Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
“A year,” I say automatically, taking a sip of my champagne to avoid saying more.
His smile doesn’t waver. “Good. That’s plenty of time for me to convince you to stay longer.”
I blink at him, caught off guard by his confidence. Normally, I’d laugh, maybe play along. But all I manage is a polite smile.
“Excuse me,” I murmur, stepping back. “I need to grab another drink.”
As I walk away, I feel Danny’s eyes on me, but I don’t look back. I make my way to the bar, trying to shake the feeling that’s settled over me like a fog.
What's wrong with me? Isn't this what I wanted, a distraction?
I don't get a refill, but instead get a glass of water and lean against a high-top table. Olivia makes her way over without Elise, but she frowns when she spots me. Apparently, I'm wearing my emotions on my face more than I intend.
“You okay, Laurie?”
“Yeah,” I say, forcing a smile. “Just a little tired.”
I’m about to excuse myself entirely when I feel someone at my side. I don’t need to look to know who it is. Danny’s cologne gives him away—too heavy and too sharp. It makes me want to sneeze.
“There you are,” Danny says, flashing his perfect smile as he steps closer. “I was wondering where you’d disappeared to.”
“Just catching up with some friends,” I say lightly, hoping he’ll get the hint.
But Danny doesn’t take hints, apparently. He shifts closer, invading my personal space. “Well, I was hoping we could continue our conversation from earlier. You seem like someone who knows how to have a good time, and I’d hate to waste the chance to get to know you better.”
I glance at Olivia, hoping she’ll intervene, but she just raises her brows and steps back, leaving me to fend for myself. Dammit, where is Elise?
“Actually, I was just about to—”
“Laurie,” a deep voice interrupts, cutting through Danny’s smooth chatter like a blade.
My heart stops and then leaps in excitement. I turn, and there he is.
Adam.
He’s standing just behind Danny, towering over him, his eyes locked on mine beneath his heavy brows. His presence sucks all the air out of space around us, quiets all the other noise that was overwhelming just minutes ago.
Adam is gorgeous, of course, wearing a fitted button-down and jeans, looking entirely out of place at the stuffy party but commanding attention all the same.
“Who’s this?” Danny sneers, looking over his shoulder.
“I’m Adam,” he says simply, barely giving Danny an ounce of attention. “Laurie, we need to talk.”
"Uh, man, I'm talking to her right now."
Adam finally looks fully at Danny, as if he hadn't even really noticed him until just now. Annoyance flickers over his face. "This doesn't involve you. Walk away."
Woah. This is a totally new Adam. Just as magnetic, just as handsome, but with an edge that has heat rushing over me.
Danny looks like he’s about to argue, but something in Adam’s expression makes him think twice. He mutters something under his breath and walks off, shooting me one last look before disappearing into the crowd.
“Seriously, Adam?” I hiss, my face flushing as I realize we’ve drawn the attention of a few nearby partygoers. “What are you even doing here?”
Now that Danny is gone, his voice isn't as harsh. "Can we talk? In private?"
I can feel my cheeks burning, and I know I don’t have much choice if I want to avoid becoming the night’s main gossip. “Fine,” I snap, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward the house.
We pass through the arched doorway into a quieter part of the building, where the noise of the party fades into a dull hum. I stop near a closed door, crossing my arms and glaring at him.
“Okay, Adam. You’ve got me alone. What the hell is this about?”
Adam is silent, but I swear I can hear his desire, feel it on my skin. I cross my arms tighter over my chest, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens under his gaze. “Well? You dragged me away from the party. What do you want, Adam?”
His lips part, but no words come out. He looks frustrated, like he’s caught in some kind of internal battle. His hand raises slightly, then drops back to his side. “Laurie, I—”
But he doesn’t finish. Instead, he takes a step closer, so close I can feel the warmth radiating off him. His expression shifts, softening but growing more determined at the same time. I open my mouth to ask what he’s doing, but before I can, he mutters, “To hell with it,” and cups my face in his hands.
Then he kisses me.
The shock of it sends a jolt through me, but I don’t pull away. His lips are firm and sure, and they taste faintly of mint. My body reacts before my mind catches up, melting into him as his hands slide into my hair. I grab onto his shoulders, anchoring myself as the kiss deepens, his touch igniting something in me, the same fire he started just hours earlier.