Theo

MEANWHILE, AT THE CHARITY BALL

“On a scale of scumbag to potential lawsuit, how bad would it be if I convince Merritt to sleep with me again?” I ask my sister’s personal bodyguard, Devereaux. I like him and I trust him. Plus, he keeps my sister in her place.

“Potential lawsuit seems about right,” he replies without judgment.

“And to disregard all that.”

“Scumbag and I deserve the lawsuit,” I say before he can beat me to it.

What am I thinking? Except…technically, Merritt isn’t my employee. I hired the PR firm, who sent her over to do contract work for us. Still haven’t quite gotten over that not-so-nasty shock of seeing her again.

“You could try asking her out on a date?” Devereaux suggests.

“She turned me down,” I say flatly, then scan the room for her familiar figure.

Merritt stands near the door, greeting guests as they walk inside. In her elegant mint-green gown, she is perfection. Her black hair is gathered into a loose knot at the back and her whiskey-colored eyes crinkle at the corners as she smiles.

“Why?”

I glance at Devereaux. “No idea. Simply said no. I’d like to say that’s the first time a woman’s turned me down.”

“But…” Devereaux prompts.

With a grin, I reply, “But…nothing.”

“I can’t imagine why she said no,” he grumbles.

“Neither can I.” I stroke my chin. “I’m a great catch. Titled. Have loads of money. Charming. Shit-hot.”

“Again, can’t imagine why she’d say no.”

Throwing a grimace his way, I say, “You’re of no help.” Honestly, it’s a bloody good thing he’s of no help and even better, he’s not being helpful on purpose.

Devereaux and Merritt get along, have since she first started nearly three weeks ago. She smiles at him and doesn’t merely tolerate his company. Doesn’t look like she’d rather be anywhere else. Doesn’t pretend she has no idea who he is.

Oh no, all of that is reserved entirely for me. Bless her. I’ve always enjoyed a challenge.

As soon as she’s free, I make my move, casually strolling up to Merritt. Her smile falls as soon as our eyes make contact.

I flip through my Rolodex of female compliments, and settle on one guaranteed to get a reaction. “The crowd is adequate tonight.” I’m lying my arse off. The ballroom is packed to the gills.

Her full lips twist a little. “I invited everyone on your list.”

“Oh, brilliant.” Turning to face the crowd, I rock back on my heels and slice my gaze to hers. “Are you pleased, then?”

“I’ll be pleased when you make it through the entire night without leaving or hitting on the wrong woman,” she says.

“Don’t plan on doing either. I’m the very model of a gentleman tonight,” I assure her.

“Then maybe you have a chance of securing Ellington’s business after all.” She starts to walk away but I grab her gently by the arm. “What?”

“Dance with me?”

Her dark gaze roams my face. “What about your date?”

“I don’t have one. Thought it wouldn’t be prudent in light of what Ellington already thinks of me.” I give her a lopsided grin. “Take pity on me, Ms. Sawyer.”

Her face softens. “I don’t suppose one dance will hurt.”

Leading her out onto the dance floor, I motion for the band to start playing the opening number—a slow, romantic tune that is sure to make her enjoy every minute she spends in my arms tonight.

Merritt smiles, adorable dimples appearing in her cheeks as I slide my arms around her. “I love this song.”

I know she does. While she pretends not to remember that weekend we spent together three years ago, I can’t forget it. This is our song. The one that made me fall so hard for her that I couldn’t see anyone but her that night. That I kept her with me for a weekend and never wanted to let go.

“Happy to hear it,” I say casually.

Her lashes flicker and I can feel her gaze on me, but I won’t say another word unless it’s to answer her. I don’t mind chasing her, but…and it pains me to admit as much, if she truly isn’t interested in me, then I’ll accept defeat and maintain a professional distance.

The music swells and I dip her, keeping her secure in my embrace. Her fingertips dig into my arms as I pull her back to me. I look at her questioningly, everything inside of me lusting after one word from this woman.

One fucking word.

She licks her lips and my gut clenches. “Theo…I can’t, not this time.”

My heart crashes against my chest, even as victory is so close. “Perhaps tomorrow?” I suggest, giving her every opportunity to take back what she said. Even to the point of going back to pretending she doesn’t know me.

She presses her lips together, then the corners lift. “You’re not going to stop, are you?”

“Not unless you order it.” Shut up, you dumb fuck.

She hesitates. “I’m not the same girl. I don’t do casual and that’s all you want.”

“I want what you want.” Actually, I have no damn clue what she wants.

Her eyes grow sharp. “Fine. Meet me tomorrow at Pullen Park, at eight A.M.”

Eight in the morning on a Sunday? What could she possible have to do at that time? “Why so bloody early?”

“You’ll have to come to find out, but if you don’t”—she shrugs, her bare shoulders temptingly close and silky-smooth looking—“then I know you’re still the same guy and everything goes back to the way it was when I first started working with you.”

When she pretended not to know me…

The music ends and Merritt starts to pull away.

“I’ll be there.”