked as she continued to eye him like a piece of candy. The smile dropped from my face. For some reason her comment sparked huge jealousy in the pit of my stomach. I started to twist my engagement ring around as I contemplated how to respond to her. “You don’t want me to. I get it,” Aubrey responded before I could come up with something.
I gave a weak smile as I tried to explain myself. “I think it would be awkward for me at work, that’s all.” She nodded, but I could tell she sensed a different reason.
“Seriously, he is sex on a stick. Don’t you just want to try to lick him?” She asked as she eyed him again from behind. He had his back to us and was barely chatting to the groomsman next to him. He seemed to be nodding his head a lot in agreement while staring off into space. Watching him chew on a piece of ice from his glass, I thought how even his profile was quite attractive.
“He’s a player and I’m pretending to still be engaged, might I remind you.” I held up my hand showing her my ring to jolt her memory. I decided that since my mom was here and probably a slew of her country club friends, that I would continue the charade of my engagement. I did
n’t want to start any waves of gossip that might cause Charles any undue stress.
Ignoring my ‘engaged’ comment, she said, “You mentioned that he was a player, but not how attractive he is. Dear God, I could seriously come just by looking at him.” I snorted at her depiction. “Who’s the guy with him? He looks really familiar, doesn’t he?”
I looked over to his friend, but he didn’t spark any recognition to me. His dark wavy hair and dark glasses gave him a serious thoughtful appearance. But he seemed to be constantly scoping out women and joking around with the other guys.
“Superman!” Aubrey burst out. “No wait, what’s his alter?” She snapped her fingers. “Clark Kent!”
“Who?” I have seen pictures of Superman, but have not actually seen the movie. My mom didn’t watch TV unless it entailed anything to do with Hollywood society. Movies weren’t part of my growing up unless I locked myself in my room and watched my girl reality shows. Aubrey’s mission has always been to enlighten me on movies I should have watched during my childhood. I take it Superman will be something I’ll be watching for our movie marathon nights.
“Oh that’s right, only child and of “higher class.” She turned her nose up in the air as I giggled. I never disagreed with her description of my upbringing since it was true.
“He looks like he could take me around the world, and then some.” I gave a half laugh as we arrived at the group of men and women at the bar. Mr. Williams still had his back to me, but his friend “Clark Kent” was zoned in on Aubrey.
“Fuck if you don’t look like a wild ride,” “Clark Kent’’ said to Aubrey as he disgustingly eyed her up and down like a piece of meat.
“I’m the best ride you’ll ever have,” Aubrey replied breathy and dripping with sexual innuendo. She eyed him back in the same manner. The whole interaction was disgusting to me with every word they spoke and I was stuck standing there like an idiot.
“Anyone ever tell you how much you look like Clark Kent?” Aubrey added as she licked her lips and shook her head so her black hair brushed away from her face.
A smug smile crept over ‘Clark Kent’s’ face as he huskily replied, “All the time. I wouldn’t mind having my Lois Lane tonight. You definitely fit the bill.” He licked his lips in the same manner as he perused her body again.
Aubrey wasted no time with a comeback as she ran her hand over his arm. “I’m pretty sure I could find your kryptonite.”
He snapped back with a sexy smile, “I wouldn’t mind trying to find out if you are my kryptonite.” He stepped towards her, looking down to her face.
Their bodies were pressed against each other and I really couldn’t take another second of this. I’m all about helping out my best friend, but this was just…repulsive. “Excuse me, the two of you. The amount of cheesy lines going on between you both is ridiculous.”
He turned to me and his brows quirked up underneath his dark frames. “Are you jealous? I wouldn’t mind you joining in. Believe me, my cock is insatiable.”
Aubrey turned her gaze back at him with a wild spark in her eyes. “Really? I’d love to find out how long you could go.”
“Aubrey!” I exclaimed.
“What?” she asked with a laughing smile to me.
Clark Kent gave a brief look towards me nodding his head toward Mr. Williams before bringing his gaze back to Aubrey. “Don’t be jealous. Matt probably needs a good distraction tonight.” Clark Kent shoved Mr. Williams’ back. “Look alive Matt. There’s a DLW here and she’s got your name written all over her.” I gave Clark Kent a questioning look as I watched him chuckle to himself and grab Aubrey’s hand. He led her out to the dance floor and grabbed her hips pulling her in close to dance.
Matt turned around; his eyes were glazed, as if he already had a good buzz. Those gorgeous blue eyes perused over my body slowly and I realized he didn’t seem to recognize me. I wasn’t sure if I was turned on by that or thoroughly insulted. He slid his hand around my waist and pulled me towards him looking down at my face.
Who the hell just grabs a random woman at a wedding like that — or anywhere for that matter? A player. A guy who can pick out any woman he wants because he knows he’s so good looking he’ll get her. Despite my thoughts, my heart sped up and my stomach had fits of butterflies flitting around.
