strode forward, weaving her way through his group towards the man himself, standing resplendent in a tailored Armani suit at the entrance to the dining area.
He was way taller than she’d imagined, or than his photo suggested. She slowed…He had to be at least a good head taller than her, and she was wearing heels.
She lifted her chin. ‘Calahan,’ she bit out as she approached, clenching her fingers on the drink in front of her, fighting to hear herself think over the pounding of her heart in her chest.
What was she doing?
He swung around to face her, his stormy blue eyes meeting hers, catching and holding them.
His presence hit her full force in the chest.
He was incredible…cute…and real.
Jess swallowed hard, narrowing her eyes, forcing herself to take the last few steps. She could understand now why he was so successful with women, despite his obvious flaws in personality.
Calahan broke the link, his gaze drifting down over her—from the large green eyes that she hoped were spitting the fire she felt boiling within her, down past her red lips—held tightly closed, struggling against the barrage of curses wanting to escape—to her office outfit and the curves of her body that she usually liked to be appreciated, and up again.
She faltered, tensed, her blood threatening to ignite. Of course he was going to arrogantly check her out—she should have expected it.
‘I’m obviously at a disadvantage here, Miss—?’ he asked smoothly, his voice as smooth and rich as chocolate, sliding over her with a warmth that sent ripples through her.
Her skin tingled, but she met his gaze without flinching, ignoring the traitorous response in her body. This was it. The moment she’d waited for. The one she’d envisaged, planned and rehearsed a thousand-million times over.
She opened her mouth, but the truth wouldn’t come.
It shouldn’t be like this—shouldn’t be just words. It should be so much more. He deserved so much more. How could a few choice curses make up for what he’d done to her and her family?
His sensuous mouth tipped at the corners, his blue eyes smiling at her. ‘Yes?’
She tore her attention away from him and stared at the ceiling, struggling to stay in control. She took a gulp of air and dropped her gaze back to his, which was glittering with amusement.
It was like a punch in the gut. He was laughing at her! Probably thought she was keen to worship the ground he walked on, that she was just another bimbo wanting to join his fan club, or—worse—he thought she was in love with him.
The concept raked at her.
She lurched the remaining distance, then stumbled, her hand jerking. Kath’s fruit cocktail drenched his chest and splattered his face.
Jess sucked in a quick breath. ‘You…you rotten, self-serving, malicious, manipulating, arrogant jerk!’
CHAPTER TWO
ALEX stared at the young woman in front of him, the droplets of her drink running down his jaw, the damp patch on his shirt sending mixed signals.
Did he deserve that? Probably.
Did he know her? Must.
He stroked his jaw, wiping off the moisture, running through the possibilities. But for the life of him he couldn’t place her. He was sure he’d remember this woman. She was too fine, too sassy, and far too brazen to forget.
Long chestnut-coloured hair fell around her shoulders with stunning blonde streaks that gave the impression that she spent a lot of time in the sun. It was loose and free, like the words that had burst from her mouth. And what a mouth. Her lips were full and alluring, sending sharp bolts of desire hurtling through his body.
She appeared to be office material, but she wasn’t wearing a shirt under the white waistcoat she wore—a bit of a turn-on—and the skirt was tight around her hips and thighs, enticing his imagination as to the perfection of the body underneath.
Alex raised his gaze to meet her large emerald green eyes, wide and sizzling.
If he knew her, he would go all out to make up for his mistake—including not recalling her. If he didn’t, he’d change her mind about him…so he could experience that sharp tongue and passion first hand.
‘Do I know you?’ he offered, focusing only on the beautiful stranger, subtly aware of the stir of his colleagues behind him.
‘I…I—’ she choked, looking away from him to the floor. ‘I’m—’ she started backing away ‘—not…sorry.’
‘If I’ve done anything to upset you I’d really like to sort it out.’ He tipped his head, trying to catch that fiery look in her emerald-green eyes.
Never had he seen such passion in someone’s eyes. It was as though she was going to throw herself into his arms—or kill him. Either way, she seemed far more exciting to consider than another Friday dinner meeting with his executives.
Hell, he could really do with something a bit more challenging than this everyday routine he was drowning in.
She lifted her chin suddenly, staring him straight in the eyes unflinchingly. ‘Really? You’d like to sort out my problems?’
He couldn’t fight smiling. He loved helping women, solving their problems and making their lives easier. And they were so welcoming to his knight-in-shining-armour gestures. ‘Sure—it’s not every day that a beautiful woman comes up to me and initiates a conversation like this.’
Her nod was almost imperceptible.
He slipped his hands into his trouser pockets, rocking his weight back on his heels. ‘Maybe I can buy you another drink?’
She straightened tall, her full red lips pressed tightly together. ‘I don’t think so.’ She backed away, straightening her jacket.
‘Who are you?’ he asked, taking a step towards the beauty in front of him.
This couldn’t be all there’d be between them…she’d approached him. Alex straightened his tie, watching her carefully, his mind abuzz. What was happening? He was smiling, he was charming, he was saying all the right things and he looked okay… ‘What’s this all about?’
‘I—’ she started, and a shadow passed over her face.
He moved closer to her, the call to answer the mystery of this woman throbbing through him, the strange pull in his chest impelling his legs to move, to follow. ‘Let’s sit down somewhere quiet and talk about this…us.’
She jerked her chin up, her eyes flashing fire. ‘I’m from…Women Against Womanisers,’ she said, pursing her lips and nodding strongly. ‘Just doing my bit.’
All thought left his mind.
Alex stared at the woman, words failing him.
A
