In the Shadows

VIP Treatment Part 1

Clenching my fists, I shove down the desire to cross the room to Anna. Her dazzling smile and sparkling green eyes call to me as she laughs with her colleagues, fiddling with the stem of her wineglass as she talks.

Her beauty captivates me in a way I've never experienced before. The opportunity to spend time with her is the only thing that keeps me involved with the event planning company she works for. Anna is a stunningly beautiful woman, but it's her intelligence and wit that draws me in. But she's taken, so I stay away, not trusting myself to remain professional in a more relaxed non-work setting like this.

Normally, I'm the type of man that takes what he wants, but she turned me down once before, the first time we met, and I'll respect her decision. Even if it kills me to see her waste her affections on that waste of space she's dating.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice her stiffen and she clutches the bar beside her to steady herself. Following her gaze, I see her boyfriend standing at the door, waiting to take the coat from the woman beside him. Anna looks pale and her hand flutters up to her chest before she composes herself again. I watch as she makes her excuses and backs away from the group she's with.

Confused, I turn back to the entrance and instantly understand her discomfort. Harry, her ex-boyfriend, clutches the hand of the blonde woman before pulling it up to his lips and kissing her knuckles tenderly. He looks down at her with affection and whispers something in her ear before leading her across the room.

I saw Anna with Harry only three weeks ago. What the hell is going on?

My protective instincts kick into overdrive as I watch him schmooze his way through the crowded room, smiling, shaking hands, and introducing his new date without shame. I never liked him before, but now I hate him. He's the type of guy who likes to play with the big boys, but he doesn't even have the balls to sit at the top table.

Standing, I scan the partygoers for Anna's chestnut brown hair, but she's nowhere to be seen. But I have a feeling I know where she's gone.

"Hiding?"

She jumps as I slide into the seat beside her and disturb her thoughts. I won't ask how she snuck into the VIP area. I'm sure the fact that she's hot as hell has something to do with it.

"Maybe."

Anna crosses her legs, and I can't help staring at her long, toned legs. She's wearing a simple black dress, but there's no disguising the body that's underneath. Briefly, I wonder if she's hiding some sexy underwear beneath her sensible outfit. The sky-high heels that aren't her usual work-appropriate choices hint at a slightly wilder side, and when we've worked together, I'm pretty sure I've seen the telltale lines of suspenders under her skirt.

"We've worked together for a couple of years now, Anna. And I think we know each other pretty well. Can I ask you something?"

Her sultry brown eyes widen, and I can't miss the spark of interest in her eyes. She's curious.

"Of course."

"You know my reputation...," I glance at her, and she nods. That was the reason she gave for not wanting to go out with me. And that's fair enough. It's a scary prospect getting involved with a man with a record like mine. "I've never stopped wanting you. It's even stronger since getting to know you. Would you say yes if I asked you out again now?"

Nervously, she takes a sip of her drink. The chemistry between us is off the charts. I know she feels it too whenever we're near. We share lingering looks and intimate conversations. I've seen the heat in her eyes and she has to sense my interest has never waned.