Shit. I despise him, don’t I? Yes. He’s a player, smug and gets everything he wants at work and…I’m sort of engaged. I just wish his hands didn’t feel so fantastic wrapped around my waist. I swallowed, trying to gather some strength within me to talk to him without wavering.
While I was debating this in my head, Mr. Williams went ahead and spoke, his hands still resting on my hips, his beautiful blue eyes staring into mine. His full lips were close to mine and the scent of him mixed with vodka made my sex clench.
“Damn, you’re beautiful. I know this sounds like a tacky pick up line, but have we met before? I swear I’ve seen those gorgeous eyes of yours before.” The corner of his mouth turned up slightly as he added, “They remind me of the heavens just after an amazing rain storm over the ocean.”
Why did my knees just want to buckle? That’s the corniest line I’ve ever heard and I bet he’s said that to more than his fair share of women. Despite those thoughts at the back of my mind, my heart still picked up. I needed to remind him quickly who I am before we both say things we might regret. Although, the thought of how incredible his lips would taste entered my mind as I tried to tear my gaze away from his full mouth. Aubrey’s words of just letting loose for one night kept creeping into my thoughts. I needed to make that thought disappear quickly.
Putting an end to this charade quickly, I smiled and answered, “You have seen them before. I’m sure you also felt like I was the storm.” He licked his lips as his mouth curled up on one side, revealing such a sexy arrogance that made my insides have their own storm — wanting him and distaste for him.
His right hand curled around to the small of my back, slightly caressing me as he rubbed his fingers delicately. “If I’ve met you before, I think I’d remember.” His other hand slid up to my face and he smoothly slipped a gathering of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered around my lobe and then glided with the softest touch along my neck, just at the top of my cleavage, leaving me craving for more of his touch.
Our eyes were locked now and my heart was pounding, my breathing increased and I had trouble remembering why I disliked him. I was suddenly aware that my mother could be nearby and see the exchange. I needed to stop this...whatever it was. Although my body wasn’t wanting this to stop. I’ve never been so breathless for a man, including Charles. I tried my best to dig down deep in order to break our locked gaze and changed my tone to set things right. “You see me every day at work. I can see that you’re also lacking memory skills. Maybe I can sign you up for that class too.”
Bingo. His eyes flashed immediate recognition as his eyes grazed over me again in total surprise.
“Hargrave?” He removed his hands immediately and stepped back, looking my entire body over again. “Damn, you clean up really nice. What happened to the glasses?” He was still perusing my body, which should have made me feel naked, but all it really did was make me feel incredibly sexy. Empowering.
“They’re only for reading, so I usually wear them at the office.” I glanced around the room hoping to gather my wits about me and at the same time let him know he doesn’t affect me.
“Well shit, I like the way you look without them.” I turned my gaze back at him, lifting my brows and giving him a questionable smirk. “Although the glasses give you that bitchy sexpot look.” He turned up the corner of his mouth with that sexy smile and I couldn’t stop staring at his lips. He must have noticed because he licked them so seductively and slowly. All thoughts of being strong were vanishing and thoughts of being his for just one night were taking over.
Trying to break my stare, I smiled as I repeated, “Bitchy sexpot?”
He smiled back at me and returned his hand to my
waist. “Don’t give me that look. You know exactly what you do to all the guys at the office.”
Surprised, my eyebrows raised and my mouth dropped open. “I…what do I do to what guys at the office?”
That corner of his mouth turned up again and then his tongue ran along his lips which, of course, my gaze returned to. He briefly looked away before looking back into my eyes. “You know exactly how you turn on all the guys at work. Walking around like you own the place. That sway you have with your hips.” He leaned in and whispered, “I have an instant hard on for you, especially when you’re pissed off at me.” His nose barely touched my lobe and his hot breath telling me how I turn him on, immediately gave me flutters of excitement. He pulled back, giving me that sexy smile and looked as if he were about to kiss me. I ran my tongue along my lips in anticipation, wanting to taste him so badly.
“I…,” I wasn’t even sure how I was going to respond before I was interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Vanessa. I’m so glad I’ve found you,” my mother said.
I closed my eyes in both annoyance and embarrassment, while my stomach rolled with nervousness that she might have seen my “almost” kiss. “Mom.” She took her stance close to me almost blocking Matt, but still sort of including him.
“Introduce me to your new friend,” she ordered in her condescending voice. I exhaled a deep breath knowing this was not going to go well. Although that might bode well for needing to distance myself from the excitement I seem to be feeling for him. Hot sexual thoughts filled with want and desire.
“This is Matt Williams…,” I started to introduce him, but interrupted me before I could tell my mom that he works at my company.
Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) Page 13