The Millionaire's 'Friend' - Natasha's Story

Chapter 7 - Evan Cole

My eyes bugged in recognition, but I managed to clench my jaw shut before it smacked itself against the marble floor. So much for never seeing him again.

Not that he looked exactly like the guy I recalled. His clammy, swollen face, dazed expression and generally crumpled form were long gone. Instead, the man before me stood tall and proud.

I remembered being in the hospital and wondering what he would look like if he wasn't in a feeble, drunken state. I'd thought at the time he must have been quite striking. Well, striking didn't even come close to covering how impressive the man a few feet ahead of me was.

Once again, he was in a dark, expensive looking suit, that seemed to have been moulded perfectly to his body. His shoulders were strong and square, his stature slim, yet imposing.

My eyes had dropped to the floor instinctively and drew themselves up slowly, as though taking the opportunity to memorise every inch of him. As they reached his chin they lingered for a second on the perfect curve of two plump, pink lips. Without even touching them, I could tell they were soft. The skin on the side of my neck tingled as I wondered how they would feel brushing a kiss to one of my favourite sensual points.

His hair, instead of being disheveled and unkept, was neatly groomed. Only the soft curls at the ends gave him a more natural, carefree look.

But, just like Friday night, my attention was soon drawn to those incredible blue eyes. The cloudy, disorientated appearance was completely gone now. Instead, I was greeted by a fiercely intense, intelligent gaze that seemed to exude such heat they could have melted butter with a single glance.

In fact, the glorious man in front of me looked so different that, if it weren't for those eyes and the edge of that deep gash peeking out from beneath his hairline, I wouldn't have been certain it was the same guy.

After a few moments, I realised there was utter silence, and I was staring wide eyed like a deer in the headlights. It wasn't until he softly cleared his throat that I suddenly snapped out of it.

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

I blinked several times before managing to focus properly. Slightly narrowed eyes and a single frown line creased that beautiful face.

But, I still couldn't engage my brain to actually form any words. I may have been able to snap myself out of gazing at his beauty, but something else took hold of me now. I watched him for second longer and then realised what it was; he didn't recognise me. He'd shown no sign whatsoever of remembering me and my efforts to help him on Friday night.

My jaw instantly ground tightly in annoyance. Typical! I took the split second decision not to bother enlightening him, instead choosing to call him a few choice names in my head.

"Erm...no. No, nothing. I was just confirming your booking with the office."

"Then, can we get on?" Cole said blandly.

Before I had chance to reply, he turned and sauntered back to the front desk. I stood for a moment and just watched his retreating form, taken aback by his abruptness. Jeez, if I'd known he was such an arrogant prick I probably wouldn't have bothered helping him. He'd been a little bit full of it in the hospital, but I'd put that down to the fact he'd been attacked. Now, I was starting to think he was in fact an ass all of the time.

I followed him towards the desk but made sure to keep a little distance between us. My eyes were boring into his back but the familiar sight of another person, standing at the end of the reception area, caught my attention. Paul smiled warmly and nodded a hello. Well, at least he recognised me, I thought, offering him a tight smile in return. Cole seemed oblivious to this little exchange.