Sex, Lies and the CEO

He took her hand. “You didn’t.”

“We’ve only just met. I’m not... That is...”

He eased her into his arms, and she couldn’t bring herself to fight him.

“My bad,” he murmured, taking up the rhythm of the song.

She told herself to end the encounter and politely leave. She needed to regroup.

During a few bars of the music, she gathered her thoughts and then forced herself to speak. “Thank you for the tour of the wine cellar. I’m grateful that you took the time.”

There was a smile in his voice, and it broke the tension. “But not that grateful?”

His unexpected joke was disarming.

“I’m never that grateful,” she said.

“I’m very glad to hear it.”

“I’m not buying that you’re glad.”

He chuckled. “Let’s say I’m glad you’ve never been that grateful with any other guy.”

“You have an opinion on my personal life?”

“I do.”

“You do recall we met only two hours ago?”

He was silent for a moment, guiding them around the other couples on the crowded dance floor. “It seems like longer.”

“Are you bored?”

“Not even a little bit.” He drew back to gaze at her. “But I’m feeling oddly proprietary.”

She knew she had to change the direction of the conversation, but her curiosity won out over good sense. “In what way?”

He glanced around the big room. “I don’t want anyone else to dance with you.”

“I doubt they will.” She didn’t know anyone else here.

“I’m certain they will. That is, if I let you go.” He gathered her a little closer. “So, I’m not going to let you go.”

That truly shouldn’t sound like such a good idea.

“I don’t think that’s practical,” she said. “You’re the host.”

He gave a shrug. “My cousin is helping with hosting duties.”

“Isn’t she busy in the wine cellar?”

“We have a caterer and fantastic staff.”

“So, you plan to ignore everyone else and dance with me all night long?” As soon as the words were out, she knew she should have said evening instead of night.

His blue eyes glowed, and his voice went gravelly. “I’ll do anything you want all night long.”

She gave him a jab in the ribs with her elbow. “You know what I meant.”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t tease you.”

“Are you always like this?”

“Like what?”

The song changed, but she pretended not to notice. “So friendly and familiar with people you’ve just met?”

“Are you?”

The question took her aback. He made a good point. She was just as guilty as he was.

“I’m not,” she said. “Never. That’s why I assumed it had to be you.”

“I’m really quite aloof.”

“Sure you are.”

“Ask anybody.”

“I will.”

“Ask Tuck.”

“I am going to ask Tuck.”

It was a lie. She didn’t expect to ever see Tuck again.

Shane went silent for so long that she began to worry.

But then he spoke. “You never dated Tuck, did you?”

Her worry fled, and she sputtered out a laugh of surprise. “I’ve definitely never dated Tuck.”

She realized now would be the time to confess that she didn’t even know Tuck.

“Because that would be awkward,” said Shane. “Tuck and I are very good friends.”

Darci didn’t know how to react to the statement.