A tall man in a black suit appeared at her side, leaning close enough to whisper in her ear. “Just play along.”
Before she had a chance to reply, the stranger cupped the back of her neck and captured her lips in a soft but sensual kiss. He abruptly released her for a moment before tucking her against his side. She glanced up, but from her close proximity—practically standing in his pocket—she couldn’t see more than the profile of his chiseled jaw. Come on, Beth. It seemed she’d read one too many romance novels over the years if “chiseled jaw” was her flowery observation. She appreciated his solid physique and unexpected woodsy cologne before she snapped back to attention. Stranger. Kiss. What the hell is happening here?
“Well, well. I never thought I’d live to see the day the proverbial playboy settled down. And with this lovely creature, no less.” An older gentleman in a dark-grey tailored suit touched her hand, bringing it to his lips. “Are you going to properly introduce us?”
“Maybe later.” She could hear the mirth in his voice. “Right now, I need to steal my Blue Eyes away.” Without waiting for a response, he ushered her toward the exit.
She clutched onto his arm, walking as quickly as she could manage in her heels. She was really more of a flats kind of gal. But that didn’t matter. She had more important things to worry about. Like who was this guy and where the hell were they going? Just outside the conservatory, she dug her fingers into the lush material of his suit. “I think you owe me an explanation, mister.”
He stepped back, letting her hand drop from his arm, allowing her the first complete glimpse. The owner of the chiseled jaw was handsome—Hollywood handsome—with tousled dark-blond hair and soulful green eyes. Her heart fluttered when she realized she knew him. Well, didn’t know him exactly. More like she knew of him because of his reputation and the fact that she worked for his company. Nicholas Grey. Her jaw dropped open. The evening had taken an unexpected turn. Understatement of the year. She donned her most serious, I-mean-business look and held his gaze, waiting for his explanation. This better be good.
